{{short description|English footballer (born 1986)}} {{Use British English|date=June 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Ritchie Sutton | image = | caption = | fullname = Ritchie Aidan Sutton<ref>{{Hugman|25470|accessdate=9 March 2017}}</ref> | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1986|04|29|df=y}} | birth_place = Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England | height = {{convert|6|ft|0|in|m|2|abbr=on}} | position = Defender | currentclub = Kidsgrove Athletic | clubnumber = | youthyears1 = 1997–2005 | youthclubs1 = Crewe Alexandra | years1 = 2005–2007 | clubs1 = Crewe Alexandra | caps1 = 0 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2005 | clubs2 = → Leek Town (loan) | caps2 = 9 | goals2 = 0 | years3 = 2005–2006 | clubs3 = → Leek Town (loan) | caps3 = 5 | goals3 = 0 | years4 = 2006 | clubs4 = → Stafford Rangers (loan) | caps4 = 2 | goals4 = 0 | years5 = 2006–2007 | clubs5 = → Stafford Rangers (loan) | caps5 = 37 | goals5 = 0 | years6 = 2007–2008 | clubs6 = Stafford Rangers | caps6 = 40 | goals6 = 0 | years7 = 2008–2009 | clubs7 = Northwich Victoria | caps7 = 4 | goals7 = 0 | years8 = 2008 | clubs8 = → Halifax Town (loan) | caps8 = | goals8 = | years9 = 2009 | clubs9 = Halifax Town | caps9 = | goals9 = | years10 = 2009–2010 | clubs10 = Nantwich Town | caps10 = | goals10 = | years11 = 2010–2011 | clubs11 = Port Vale | caps11 = 11 | goals11 = 0 | years12 = 2011–2015 | clubs12 = Mansfield Town | caps12 = 136 | goals12 = 0 | years13 = 2015–2019 | clubs13 = Tranmere Rovers | caps13 = 91 | goals13 = 7 | years14 = 2016 | clubs14 = → Barrow (loan) | caps14 = 10 | goals14 = 0 | years15 = 2019–2020 | clubs15 = Morecambe | caps15 = 29 | goals15 = 1 | years16 = 2020–2022 | clubs16 = Altrincham | caps16 = 21 | goals16 = 1 | years17 = 2021–2022 | clubs17 = → Alfreton Town (loan) | caps17 = 3 | goals17 = 0 | years18 = 2021–2022 | clubs18 = → Alfreton Town (loan) | caps18 = 23 | goals18 = 0 | years19 = 2022–2023 | clubs19 = Nantwich Town | caps19 = 4 | goals19 = 0 | years20 = 2023 | clubs20 = Whitchurch Alport | caps20 = | goals20 = | years21 = 2023–2024 | clubs21 = Hednesford Town | caps21 = 15 | goals21 = 1 | years22 = 2024 | clubs22 = Bootle | caps22 = 12 | goals22 = 2 | years23 = 2024– | clubs23 = Kidsgrove Athletic | caps23 = 11 | goals23 = 2 | manageryears1 = 2022–2023 | managerclubs1 = Nantwich Town (joint-manager) | club-update = 00:38, 28 October 2024 (UTC) }} '''Ritchie Aidan Sutton''' (born 29 April 1986) is an English football player and manager who plays as a defender for {{English football updater|KidsgroA}} club Kidsgrove Athletic.
Beginning his career at Crewe Alexandra, he never made the first team. Instead, he enjoyed loan spells at non-League Leek Town and Stafford Rangers. He was released by Crewe in 2007. He returned to the non-League scene with Northwich Victoria, Halifax Town and Nantwich Town. In the summer of 2010, he signed with Port Vale before making the switch to Mansfield Town the following year. He won the Conference National title with Mansfield in 2012–13 and won the club's Player of the Season award in 2014–15. He moved to Tranmere Rovers in May 2015 and was loaned to Barrow in March 2016. He helped Tranmere to win promotion back into the English Football League with victory in the National League play-off final in 2018, before he was allowed to join Morecambe in January 2019. He returned to non-League football with Altrincham in August 2020. He was loaned out to Alfreton Town for the 2021–22 season and joined Nantwich Town as a player-coach in July 2022.
Sutton was appointed joint manager at Nantwich Town in September 2022 alongside Gary Taylor-Fletcher. He later resumed his playing career with Whitchurch Alport, Hednesford Town, Bootle and Kidsgrove Athletic.
