Why Sheffield Wednesday man wants to follow the example of Michael Ballack in relegation run-in

He bristles at the idea that he might be approaching the last few seasons of his career.
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But Sam Hutchinson, re-signed at Sheffield Wednesday after a six-month sojourn at Cypriot side FC Pafos, is accepting of the fact that he is an elder statesman in a relatively inexperienced Owls squad.

The tough-tackling former Chelsea man went straight into the side after just one full training session for the midweek defeat at Coventry and is hoping for a more fruitful return when the side line-up at Hillsborough against Preston this weekend.

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Much has been made of the character and leadership of the Wednesday squad and Hutchinson, 31, sees it is one of his roles to bring that out in those around him.

German legend Michael Ballack is one of several former Chelsea team mates Sam Hutchinson wants to emulate in his role as elder statesman at Sheffield Wednesday.German legend Michael Ballack is one of several former Chelsea team mates Sam Hutchinson wants to emulate in his role as elder statesman at Sheffield Wednesday.
German legend Michael Ballack is one of several former Chelsea team mates Sam Hutchinson wants to emulate in his role as elder statesman at Sheffield Wednesday.

Reflecting on his time as a youngster at Stamford Bridge, he is looking to take on the examples shown to him by some of the biggest names in the game back then.

“I’ve always had that within me,” Hutchinson told The Star. “Throughout the academies and the youth sides with England and Chelsea, I was often captain so I’ve always had that side to my game. I did some mentoring when I retired. I think it’s one of my skill sets.

“It was a proper team. We had people like Michael Ballack, John Terry, Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda, Frank Lampard. It was a team just full of would-be captains in any other team. You can only learn from them.

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“All I’ve ever wanted for Sheffield Wednesday is for them to win and to be as good as they can be. Just like every fan and everybody at the club. Hopefully we can do that.”

Sam Hutchinson spent his formative years with Chelsea before a knee injury saw him retire from the game and eventually reignite his career with Sheffield Wednesday.Sam Hutchinson spent his formative years with Chelsea before a knee injury saw him retire from the game and eventually reignite his career with Sheffield Wednesday.
Sam Hutchinson spent his formative years with Chelsea before a knee injury saw him retire from the game and eventually reignite his career with Sheffield Wednesday.

On his relationship with some of the other more experienced players in the Wednesday squad, Hutchinson said: ““Baz has been great. Straight away he told me we needed experience. We have had a great relationship together and he’s the leader of the team.

“Leesy is still a leader as well regardless of who the captain is. The more experience we can get on the pitch, the better it will be for us in this run-in.”

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