Mel Sutton’s early days in football saw him as an amateur at Aston Villa, but it was under the keen eye of Jimmy Scoular that he found his professional break, moving on to Cardiff City in December 1967.

PART ONE

Birmingham born Mel Sutton was handed his competitive debut for Cardiff City by manager Jimmy Scoular in a 1–0 Second Division defeat against Charlton Athletic at Ninian Park on the 14th of August, 1968. The dynamic midfield player quickly became a mainstay in the Cardiff side, missing very few matches in the seasons that followed. This was a team in transition, but one that still had ambitions beyond domestic football and Sutton was about to find himself at the heart of one of Cardiff´s most celebrated European nights.

The 1970-71 campaign was one of upheaval and promise. In November 1970, the Ninian Park club lost Welsh international striker John Toshack to Bill Shankly´s Liverpool, a departure that might have spelled doom for a side looking to make waves in both the domestic and European scene. However, Cardiff, under the forceful and disciplined leadership of Scoular, found a way to remain competitive, finishing in third place in the Second Division. Furthermore, their exploits in the UEFA European Cup Winners’ Cup saw them progress through the rounds, dispatching Pezoporikos Larnaca and then the more formidable FC Nantes.

Then came Real Madrid. The Spanish giants, steeped in European tradition, were drawn against Cardiff in the quarter-finals, a tie that seemed a mere formality for the men from Madrid. Yet, football has a habit of rewriting the expected script. In front of a pulsating crowd of 50,000 at Ninian Park on 10 March 1971, Sutton and his teammates etched their names into club folklore. A 31st-minute header from Brian Clark saw Cardiff claim an improbable 1-0 victory. The roar of the crowd, the sense of disbelief, and the sheer joy of that night are still fondly remembered by The Bluebirds supporters to this very day. Nevertheless, the dream ended in the return leg at the Bernabéu, where Real Madrid eventually managed to overturn the deficit and progress.

By 1972, a new challenge beckoned. John Neal, looking to build a side capable of pushing Wrexham to greater heights, saw in Sutton the kind of determination and experience that could galvanize his Third Division squad. Consequently, he forked out a club-record transfer fee of £15,000 to bring the midfielder to the Racecourse Ground. It was a move that proved to be a masterstroke. Sutton’s debut for The Red Dragons on the opening day of the 1972-73 campaign was one to remember; not only did he make an instant impact, but he also scored the only goal of the game against Division Three newcomers Southend United at Roots Hall.

If that was impressive, his next outing at the Racecourse Ground was even more memorable. Facing recently relegated Watford in front of a 5,000-strong home crowd, Sutton repeated his goal-scoring feat, endearing himself to the Wrexham faithful. But his influence was never just about goals. His work rate, his leadership, and his ability to rally those around him made him an integral part of the side for years to come.

PART TWO

Over the next nine years, Sutton became one of Wrexham’s all-time greats. His tenure coincided with some of the club’s most memorable moments, including deep runs in cup competitions and notable league performances. However, Sutton’s leadership qualities saw him take on greater responsibilities within the club, stepping into the role of assistant manager to Arfon Griffiths while still lacing up his boots. This dual role was a confirmation of his footballing intelligence and also his ability to command respect both on and off the pitch.

Eventually, when Griffiths departed, Sutton took the reins as manager at Wrexham. Football, however, can be an unforgiving world. Managing a club is a vastly different challenge from playing, and while Sutton had all the footballing acumen one could ask for, Wrexham’s fortunes took a downturn. The club suffered relegation to Division Three under his stewardship, and in May 1982, he was dismissed from his position.

Yet, in true Sutton fashion, he did not let that setback define him. Shortly thereafter, he reunited with Griffiths at Crewe Alexandra, taking up a role within the coaching staff. It was a far quieter chapter in his soccer career, one which allowed him to impart his vast knowledge of the game before finally calling it a day.

Mel Sutton’s footballing life may not have been one of glamour, but it was certainly one of substance. He was a player who always gave his very best, whether in a raucous Ninian Park against European royally or in the more modest surroundings of the Racecourse Ground, where he became a Wrexham legend.