I’m in the company of Henry and Salah as a Golden Boot winner, so it’s pride of place on my mantelpiece, writes CHRIS SUTTON
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As I sit here reflecting on my football career, I am reminded of the time I won the Premier League Golden Boot in 1998. It’s a memory that still brings a smile to my face, and one that I will always treasure. Unlike Bob Latchford, who received a £10,000 cheque for winning the same award in 1978, I didn’t receive any financial reward for my achievement. In fact, my contract with Blackburn Rovers didn’t even contain any performance-related clauses. But what I did get was something far more valuable – a story to tell my grandchildren, and a place in the history books alongside some of the greatest footballers of all time.
My journey to winning the Golden Boot was not an easy one. I had to work hard to build my way up, and I remember the 1993-94 season when I scored 25 goals for Norwich, only to be overshadowed by Andy Cole’s incredible 34 goals. But I didn’t let that setback discourage me. Instead, I focused on developing my all-round game, and I became known for my ability to play well in strike partnerships. I had the privilege of playing alongside some amazing players, including Alan Shearer, and together we helped Blackburn win the Premier League in 1995. But even with all those successes, I never thought I would win the Golden Boot. That was until the final day of the 1997-98 season, when I scored a thunderous free-kick against Newcastle to seal a 1-0 win and secure my place in history.
The goal itself is still etched in my memory like it was yesterday. It was a central free-kick, 20 yards out, and I hit it with every ounce of strength I had. The ball flew into the net, and Ewood Park erupted. My teammates piled on top of me in celebration, and I knew that I had achieved something special. We had won the game, and qualified for Europe, and I had scored my 18th goal of the season to win the Golden Boot. It was an incredible feeling, and one that I will never forget. And even though I didn’t receive any financial reward, I knew that I had earned something far more valuable – a place in the hearts of the Blackburn fans, and a memory that would last a lifetime.
As I look back on my career, I am reminded of the importance of family and the role that they played in my journey. My dad, Mike, was a former professional footballer himself, and he was always a source of inspiration and guidance for me. I remember how he would take me to the park and kick a ball around with me, teaching me the skills that would serve me so well in my career. And when I won the Golden Boot, I knew that he would be proud of me. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2020, but I know that he is still with me in spirit, and that he is still smiling down on me. My daughter, Sophia, was born after I finished playing, but she loves to hear stories about my football days, and I love to tell her about my adventures on the pitch.
My Golden Boot now sits proudly on my mantelpiece, alongside my Premier League winner’s medal and my Scottish Premiership titles. It’s a reminder of what I achieved, and a symbol of the hard work and dedication that it took to get there. I also have my handwriting cup from Horsford Middle School, which I won for my neat handwriting – a skill that my dad had taught me! It may seem like a small thing, but it’s a reminder that even the smallest achievements can be important, and that every step along the way is a step towards greatness. And as I look at my Golden Boot, I am reminded of the company that I am in – alongside players like Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mohamed Salah, who have all won the award in their careers. It’s an honor to be part of that group, and a reminder that I was part of something special.
As I reflect on my career, I am grateful for the journey that I have been on, and for the memories that I have made. Winning the Golden Boot was the highlight of my career, but it’s not just about the award itself – it’s about the journey that I took to get there, and the people who supported me along the way. My family, my teammates, and the fans – they all played a part in my success, and I will always be grateful to them. And as I look to the future, I know that I will always be able to look back on my career with pride, and to tell my grandchildren about the time that I won the Golden Boot. It may not be worth any amount of money, but it’s a memory that is priceless, and one that I will treasure forever.