==Playing career==
===Early career=== Sutton started as a youth team player at Crewe Alexandra, turning professional in the summer of 2005. His first season was spent on two separate loan spells at local side Leek Town, of the Northern Premier League Premier Division.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~824589,00.html|title=Sutton first to sign|date=4 May 2006|work=crewealex.net|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> He made his senior debut on 29 January 2005, in a 3–2 victory at Farsley Celtic.<ref name="ltfcs"/> He made a total of 19 appearances across the two loan spells.<ref name="ltfcs"/> In March 2006, he joined another local non-League side, Stafford Rangers, on loan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~809448,00.html|title=Sutton set for Stafford switch|date=31 March 2006|work=crewealex.net|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> Rangers achieved promotion from the Conference North through the play-offs at the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~827329,00.html|title=Sutton helps Rangers up|date=9 May 2006|work=crewealex.net|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref>
In May 2006 he was offered a new one-year contract by manager Dario Gradi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/4968340.stm|title=Ten players offered Crewe deals|date=3 May 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> At the start of the 2006–07 season he was sent out on loan back to Stafford Rangers, now in the Conference National.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stafford_rangers/4786345.stm|title=Stafford capture Crewe's Sutton|date=12 August 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> The loan deal was initially only a month long,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~880859,00.html|title=Sutton joins Stafford|work=crewealex.net|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> but ended up being extended to the end of the season,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stafford_rangers/6197197.stm|title=Stafford extend Sutton loan deal|date=20 December 2006|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> despite Sutton spending a month out to undergo knee surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crewealex.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10414~944898,00.html|title=Sutton to extend loan|date=20 December 2006|work=crewealex.net|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> However, when he returned to Gresty Road he was informed that he would not be offered a new contract,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/crewe_alexandra/6638643.stm|title=Crewe nip in for defender Daniel|date=9 May 2007|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> at which point he signed with Rangers permanently. By the end of the season, he was an occasional captain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=54030|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910095957/http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=54030|url-status=usurped|archive-date=10 September 2012|title=Shaymen Borrow Vics' Defender|date=8 December 2008|work=nonleaguedaily.com|access-date=2 August 2010}}</ref> He made 79 Conference appearances for the club over all his spells.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=68386|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930143425/http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=68386|url-status=usurped|archive-date=30 September 2012|title=Vale Chance for Sutton|date=19 July 2010|work=nonleaguedaily.com|access-date=2 August 2010}}</ref>
In the summer of 2008, he moved on to Conference club Northwich Victoria, though joined Halifax Town of the Northern Premier League Division One North on loan in December of that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.halifaxafc.co.uk/page/MatchReactionDetail/0,,10437~1490669,00.html|title=Sutton – Shock to the System.|date=16 December 2008|work=halifaxafc.co.uk|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> In January 2009 he joined Halifax permanently,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=54710|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930143447/http://www.nonleaguedaily.com/news/index.php?newsmode=FULL&nid=54710|url-status=usurped|archive-date=30 September 2012|title=Sutton Stays a Shayman|date=10 January 2009|work=nonleaguedaily.com|access-date=2 August 2010}}</ref> though would only remain at the club for the rest of the season.
