VANCOUVER, B.C – He doesn’t take coffee, he drinks tea, and he enjoys a proper full English breakfast, once in a while. Scott Sutter is an Englishman in Vancouver with Whitecaps FC.

The 32 year-old Swiss international signed with Vancouver on January 31, 2019. Sutter brings a wealth of football experience to a young Whitecaps FC squad. His decision to sign with Whitecaps FC was helped by a trio of former fan favourites. Eric Hassli, Davide Chiumiento, and Alain Rochat all spoke highly of their time with Whitecaps FC.

“I know all three of them,” Sutter revealed to Har Journalist. “Probably Alain Rochat the best, we’re still in touch. When I told him that I signed here, he was so excited for me. I remember years ago when we played with each other, he raved about the club, city, and even that just gave me excitement.”

Growing up in football mad London, England, how did Sutter find his way to Switzerland?

“My dad is Swiss,” Sutter explained. “I was born and raised in England, but I moved to Switzerland when I was 16, to pursue a career in football. My parents still live in London, so I’m kind of both. I think Switzerland is my home now, because I’ve spent 16 years there, but I’m kind of an Englishman at heart.”

Since Sutter has spent the majority of his career playing in Switzerland, one might wonder, does he prefer a biscuit or a piece of Swiss chocolate with a cup of tea?

“Oh that’s a great question,” Sutter pondered. “I love chocolate so for me its Swiss chocolate. It can’t be beat.”

Once you take an Englishman out of London, and introduce him to Swiss chocolate, it’s game over, there’s no going back. Sutter still loves the occasional fry up, but since he’s a professional, he’s had to cut down on a cheeky full English.

“I don’t mind a full English breakfast every now and then, although it’s not too healthy. I kind of need to choose my moments, when I’m allowed to eat it.”

While Sutter is getting acclimated to life on the west coast, he is looking to carve out a new role with Whitecaps FC. Sutter is expected to fill in at right-back. His role as a veteran presence in the locker room, is where he’ll earn his bread and butter.

“Being one of the older guys on the team, my job is to help the younger guys and to kind of lead by example. That’s a role that I look forward to taking on.”

In 14 seasons in the Swiss Super League, Sutter made over 200 combined appearances with, Grasshopper Club Zürich, BSC Young Boys, and FC Zürich. In all competitions he contributed 13 goals, and 31 assists.

During his two seasons with Orlando City SC, Sutter made 51 appearances with 4 goals, and 6 assists.

It has been an unforgettable 2 years here in Orlando, both on and off the pitch. I have cherished every moment i was able to wear purple and would like to thank everyone for the incredible support you have given me throughout and for making my wife and I feel at home here….. pic.twitter.com/TMvyY9qk2F — Scott Sutter (@scott_sutter) November 28, 2018

Coach Marc Dos Santos envisions Sutter being a mentor to Jake Nerwinski and academy prospect, Georges Mukumbilwa.

“We thought that Scott was an element that could not only prepare Georges (Mukumbilwa) and help with his experience, but also be a player that can compete with Jake in that position, and keep everybody in their toes. It’s true that he has a lot of experience in Switzerland. He has a lot of experience in games in MLS for only two years in the league. He’s a great guy, he works well, so it’s a very good addition for us.”

As he adjusts to life in Vancouver, Sutter is already fitting in off the pitch. He’s bonded and made a new bezzie-mate.

“Me and Andy (Rose), are challenging Jake (Nerwinski), and Brett (Levis) to be the new best friends on the team. Me and Andy are well on our way to being that. Andy’s a great guy and an Englishman as well. We clicked immediately, and yeah we’re good mates.”

Scott Sutter is an Englishman in Vancouver with Whitecaps FC. You can see him and his teammates kickoff of the season on Saturday, March 2 vs Minnesota United FC at B.C. Place Stadium.