Incentivised and hungry: Why Sam Hutchinson’s Sheffield Wednesday return makes sense – Joe Crann
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“I’m hoping to be involved in as many games as possible… The deal that I’ve signed is incentive based, so the more I can get, the better it is for me.”
They were the words of Hutchinson on his arrival back at Hillsborough, and it says a lot – for me – about why his return is one that makes sense.
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Hide AdWednesday are short of leaders, that’s been spoken about in the past, but right now they’re simply just short of bodies. With their injuries and the COVID-19 outbreak, Neil Thompson is hardly flush for choices when it comes to picking his side, and that’s not ideal in a dog fight.
And make no bones about it, that’s what Sheffield Wednesday are in this season. A relegation dog fight. The question is, what sort of player do you want beside you in a scrap? One that works hard, will give everything to the cause and who already knows the people he’s fighting alongside? One that’s got a point to prove, is affordable and – as he’s proven in the past – can play at a good level?
Does that remind you of anyone?
I understand the concerns. There have been issues in the past with managers, but there have also been other managers that have loved him. Barry Bannan spoke very highly of the 31-year-old recently, and referred to him as ‘a winner’. That’s the sort of player Wednesday need right now.
And the contract, which I’m led to believe is short-term with an option to renew, is one that also suits both parties. Wednesday haven’t committed long-term, but they’ve got a familiar face who cares for the club and – by definition – will be desperate to make a good impression and play his part. His future quite literally depends on it.
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Hide AdHe’s also versatile and can play central midfield or centre back, giving Thompson options if he needs them, and won’t need the bedding in period that new signings usually required to get used to their teammates and surroundings. He averages 1.45 points per game over the course of his Wednesday career to date.
Sure, there are worries about suspensions and injuries, but an incentivised contract takes away some of the concern I reckon. It sounds like a deal that benefits him if he performs, and if he performs then it benefits the club.
I get that there’s an element of it that feels like a step back, recalling the old guard and all that, but there’s no doubt that he can do a job and fill a hole. And it’s up to him to prove his worth.
Also, it’s worth adding that Hutchinson’s son actually wanted him to come back, so there’s a bit of an extra incentive. There’s no chance he’s letting his son’s team get relegated without a fight is he…