He signed for Nantwich Town in June 2009,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/crewe-sport/other-sports/2009/06/10/crewe-alex-sutton-signing-could-spark-ex-alex-influx-96135-23826390/|title=Crewe Alex: Sutton signing could spark ex-Alex influx|last=Morse|first=Peter|date=10 June 2009|work=Crewe Chronicle|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> and had to turn down an offer of a trial at Football League club Port Vale in the summer of 2009 because of this contract.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/sport/Port-Vale-Nantwich-defender-Sutton-handed-trial/article-2263565-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Nantwich defender Sutton handed trial|date=3 June 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> Manager Pete Hall felt Sutton could play professionally again, but warned of the player's disciplinary record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/crewe-sport/other-sports/2009/08/19/unibond-league-richie-sutton-sending-off-unforgivable-96135-24472921/|title=UniBond League: Richie Sutton sending off 'unforgivable'|last=Oliver|first=James|date=19 August 2009|work=Crewe Chronicle|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> He made forty appearances for the "Dabbers" in 2009–10; signing a new, more flexible contract in summer 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crewechronicle.co.uk/crewe-sport/other-sports/2010/06/02/football-sutton-stays-loyal-to-nantwich-despite-port-vale-interest-96135-26566274/|title=Football: Sutton stays loyal to Nantwich despite Port Vale interest|last=Morse|first=Peter|date=2 June 2010|work=Crewe Chronicle|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> During the season he saw four red cards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Sutton-willing-bide-time/article-2432094-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Ritchie Sutton willing to bide his time at Vale|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=20 July 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=20 July 2010}}</ref> Throughout the season he also worked at a Crewe-based accident management company.<ref name="fan">{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Fan-Sutton-delighted-join-heroes/article-2482062-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Fan Sutton delighted to join his heroes|date=6 August 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=6 August 2010}}</ref>
===Port Vale=== In July 2010, he had a successful trial at League Two Port Vale,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2094950,00.html|title=Ritchie Sutton: Latest|date=17 July 2010|work=port-vale.co.uk|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> and was offered a short-term deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/8831825.stm|title=Port Vale offer short-term deal to Ritchie Sutton|date=18 July 2010|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> This meant a return to professional football, as he gave up a full-time job to join the Vale.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Adams-takes-month-gamble-Dabbers-defender/article-2428891-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Micky Adams takes six-month gamble on Ritchie Sutton|last=Shaw|first=Steve|date=19 July 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=19 July 2010}}</ref> He was suspended for the opening six games of the season due to his record of four red cards in the previous season (this suspension included a previously unserved three match ban).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.port-vale.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10381~2107639,00.html|title=Sutton Blow|date=31 July 2010|work=port-vale.co.uk|access-date=31 July 2010}}</ref> He made his debut in the Football League Trophy on 31 August 2010, in a 2–1 win over Rochdale at Vale Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8951104.stm|title=Port Vale 2 – 1 Rochdale|date=31 August 2010|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=31 August 2010}}</ref> In December he signed an extension to keep him at the club until the end of the season, despite having made just five appearances, manager Micky Adams felt Sutton performed well when called upon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Port-Vale-Sutton-s-hard-work-rewarded-new-deal/article-2966808-detail/article.html|title=Port Vale: Ritchie Sutton's hard work rewarded with new deal|last=Baggaley|first=Michael|date=3 December 2010|work=The Sentinel|access-date=3 December 2010}}</ref> Sutton had also shed {{convert|2|st}} within six months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/p/port_vale/9268408.stm|title=Port Vale extend defender Ritchie Sutton's deal|date=9 December 2010|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=9 December 2010}}</ref>
