Following his superb performance in the first leg against Middlesbrough, Alan Hutton is making a case for himself for getting a contract extension.
Steve Bruce has told the Express & Star that he is fighting the 33-year old’s corner in getting the player a new deal.
The Scot’s current contract expires in June, and promotion to the Premier League will likely determine the full-back’s fate beyond this season. Fans on Twitter were divided on the defender’s future:
This may not go down well but we should give Hutton a new contract as he’s been class this season and always proves his doubters wrong, plus the passion he has for this club is class #avfc
— Thetruevillain (@Truevillainavfc) 14 May 2018
Nope. Villa need to become a proper club. We are an embrsssement at moment. Lots of loanees and tons of old guys on big money. We need a new way forward.
— Zebra123 (@DanBardell69) 14 May 2018
Love the guy but he will get torn apart in the Prem (if we get there) concentrate on bringing along Bree. No room for sentiment in professional football.
— Villa Mad (@VillaMad3) 14 May 2018
Rather have him on the books than several others
— Rob Henry (@brummieinde65) 14 May 2018
He’s vastly improved since playing with the likes of Chez, JT, Johnstone etc from the days of Guzan, Lescott, Richards, Vlaar, Okore….
— Joe (@JD__AV) 14 May 2018
I agree… Wasn't a favorite earlier in but he's proved his worth
— Sp4nnersavfc (@sp4nnersavfc) 14 May 2018
Can we get through tonight first then wake up on the 27th May when we’ll know what division we’ll be playing in next season.
— Holte Hala Madrid (@Voicefromk4) 15 May 2018
Never hear a word out of Hutton, gets on with it and has been excellent at left back when called upon.
— Scott Murrell (@scottymurrell) 14 May 2018
He’s been decent because he’s found his level in the Championship, he nowhere near good enough for the Premier League
— villarich (@villarich1982) 14 May 2018
Totally agree been brill this season and more than deserve a new deal come on Doc sort it out please. #utv
— BobV3 (@BobVee3) 14 May 2018
Verdict:
The fact is, we are not in a position to offer extensions to any players until the club know what division we’ll be playing in next season. If we remain in the Championship, cuts to the playing squad will have to be made and Hutton will likely leave.
If we secure promotion, things will be different, but that all depends on tonight’s game, and hopefully in the final at Wembley on the 26th May.
