Sutton leaves Celtic for Birmingham
Thursday, 5 January 2006Celtic have confirmed Chris Sutton has left the club by mutual consent to join Birmingham City on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old striker had been with the Hoops since June 2000 after moving from Chelsea in a £6million deal.
The former Blackburn man became an integral part of the success enjoyed by former Celtic Park boss Martin O'Neill.
Sutton won the domestic treble in his first season in Scotland with the Glasgow club before competing in the Champions League competition and then the UEFA Cup final in 2003.
Current Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has expressed his disappointment at losing Sutton.
He told the club's official website: "It is obviously a huge disappointment to lose a player of Chris' quality. The club has granted Chris his wish to move on and I would like to wish him all the best for the future."
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell added: "Chris has been a magnificent servant to Celtic in the five-and-a-half years he has been here. He has been professional in his dealings and all at Celtic would like to wish him all the best for the future."
Sutton scored 86 goals in 199 appearances for Celtic, for whom he also played in defence and midfield.
He will be eligible to make his debut for Blues in Saturday's FA Cup tie at Torquay United providing international clearance is received by 12 noon tomorrow.