===Mansfield Town=== In June 2011, he was unveiled at Conference club Mansfield Town, having signed a one-year contract a free transfer.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13958196|title=Mansfield Town bring in Ritchie Sutton from Port Vale|date=29 June 2011|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=29 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Stags Snap Up Sutton|url=http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/NewsDetail/0,,10325~2383088,00.html|publisher=Mansfield Town Official Site|date=28 June 2011|access-date=28 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614042632/http://www.mansfieldtown.net/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10325~2383088%2C00.html|archive-date=14 June 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Manager Paul Cox said that "I've had my eye on Ritchie since his days at Crewe. He is a big strong 'unit' who will hopefully be a good acquisition for the club."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bluesqfootball.com/story/0,20970,1849_7008852,00.html|title=Stags snap up defender Sutton|date=28 June 2011|work=bluesqfootball.com|access-date=28 June 2011}}</ref> He was one of three Mansfield players injured in a pre-season friendly with Ilkeston,<ref>{{cite news|title=Mansfield boss Paul Cox abandons Ilkeston FC 'friendly'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14400675|access-date=30 December 2011|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 August 2011}}</ref> and so missed the start of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mansfield's Thompson and Sutton to miss start of season|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14421283|access-date=30 December 2011|publisher=BBC Sport|date=5 August 2011}}</ref> He made his debut from the bench on 27 August, in a 3–0 home win over Kettering Town, before he was given his first start in a 1–0 win against Stockport County two days later. He played the next twenty consecutive league and FA Cup games until a second yellow card picked up in a 3–1 defeat at Southport saw him suspended for one game.<ref>{{cite news|title=Southport 3 – 1 Mansfield|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16123631|access-date=30 December 2011|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 December 2011}}</ref> The "Stags" reached the play-off semi-finals; however, Sutton was sent off at Field Mill for a late challenge on York City's Matty Blair, and watched from the sidelines as his team were knocked out of the play-offs in extra time.<ref>{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Owen|title=Matty Blair's extra-time header fired York back to Wembley as Mansfield's Blue Square Bet Premier play-off semi-final hopes crashed at Field Mill.|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17890870|access-date=7 May 2012|publisher=BBC Sport|date=7 May 2012}}</ref> Mansfield won promotion into the Football League as Conference champions in 2012–13. However, Sutton was largely confined to the bench following the arrival of James Jennings in January.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mansfield Town's Ritchie Sutton only has eyes for top spot ahead of Woking trip|url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Mansfield-Town-s-Ritchie-Sutton-eyes-spot-ahead/story-18332603-detail/story.html#axzz2REHBWLiD|access-date=22 April 2013|newspaper=Nottingham Post|date=6 March 2013}}</ref> His contract was extended by a further year in the summer.<ref>{{cite news|last=Pallatt|first=James|title=Six players sign new deals at Mansfield Town|url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/players-sign-new-deals-Mansfield-Town/story-19045839-detail/story.html#axzz2X33q3yZb|access-date=23 June 2013|newspaper=Nottingham Post|date=21 May 2013}}</ref>
He made 39 appearances during the 2013–14 campaign, and became a key feature of the club's 3-5-2 formation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ritchie Sutton wants Mansfield Town to aim for play-offs next season|url=http://www.nottinghampost.com/Ritchie-Sutton-wants-Mansfield-Town-aim-play-offs/story-21052043-detail/story.html|access-date=5 May 2014|newspaper=Nottingham Post|date=3 May 2014}}</ref> During the 2014–15 season he was asked to play as an attacking right-back by manager Adam Murray.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mansfield Town defender Ritchie Sutton confident practice will make perfect|url=http://www.nottinghampost.com/Mansfield-Town-defender-Ritchie-Sutton-confident/story-25950134-detail/story.html|access-date=9 May 2015|work=Nottingham Post|date=30 January 2015}}</ref> He adapted well to the role, and was named as the club's Player of the Season.<ref name="pots">{{cite web|title=SSA Player of the Year|url=http://www.thessa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=64|website=thessa.org|access-date=6 January 2016|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222032741/http://thessa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=64|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Tranmere Rovers=== Sutton signed a two-year contract with Tranmere Rovers, newly-relegated into the Conference Premier, in May 2015 after impressing manager Gary Brabin with his "no-nonsense" defending.