Chris Sutton, former footballer for Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Celtic, Birmingham City and Aston Villa, and now a pundit for Sky and the BBC, shares his insider career tips at our Future Leaders Conference.ÌýÌý

While at the conference, he answered some quickfire questions about his life in football and how the next generation of sports leaders can prepare for their future.

What were the highlights of your career?ÌýÌý

The highlight of my career is the journey. I got rejected at a young age but got the opportunity to play for my local club, Norwich City, then moved for a big fee to Blackburn Rovers and then I won the Premier League. I then moved to Chelsea and up to Glasgow Celtic – I loved my time there.ÌýÌý

How was the shift from the First Division to the Premier League?Ìý

I was part of the inaugural Premier League Season when Norwich City finished third against all the odds, so I was lucky to be a part of that team. That was part of my development and my learning curve in moving on in the game.ÌýÌý

How was the transition from playing to punditry?Ìý

It was difficult because playing football was my life. At the end of my career, I wanted to find something else which I could get really stuck into and enjoy – I enjoy media work; the columns that I write, and I enjoy winding people up on the television and the radio. Ìý

Do you ever wish you had played in today’s generation?Ìý

I had my career, and I’m delighted to play in the era in which I played in. Players earn big money these days but they’re also under a lot of pressure. I played at the top level, and I enjoy what I’m doing now.ÌýÌý

How important is it for students to think about their future? Ìý

I think it’s vitally important for students to think about what is to come. It’s so exciting and I hope I can share my story and provide some messages of things which I’ve learned throughout my life and hopefully inspire one or two (students).ÌýÌý

Any advice for those wanting to pursue a career in sports?ÌýÌý

My simple advice is to work as hard as you possibly can and, if possible, do more than everybody else.ÌýÌý

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Each year in spring, students at UCFB get the opportunity to meet some of the biggest names in sport at our Future Leaders Conference - part of our commitment to mentor students into successful sporting careers.Ìý

Click here to find out more about the Future Leaders Conference at what it offers to our students.Ìý

You can also click here to view our array of undergraduate degree courses tailored to all areas of the sports industry.Ìý