Career
Sumner began his football as an apprentice at Blackpool before moving to New Zealand in 1973 to play for, winning the National League in his first year. His international career spanned from 1976 to 1988, including a record 105 appearances for New Zealand (beating the record previously held by Brian Turner), 58 of which were A-internationals. An active and attacking midfielder, Sumner scored a national record six goals during New Zealand"s 13–0 defeat of Fiji during the 1982 World Cup qualifying campaign.
He was also one of New Zealand"s only two scorers in the 1982 World Cup Finals tournament in Spain (along with Steve Wooddin), in New Zealand"s 5–2 loss to Scotland.
He was the first player of the Fédération internationale de football association Oceania zone to score in a World Cup. Since retiring Sumner has maintained his involvement in football, being employed by Television New Zealand as a media personality.
More significantly he also sits on the Executive Board of the Wellington Phoenix bringing much needed professional playing experience to the table. Individual Club.