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ritchie Sutton: Tranmere Rovers to sign Mansfield Town defender|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32827604|access-date=21 May 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=21 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hilton|first1=Nick|title=Tranmere sign 'no-nonsense' Sutton|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/tranmere-sign-no-nonsense-sutton-9304695|access-date=22 May 2015|work=Liverpool Echo|date=21 May 2015}}</ref> He was sent off in a 1–1 draw at Welling United on 5 September, though had the red card overturned on appeal.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hilton|first1=Nick|title=Tranmere Rovers FC win appeal over Ritchie Sutton red card|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tranmere-rovers-fc-win-appeal-10016077|access-date=6 March 2016|work=Liverpool Echo|date=8 September 2015}}</ref> He made 24 appearances in the first half of the campaign, before losing his first-team place after Steve McNulty and Michael Ihiekwe formed a centre-back partnership in December.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hilton|first1=Nick|title=Rovers defender makes loan move|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/rovers-defender-makes-loan-move-10990648|access-date=6 March 2016|work=Liverpool Echo|date=4 March 2016}}</ref> Sutton joined Barrow on loan until the end of the 2015–16 season on 4 March 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ritchie Sutton: Barrow AFC sign Tranmere Rovers defender on loan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35725318|access-date=6 March 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 March 2016}}</ref> His loan spell at Holker Street was ended early after he suffered a slight hamstring tear in his tenth appearances for the club.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sutton's Barrow AFC spell ended by hamstring injury|url=http://www.nwemail.co.uk/sport/barrow-afc/Suttons-Barrow-AFC-spell-ended-by-hamstring-injury-b0ad3797-659b-4299-9e35-59e2b30c8f1a-ds|access-date=21 April 2016|work=North-West Evening Mail|date=16 April 2016}}</ref> Speaking in December 2016, Sutton said new Tranmere boss Micky Mellon had improved his game after playing Sutton in a centre-back partnership alongside Steve McNulty as Tranmere conceded only 16 goals in a run of 24 games.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Williams|first1=Glen|title=Ritchie Sutton: Tranmere's style has changed under Micky Mellon|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/ritchie-sutton-tranmeres-style-changed-12293881|access-date=14 May 2017|work=Liverpool Echo|date=8 December 2016}}</ref> Having scored four goals in 27 games during the 2016–17 season, a season cut short due to an Achilles injury, he signed a new two-year contract in May 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ritchie Sutton: Tranmere defender agrees two-year deal|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40118302|access-date=13 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 June 2017}}</ref>
He scored five goals in 49 appearances as Rovers won promotion back into the English Football League at the end of the 2017–18 season. He was taken off at half-time of the play-off final victory over Boreham Wood at Wembley Stadium after picking up an injury.<ref name="poff">{{cite news|title=Boreham Wood 1-2 Tranmere Rovers|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44029571|access-date=13 May 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 May 2018}}</ref>
===Morecambe=== On 9 January 2019, Sutton signed with League Two side Morecambe; "Shrimps" manager Jim Bentley said that "he's an out and out honest, solid defender who enjoys defending and will certainly add to our squad".<ref>{{cite news |title=Ritchie Sutton: Morecambe sign Tranmere Rovers centre-back |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46810838 |access-date=10 January 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 January 2019}}</ref> He went on to play 14 games by the end of the 2018–19 season and remained under contract for the following campaign.<ref>{{cite news |title=Morecambe release five players but extend the deals of four more |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48184748 |access-date=22 May 2019 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 May 2019}}</ref> On 14 December 2019, he was sent off for a foul on Dom Telford in a 3–0 defeat at Plymouth Argyle.<ref>{{cite news |title=Plymouth Argyle 3-0 Morecambe |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50696377 |access-date=6 April 2020 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=14 December 2019}}</ref> He made 19 appearances throughout the 2019–20 season and was released by manager Derek Adams at the end of his contract.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kevin Ellison: Morecambe release the second oldest player in the EFL, at the age of 41 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53030229 |access-date=16 June 2020 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 June 2020}}</ref>
