Oxford v Sheffield Wednesday: Sam Hutchinson eager to finish his career at Owls

HE knows his negotiating skills are far from ideal but Sam Hutchinson – out of contract this summer and yet to start talks – freely admits he wants to finish his career at Sheffield Wednesday.

Given he has played more than 150 games for the Owls, over two spells after returning from a brief stint in Cyprus last year, his love for the South Yorkshire club is undeniable. Whether or not that is reciprocated as the 32-year-old enters the final six months of his current deal remains to be seen.

Nevertheless, Hutchinson – expected to start in defence when Wednesday visit Oxford United in League One today – knows he wants to stay at Hillsborough.

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“I don’t think that has ever been in doubt,” said the 32-year-old, who has recently returned confidently after a three-month lay-off with an Achilles injury.

“At the end of the day, my contract is what it is. I would love to sign a three-year deal, but there are more important things going on at the club at the moment.

“When I can sign it, I will be happy to sign it. I don’t want to leave the club.

“I think I am still a massive member of this squad. I’m probably one of the best value players at the club on the current contract in terms of the money I am on because I’m one of the least.

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“It is probably bad negotiating from me but they know I want to stay at the club so it is what it is.”

Sheffield Wednesday's Sam Hutchinson.   Picture: Steve EllisSheffield Wednesday's Sam Hutchinson.   Picture: Steve Ellis
Sheffield Wednesday's Sam Hutchinson. Picture: Steve Ellis

Manager Darren Moore is clearly pleased to see Hutchinson back fit and well.

He helped them return to winning ways with a first success in three outings when beating Plymouth Argyle 4-2 last weekend.

If the Owls are serious about mounting a promotion push, they need to back that up this afternoon at Oxford who sit seventh, one place and three points above them.

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Hutchinson, who first joined Wednesday from Chelsea in 2014, said: “Regardless of whether I am here next year or not, I’d love to be able to have a promotion with Sheffield Wednesday because I love the club.”

“I am happy here. I love the city. My family love the city and we bought into it as soon as we came here. I think you can see that with my passion and how I play.

“If it happens then great, if it doesn’t then that’s football. I will have to live with that.”

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