Embed from Getty Images
Finally all set to begin his Orlando City SC career after being granted his Visa last weekend, Scott Sutter is the latest Lions star to come under the microscope at Orlando City UK.
Taking the number 21 jersey at Orlando City Stadium, the 30-year-old’s move to Central Florida represents the first time he has played professionally outside Switzerland, let alone Europe.
Arriving from BSC Young Boys, the right back looks a handy addition for Jason Kreis‘ side, adding greater depth in the position alongside Kevin Alston and Rafael Ramos.
>> SEE SCOTT SUTTER’S PLAYER PROFILE HERE <<
Also capable of playing left back and also right midfield, Orlando City SC General Manager Niki Budalic was delighted with Scott Sutter‘s capture shortly before the home opener victory over New York City FC.
So with Scott Sutter now clear to begin an exciting new chapter of his career at Orlando City SC, Orlando City UK list FIVE things you didn’t know about our new Swiss arrival.
He’s a Tottenham Hotspur fan & has even faced them
English-born, Scott Sutter hails from Enfield and grew up in nearby Potters Bar in Hertfordshire. Everybody from the UK knows that this is Tottenham Hotspur territory and Spurs are the club he supported as a boy.
Naturally, Scott Sutter must’ve been ecstatic and nervous at the same time when Tottenham were drawn against his own Swiss side BSC Young Boys in Champions League qualifying back in 2010.
Starting both fixtures against the North Londoners, Sutter’s side lost 6-3 on aggregate over two gripping legs.
When recalling the experience of drawing his boyhood team, Sutter told BBC Sport: “It was amazing for me when I was watching the draw with my dad and the first two names out of the hat were ours and Tottenham.
Pledged international allegiance to Switzerland in 2010
Despite being born in England, Scott Sutter pledged his international allegiance to Switzerland back in 2010, since earning two senior caps for La Nati.
The son of a Swiss father, Sutter decided to progress his football career in his dad’s nation at the age of 16, signing a contract with Grasshopper Club Zürich in 2002.
Spending his entire professional playing career in Switzerland up until joining Orlando City SC earlier this month, Sutter qualifies to play for the European nation and was first called up by Ottmar Hitzfeld in August 2010.
Making his senior international debut when replacing Stephan Lichsteiner in a friendly against Australia in September 2010, the opportunity to play on this stage was far too good for Sutter to turn down.
Speaking in a Swiss FA statement back then, Sutter claimed: “I’ve been in Switzerland for eight-and-a-half years, and this country has become my home.
He was originally a central midfielder
Prior to making the decision to follow his football dream in Switzerland, Scott Sutter spent his youth career trying to make the grade at various London clubs.
Also spending time with Aston Villa’s academy between 2000 and 2002, Sutter’s talent was first tested at Millwall in 1996 before later youth spells at Barnet and Charlton Athletic.
During all this time, Sutter actually performed as a central midfielder as opposed to his modern-day position as a right back.
In an interview with InsideFutbol.com, Sutter revealed that his transition to right back was all rather seamless. Scott Sutter claimed: “The coach said it [right back] was similar to right wing… but you’ve got to defend more!”
The rest is history as they say!
He’s shown strength to battle a huge injury setback
Scott Sutter‘s 13-year professional career hasn’t come without it’s low points, particularly in June 2007 when a reckless challenge could’ve ruined his career.
Playing for Grasshopper Club Zürich in a pre-season friendly against the Oman national side, Scott Sutter suffered a two-footed challenge that would keep him out of action for 19 months.
A terrible amount of time for any footballer to spend on the sidelines, Sutter battled this injury setback admirably.
The right back went on to make 59 total appearances for Grasshopper before joining Swiss Super League rivals BSC Young Boys in June 2009.
A former Orlando City SC fan favourite aided his switch
Everybody knows just how much of a fan favourite Adrian Winter was at Orlando City SC and unfortunately losing the winger due to personal reasons back in June 2016, the 30-year-old is still pleasing Lions fans.
Why?
Because in Scott Sutter’s first interview (below) with Orlando City SC on Monday, the defender revealed how Adrian Winter had already spoken to him and “raved about” the club. What a guy!
What’s more, another interesting fact is that Scott Sutter has also represented Adrian Winter‘s current club, FC Zürich, whom he spent time on loan with back in 2012.
.@scott_sutter dropping by to talk about his #WelcomeHome experience on Saturday. Let’s just say, he enjoyed it. pic.twitter.com/FR4r1gYQ34
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 20, 2017