===Altrincham=== On 12 August 2020, Sutton signed a two-year contract with recently promoted National League side Altrincham.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.altrinchamfc.com/news/double-delight-as-ceesay-and-sutton-join-robins |title=Double delight as Ceesay and Sutton join Robins |publisher=Altrincham FC |date=12 August 2020 |accessdate=17 February 2021 |archive-date=24 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124200805/https://www.altrinchamfc.com/news/double-delight-as-ceesay-and-sutton-join-robins |url-status=dead }}</ref> He became a part-time professional at Moss Lane, which as a father suited his family commitments.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Elliott |first1=Sam |title=Ritchie Is Ready For His Latest National League Assignment |url=https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/ritchie-is-ready-for-his-latest-national-league-as-63184 |access-date=18 February 2021 |work=thenationalleague.org.uk |date=20 August 2020}}</ref> Manager Phil Parkinson said that Sutton could be a good mentor for the younger players.<ref name="parkie">{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=John |title=Ceesay can be the centre of attention and Sutton's solid as a rock, says Phil {{!}} Altrincham Football Club |url=https://www.altrinchamfc.com/news/ceesay-can-be-the-centre-of-attention-and-ritchies-solid-as-a-rock-says-phil |access-date=18 February 2021 |work=altrinchamfc.com |date=13 August 2020}}</ref> He played 18 games in the 2020–21 season, scoring one goal.<ref name="soccerway"/>
On 10 September 2021, Sutton joined National League North side Alfreton Town on an initial one-month loan deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.alfretontownfootballclub.com/news/reds-sign-altrincham-defender-ritchie-sutton-on-1-month-loan-2646344.html|title=Reds Sign Altrincham Defender Ritchie Sutton on 1 Month Loan|website=alfretontownfootballclub.com|date=10 September 2021|accessdate=12 November 2021}}</ref> In November 2021, he rejoined the club on loan until the end of the 2021–22 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.alfretontownfootballclub.com/news/ritchie-sutton-rejoins-the-reds-on-loan-from-altrincham-until-the-end-of-the-season-2661047.html|title=Ritchie Sutton Rejoins The Reds on Loan From Altrincham Until The End of the Season|website=alfretontownfootballclub.com|date=7 November 2021|accessdate=12 November 2021}}</ref> He featured 28 times in total during his two spells at North Street.<ref name="soccerway"/> Altrincham released him at the end of his contract.<ref>{{cite news |title=Parkinson pleased as Pringle commits to Alty project |url=https://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/20230251.parkinson-pleased-pringle-commits-alty-project/ |access-date=4 July 2022 |work=Messenger Newspapers |date=23 June 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
===Later career=== Sutton joined Whitchurch Alport in the Midland League Premier Division, before signing with Northern Premier League Division One West side Hednesford Town in September 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hednesford Town - Sutton becomes a Pitman Hednesford Town are pleased to announce the signing of defender Ritchie Sutton from Midland league Whitchurch. The 37 year old centre back arrives at Keys Park with a wealth of experience around non league having appeared for the likes of Leek Town, Stafford Rangers, Northwich Victoria, Halifax Town, Barrow, Altrincham, Alfreton Town and Nantwich Town(where he was also player manager) whilst the non nonsense Stoke born defender also has twice won promotion to the football league for Mansfield Town and Tranmere Rovers where alongside a spell at Morecambe he made over 200 football league appearances. On Sutton joining manager Danny Glover said " We are really pleased to get someone with getting Ritchie in, we have been saying we needed someone with experience and grit into the side and that's exactly what Ritchie brings. He's a leader in the dressing room as well as being very fit which is what has allowed him to continue playing and is someone for the young lads to look up to". Ritchie will be available for Saturdays trip to Mossley. Welcome to the Pitmen Ritchie. {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/HednesfordTownFC/photos/sutton-becomes-a-pitmanhednesford-town-are-pleased-to-announce-the-signing-of-de/819832010149820/?_rdr |website=Facebook |access-date=28 October 2024 |language=en}}</ref> He ended the 2023–24 season at divisional rivals Bootle. He began the 2024–25 campaign with Kidsgrove Athletic.
==Style of play== Sutton is a defender who plays primarily as an intelligent and physical centre-half, though he has also played as an attacking right-back.<ref name="parkie"/>
==Management career== ===Nantwich Town=== On 3 July 2022, Sutton returned to Northern Premier League Premier Division side Nantwich Town on a player-coach basis.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nantwich Town sign ex Dabbers star Ritchie Sutton and three players |url=https://thenantwichnews.co.uk/2022/07/03/nantwich-town-sign-ex-dabbers-star-ritchie-sutton-and-three-players/ |access-date=4 July 2022 |work=Nantwich News |date=3 July 2022}}</ref> Following a spell as interim manager, Sutton was given the role permanently on 21 September 2022, alongside Gary Taylor-Fletcher.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Beresford|first1=Jack|url=https://www.nantwichtownfc.co.uk/nantwich-town-appoint-new-management-duo/#|title=NANTWICH TOWN APPOINT NEW MANAGEMENT DUO|website=nantwichtownfc.co.uk|date=21 September 2022|accessdate=22 September 2022}}</ref> The duo were sacked by the club in February 2023 with Nantwich sitting in the relegation zone, three points from safety.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nantwichtownfc.co.uk/club-statement/|title=Club Statement|website=nantwichtownfc.co.uk|date=26 February 2023|accessdate=28 February 2023}}</ref>
