Souttar – City’s New Defensive Giant
A key part of the Socceroos side which equalled their best-ever FIFA World Cup display last year, Souttar’s stock has been rising quickly over recent years. Standing at a giant 6ft 6ins, there's nobody taller in City's senior squad than the Club's new centre-back. Still only 24 years-old, Souttar has made an impressive 145 competitive appearances in his career.
Born in the Aberdeenshire town of Luthermuir on the east Scottish coast, Harry’s football journey began with Brechin City Boys Club, who were affiliated at the time with Glaswegian powerhouses Celtic. It was clear even then that Souttar was a talent, and it was Dundee United who eventually rewarded him first with a place in their academy and then with a first professional contract at Tannadice Park.
It wouldn’t be long before Harry had a decision to make. A Brechin City supporter, his father, Jack, was Scottish, but mother Heather was born in Port Hedland, western Australia. After making five appearances for Scotland’s youth teams, Souttar – whose brother John plays for Rangers – switched to Australia. It was a decision which would enable Harry to play at a World Cup, only losing out to would-be champions Argentina.
He was just 17 when he made the move to Stoke City, meanwhile, and his development was aided by loan spells at Ross County and Fleetwood Town. Under Joey Barton's management at Fleetwood, in the second of two loan stops at Highbury, Souttar began to make his mark – winning the EFL Young Player of the Month award in February 2020.
A defeat to Wycombe Wanderers in the Sky Bet League 1 play-offs would be Harry's last action for the Cod Army, but he'd done enough to persuade Stoke to give him a chance in the second tier. Ever since a Man of the Match performance away at Preston North End, Souttar's talent was no longer a secret. Michael O'Neill now had full faith in the powerful yet agile centre-back and a long-term deal was his reward in early 2021.
At one stage, Stoke, with their Australian international at the back, embarked on a run of conceding just 19 goals in 17 matches, elevating them to fifth in the Championship. An ACL injury hit Souttar hard, though, and the Potters quickly fell down the standings. It was a test of character which he would overcome, and his sterling performances for Australia in Qatar last December was confirmation of a marvellous return to form.
Now the newest Fox in Seagrave, Souttar’s ready to step up to a fresh challenge.