Michael Utting


Michael Glenn Utting is a former New Zealand football player who played as a goalkeeper.

Early years

Utting grew up in Ngaio, Wellington, the youngest of four children. His father is a civil engineer, his mother a nurse; they separated when he was 10. He went to Ngaio School and then Nelson College from 1984 to 1986. He played cricket and volleyball, but football was always his number one passion. By the time he reached the final year of high school, Utting was keeping for both the Nelson College first-XI and national league side Miramar Rangers.

Club career

A much-travelled player, Utting served clubs in his native New Zealand, as well as in Australia and South Africa.
During his New Zealand years, he also played for winter clubs Gisborne City and Waitakere City.

International career

Utting has played for the New Zealand national soccer team, the All Whites. Since making his debut for the All Whites in 1991, he had rarely been a substitute goalkeeper, until 1999, when his career was marred by alcoholism.
He was included in the New Zealand side for the 1999 Confederations Cup finals tournament in Mexico where he was an unused substitute. He fared better in 2003 as he was recalled for the 2003 Confederations Cup finals tournament in France, playing in all three group games before New Zealand were eliminated.

One for the Road – Utting's alcoholism

He had been into trouble with alcoholism, and his problem became public in 1999. He was axed in 1999, and again in 2002 after a botched initial attempt to quit the booze. He was recalled again in 2003, but by then, he had taken up a contract to play in Brunei.