==Personal life== Sutton supports Port Vale and has been a season-ticket holder at the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11738_6190069,00.html|title=Sutton offered Vale trial|date=3 June 2010|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=18 July 2010}}</ref> He spent the first six years of his life in Burslem before his family relocated to Crewe.<ref name="fan" /> In June 2011, he was studying to complete a degree in Professional Sports Writing and Broadcasting at Staffordshire University, alongside former Port Vale teammates Gareth Owen, Adam Yates, and Justin Richards.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Robbie-Earle-Career-football-daunting-prospect/story-12819575-detail/story.html|title=Robbie Earle: Career after football can be daunting prospect|last=Earle|first=Robbie|date=23 June 2011|work=The Sentinel|access-date=23 June 2011}}</ref>
==Career statistics== {{updated|match played 22 October 2024}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|FA Cup !colspan="2"|League Cup !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="4"|Crewe Alexandra||2005–06<ref name="05/06"/>||Championship||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0 |- |2006–07<ref name="05/06">{{Soccerbase season|id=44409|season=2005|accessdate=1 January 2017}}</ref>||League One||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0 |- |2007–08<ref name="07/08"/>||League One||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0 |- |rowspan="3"|Leek Town (loan)||2004–05<ref name="ltfcs">{{cite web |title=PlayerStats – LeekTownSE |url=https://leektown.net/players/PlayerStats?name=Richie%20Sutton |website=leektown.net |access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref>||Northern Premier League<br>Premier Division||9||0||0||0||0||0||3||0||12||0 |- |2005–06<ref name="ltfcs"/>||Northern Premier League<br>Premier Division||7||0||0||0||2||0||0||0||9||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !16!!0!!0!!0!!2!!0!!3!!0!!21!!0 |- |rowspan="2"|Stafford Rangers (loan)||2005–06<ref>{{cite web|title=Ritchie Sutton Profile {{!}} Aylesbury United FC|url=http://www.aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk/players/ritchie-sutton|website=aylesburyunitedfc.co.uk|access-date=15 April 2018}}</ref>||Conference North||2||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||0||0||2||0 |- |2006–07<ref name="06/07">{{Soccerbase season|id=44409|season=2006|accessdate=1 January 2017}}</ref>||Conference National||37||0||3||0||colspan=2|—||0||0||40||0 |- |rowspan="2"|Stafford Rangers||2007–08<ref name="07/08">{{Soccerbase season|id=44409|season=2007|accessdate=1 January 2017}}</ref>||Conference National||40||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||0||0||40||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !79!!0!!3!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!82!!0 |- |Northwich Victoria||2008–09<ref>{{Soccerbase season|id=44409|season=2008|accessdate=1 January 2017}}</ref>||Conference National||4||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||0||0||4||0 |- |Port Vale||2010–11<ref>{{Soccerbase season|id=44409|season=2010|accessdate=1 January 2017}}</ref>||League Two||11||0||0||0||0||0||2{{efn|name=efl|Appearance(s) in the Football League Trophy / EFL Trophy.}}||0||13||0 |- |rowspan="5"|Mansfield Town||2011–12<ref>{{Soccerbase season|id=44409|season=2011|accessdate=1 January 2017}}</ref><ref name="soccerway"/>||Conference National||41||0||2||0||colspan=2|—||3{{efn|name=ddi|1 Appearance in the play-offs and 2 appearances in the FA Trophy.}}||0||46||0 |- |2012–13<ref>{{Soccerbase season|id=44409|season=2012|accessdate=1 January 2017}}</ref><ref name="soccerway"/>||Conference National||25||0||3||0||colspan=2|—||2{{efn|name=fat|Appearance(s) in the FA Trophy.}}||0||30||0 |- |2013–14<ref>{{Soccerbase season|id=44409|season=2013|accessdate=1 January 2017}}</ref>||League Two||36||0||1||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=efl}}||0||39||0 |- |2014–15<ref>{{Soccerbase season|id=44409|season=2014|accessdate=1 January 2017}}</ref>||League Two||34||0||2||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=efl}}||0||38||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !136!!0!!8!!0!!2!!0!!7!!0!!153!!0 |- |rowspan="5"|Tranmere Rovers||2015–16<ref name="15/16">{{Soccerbase season|id=44409|season=2015|accessdate=1 January 2017}}</ref><ref name="soccerway">{{Soccerway|ritchie-sutton/150578}}</ref>||National League||25||1||1||0||colspan=2|—||1{{efn|name=fat}}||0||27||1 |- |2016–17<ref name="16/17">{{Soccerbase season|id=44409|season=2016|accessdate=1 January 2017}}</ref><ref name="soccerway"/>||National League||21||1||1||0||colspan=2|—||5{{efn|name=pof|Appearance(s) in the play-offs.