The Alan Hutton Situation. + 3 Others, Would You Renew Any?

I am undecided as to how this will impact the player. Not a lot, if at all, judging on his performance against Sheffield United last night. I do worry it might be demotivating but on the flipside, he will also know that now other clubs have been alerted as to his availability, he will be playing to impress? The other thing is, at least he isn`t being left wondering, he will know come the summer he needs to find another club.

I am a bit surprised that it doesn`t hinge on what divisions we are in. I would have thought if we don`t get promoted, Paul McGrath forbid, that another 12 month contract would be ideal for the full-back. Fair enough, if we go up to the Premiership it might be too much of a stretch for him?

Football isn’t about sentimentality. Got to bring the younger players like Bree through at some point. IF we don’t go up, I’d renew because he is versatile, but it might well be time to say thanks for all the work and make a fond farewell

Vital Villa (@VitalVilla) January 31, 2018

His never say die effort and his versatility (currently playing at left-back, as you know, right-back is his usual position) has been noted, but I guess you can understand that Villa will want to start pushing the younger players through as well.

Find it very difficult to believe we`ve told Hutton he isn`t getting a contract unless he`s outright gone in and asked about his future. The guys in the team, and has been a reliable performer last 12 months. #avfc #utv

Dan Bardell (@danbardell) January 31, 2018

The Birmingham Mail ‘understands` he won`t be having a new contract though. Their article quotes Steve Bruce praising Alan.

Bruce explains (and take note Ross McCormack) that it is pretty simple for him, do it in training, give your all, get in the team.

As the Brum Mail mention though, at right-back we have Ahmed Elmohamady who Bruce obviously rates highly having worked with him before, the young James Bree who Bruce brought in, then in the youth set up there is Mitch Clark.

So I guess the question is, would you keep Hutton or say thanks and goodbye? Our latest poll asks that very question, by some amazing coincidence!

Oh and as you may well be aware, John Terry only signed a one year deal with us, it will be interesting what he wants to do, I think there is no doubt we`d keep him if he is willing to stay. The problem, if we go up… sorry, when we go up… is he`s stated before he doesn`t want to play against Chelsea. Personally, I`d say fine, don`t, we will rest you for those two games.

The others whose contracts expire are Gabby Agbonlahor, Chris Samba and Mark Bunn. I wouldn`t renew any of those contracts. Would you?