Alan Hutton will not be offered a new contract, according to the Mirror.
The former Scottish international was due to hold talks with the club about extending his stay on Friday, but they were postponed.
Steve Bruce insisted that the player should be given a new deal whatever league we would be playing in next season, but it’s now likely the 33-year-old will move on to another club. Fans on Twitter had differing views on the decision:
Terrible decision. Once again one of our better players last season.
— Jason (@JaseTheVillain) 5 June 2018
Who will replace him? All well and good slating the lad but we came close to going up thanks to his efforts on Traore in the semi.
— Joe Montague???? (@joemontagoo) 5 June 2018
Sad day but let’s give Bree game time. In youth we trust.
— Chris Fearn (@Chris_M_Fearn) 5 June 2018
Correct decision, too old and earns a lot of money
— Stiggy (@stiggaroo) 5 June 2018
Gutted
— Jenna Marie Roscow (@jenna85xx) 5 June 2018
Yeah great decision…we have to rebuild as we won’t be anywhere near the top next season so look to build with youth! Not this oh he runs and tries a lot
— mjolnir_mar_emery⚡️ (@76maulz) 4 June 2018
Shouldn’t get a new contract simply because you try…
— mjolnir_mar_emery⚡️ (@76maulz) 4 June 2018
But he didnt 'just try'..he was consistently a very good performer and we played better when he was in the team. Name me a bad performance or error during last season !
— Steve (@crowhurstsr) 4 June 2018
The goal at Wembley
— Dave (@Dave_1874) 5 June 2018
Verdict:
In light of the club’s cashflow crisis and suspension of CEO Keith Wyness, it’s no surprise that talks with our no.21 were called off.
There are certainly more pressing concerns at the moment, but it will be disappointing to see the “Scottish Cafu” leave after what was a very good season.
The full-back has made 168 appearances for us during a seven-year stay at Villa Park. If he does depart, I’m sure every fan will want to wish him well for the future.
