Alan Hutton’s career at Villa Park has been declared dead a few times. Since his arrival at the club in 2011, he has worked under six different permanent managers, been loaned out three times, and has been told he has no future with the team.
Again, his future is in doubt. With his contract expiring in the summer, and unlikely to be given a new one unless we are promoted, the former Scottish international’s time with us looks to be finally at an end.
Despite his 163 appearances over the past seven years, he hasn’t always performed to the required level, but ironically, now in the twilight of his career, he has been able to find a level of consistency that would see him very much missed by fans.
With Neil Taylor having gone off injured against Derby, and the Scottish full-back having just returned from a hamstring injury himself, he could very well be getting his last hurrah in the playoffs.
Supporters will certainly be hoping that he extends his stay beyond this campaign. Audible chants of “Alan Hutton, the Scottish Cafu” could be heard from the Holte End after he came on at the weekend.
Ostensibly a right-back, he has arguably been the team’s best option on the opposite side this season. He could very well aide the side through the playoffs with his experience, consistency and defensive solidity.
His motivation would no doubt be two-fold if he is given the nod by Steve Bruce to start. Not only would the motivation of playing in the Premier League be on his mind, but also a new contract.
If he does help guide us back to the top flight, he would certainly merit his one-year extension. If he can’t, then it would put to an end his time at Villa Park which has seen so many ups and downs, both for the club and for him personally. In any case, he is well deserving of the praise he’s getting from the stands.