}}||3||27||4 |- |2017–18<ref>{{Soccerbase season|id=44409|season=2017|accessdate=1 January 2017}}</ref><ref name="soccerway"/>||National League||43||5||3||0||colspan=2|—||3{{efn|name=ddi}}||0||49||5 |- |2018–19<ref name="2018/19">{{Soccerbase season|id=44409|season=2018|accessdate=1 January 2017}}</ref>||League Two||9||1||1||0||0||0||2||0||12||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total !98!!8!!6!!0!!0!!0!!11!!3!!115!!11 |- |Barrow (loan)||2015–16<ref name="15/16"/>||National League||10||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||0||0||10||0 |- |rowspan="3"|Morecambe||2018–19<ref name="2018/19"/>||League Two||14||0||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||colspan=2|—||14||0 |- |2019–20<ref>{{Soccerbase season|id=44409|season=2019|accessdate=1 January 2017}}</ref>||League Two||15||1||0||0||2||0||2{{efn|name=efl}}||0||19||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total !29!!1!!0!!0!!2!!0!!2!!0!!33!!1 |- |rowspan="3"|Altrincham |2020–21<ref name="soccerway"/> |National League |17||1||1||0||colspan=2|—||0||0||18||1 |- |2021–22<ref name="soccerway"/> |National League |4||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||0||0||4||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !21!!1!!1!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!22!!1 |- |Alfreton Town (loan) |2021–22<ref name="soccerway"/> |National League North |26||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|name=fat}}||0||28||1 |- |Nantwich Town |2022–23<ref>{{cite web |title=Nantwich Town {{!}} Appearances {{!}} Ritchie Sutton {{!}} Football Web Pages |url=https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/nantwich-town/appearances/ritchie-sutton/942481 |website=footballwebpages.co.uk |access-date=1 March 2023}}</ref> |Northern Premier League<br>Premier Division |4||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||5||0 |- |Hednesford Town |2023–24<ref>{{cite web |title=Hednesford Town {{!}} Appearances {{!}} Ritchie Sutton {{!}} 2023-2024 {{!}} Football Web Pages |url=https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/hednesford-town/appearances/2023-2024/ritchie-sutton/942481 |website=www.footballwebpages.co.uk |access-date=28 October 2024}}</ref> |Northern Premier League<br>Division One West |15||1||0||0||colspan=2|—||2{{efn|name=ssc|Appearance(s) in the Staffordshire Senior Cup.}}||0||17||1 |- |Bootle |2023–24<ref>{{cite web |title=Bootle {{!}} Appearances {{!}} Ritchie Sutton {{!}} 2023-2024 {{!}} Football Web Pages |url=https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/bootle/appearances/2023-2024/ritchie-sutton/942481 |website=www.footballwebpages.co.uk |access-date=28 October 2024}}</ref> |Northern Premier League<br>Division One West |12||2||0||0||colspan=2|—||1{{efn|name=pof}}||0||13||2 |- |rowspan="3"|Kidsgrove Athletic |2024–25<ref>{{cite web |title=Kidsgrove Athletic {{!}} Appearances {{!}} Richie Sutton {{!}} Football Web Pages |url=https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/kidsgrove-athletic/appearances/richie-sutton/971405 |website=www.footballwebpages.co.uk |access-date=28 October 2024}}</ref> |Northern Premier League<br>Division One West |11||2||2||0||colspan=2|—||2{{efn|name=fat}}||0||15||2 |- |2025–26<ref>{{cite web |title=Kidsgrove Athletic – Appearances – Richie Sutton |url=https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/kidsgrove-athletic/appearances/richie-sutton/971405 |website=footballwebpages |access-date=25 August 2025}}</ref> |Northern Premier League<br>Division One West |0||0||0||0||colspan=2|—||0||0||0||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !11!!2!!2!!0!!0!!0!!2!!0!!15!!2 |- !colspan="3"|Total{{efn|name=not|Statistics for spells with Halifax Town, Nantwich Town and Whitchurch Alport unavailable.}} !472!!16!!21!!0!!6!!0!!32!!3!!531!!19 |} {{notelist}}
==Honours== '''Individual''' *Mansfield Town F.C. Player of the Season: 2014–15<ref name="pots"/>
'''Stafford Rangers''' *Conference North play-offs: 2006
'''Mansfield Town''' *Conference National: 2012–13
'''Tranmere Rovers''' *National League play-offs: 2018<ref name="poff"/>
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Mansfield Town F.C. player of the season}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sutton, Ritchie}} Category:1986 births Category:Living people Category:Footballers from Burslem Category:English men's footballers Category:Men's association football defenders Category:Crewe Alexandra F.C. players Category:Leek Town F.C. players Category:Stafford Rangers F.C. players Category:Northwich Victoria F.C. players Category:FC Halifax Town players Category:Nantwich Town F.C. players Category:Port Vale F.C. players Category:Mansfield Town F.C. players Category:Tranmere Rovers F.C. players Category:Barrow A.F.C. players Category:Morecambe F.C. players Category:Altrincham F.C. players Category:Alfreton Town F.C. players Category:Whitchurch Alport F.C. players Category:Hednesford Town F.C. players Category:Bootle F.C. players Category:Kidsgrove Athletic F.C. players Category:English Football League players Category:National League (English football) players Category:Northern Premier League players Category:Alumni of Staffordshire University Category:English football managers Category:Nantwich Town F.C. managers Category:Northern Premier League managers Category:21st-century English sportsmen