Bio:
Born in Cardenden, Fife, Hutchison began his professional career with Alloa Athletic in the Scottish Second Division, after he was spotted by manager Archie McPherson. He showed enough potential to attract the attention of larger clubs, and he joined Stan Mortensen’s Blackpool in February 1968 for just over £10,000. Almost immediately, he took the place of Graham Oates at outside-left, making his debut against Plymouth on 30 March in the English Second Division.
The Scot was brought in to bolster the Seasiders’ flagging promotion drive, and out of the final nine games of the 1967–68 season, they won eight. Promotion, however, was missed on the final day.
Les Shannon took over from Mortensen as manager, and in his first season achieved promotion to the First Division in 1970 – but it only lasted one season. When Bob Stokoe took over from Shannon in June 1971, he worked on Hutchison’s crossing ability, believing it to be his only weak spot.
In 1972, Coventry City manager Joe Mercer offered £140,000 cash plus Billy Rafferty for Hutchison’s services. He signed for the Midlands club, leaping at the chance to play in the First Division on a regular basis. ‘Hutch’ remained at Highfield Road for eight years, playing 355 games and scoring 30 goals. During his time at Coventry he played probably the best football of his career, winning all of his 17 Scottish caps while at the club. Nicknamed “Mr Magic” by the club chairman, Derrick Robins, he was voted supporter’s Player of the Season three times during his eight-year spell at Highfield Road – a feat no other Sky Blues player has yet equalled.
Factfile:
- Full Name: Thomas Hutchison
- Position: Midfield
- Date of Birth: 22.09.1947
- Birthplace: Cardenden
- Nation: Scotland
- Full Caps: 17
- Major League Career
- 1965-67, Alloa Athletic (68/4)
- 1967-72, Blackpool (165/10)
- 1972-81, Coventry City (314/24)
- 1983-85, Burnley (92/4)
- 1985-91, Swansea City (178/9)
- NASL
- 1980, Seattle Sounders (25/3)
- More Facts
- Photo Gallery
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