Don Hutchison Everton & Scotland
Full Name: Donald
Oliver Hutchison
Birthplace:
Gateshead (Scotland) Nicknames, Doh, Hutch. Butch, Dutch, The Don, The Dorty T**T.
The following info from Evertons Toffeewebsite Everton manager Howard Kendall showed great faith in the devil you know, as he went back to his previous club, Sheffield United, to strengthen Everton's struggling midfield with Don Hutchinson following the acrimonious departure of Gary Speed. "It's good to be back on Merseyside," the former Liverpool and West Ham midfielder told ClubCall. "I am really excited about being back in Liverpool and being given another chance at a massive club." Kendall brought the 26-year-old Geordie from West Ham to Sheffield United in January 1996, paying £1.2M for him, and an injury-depleted midfield has prompted the manager to sign Hutchinson again. "I got on really well with Howard and Inchy so it is nice to be involved with them again. I still have got a few friends over the road at Liverpool but obviously I will not be able to talk to them anymore," he joked. "No, it's just good to be back. I am not sure what role Howard will want to use me in. Whether it's as a defensive midfield player or to try and get goals, it is not a problem." Hutchinson started his career with Hartlepool before moving on to Liverpool for £175,000 in 1990. Hutchinson had a problematical four years at Anfield and Howard Kendall took him to Sheffield United. Through his dealings with the player, he is convinced he brought quality to the squad. Evertonians took some time to be convinced, although Don at least put in the effort during the fraught final months of a dismal league season for Everton under Howard Kendall. Don Hutchinson didn't really come good for Everton until Walter Smith gave him a commanding role in midfield, and made him team captain if Dave Watson was absent. Hutch showed himself as a solid defender and determined midfield general, who held Everton together through the darkest days of another depressing winter at Goodison. Hutchison's reward was an extended contract, and improving fortunes as Everton started to finally score some goals and win some games as the spring started to bloom. For his efforts and commitment, Hutch was even voted Everton's Player of the Season in some quarters a decision which did not please the purists. By any analysis, Hutchison is little more than an animal on the field, a sad corollary to Everton's parlous position in the Fair Play League as the most indisciplined club in the Premiership. What was that motto again? Oct 99: The Don's position at Everton has been subjected to excessive speculation, with claims that he could go to of all places Newcastle United. This despite all the usual platitude about wanting to run out his career at Goodison Park. The reason for this nonsense? His contract will be up in two years... Yes, two years!!! Some fans saw the hand of his greedy agent at work here, upping the ante to supposedly failed negotiations for a contract extension. Apparently, the problem there is that his pay rate drops substantially in his final year the year on which his pension is calculated (do players get pensions?) and the Everton Board are adamant. Things were hardly made any better when he had an ugly on-field spat with defensive rock, Richard Gogh, during the Coventry match, but that was quickly settled between the players, if it left a lingering bad taste in the mouth of many fans. The next slap in the face was to hear that The Don is now angling for a move to Serie A. You just don't know whether to laugh or cry! Toffeeeeweb
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