Millwall manager on “defensive mainstay” meriting contract extension
Millwall manager Gary Rowett has given his verdict on Shaun Hutchinson agreeing a new contract.
The South London Press exclusively revealed last month that the former Fulham and Motherwell defender was going to extend his stay in SE16.
Hutchinson has played 211 matches for the Lions after joining them on a free transfer in the summer of 2016 following his release by Fulham.
Rowett said: “He’s been a fabulous player for the club, and certainly since I’ve been here he has been very consistent and consistently performing at the top end of this league.
“It is natural to look at all the players’ contracts and make sure all of the players who have contributed massively over the past few seasons are tied up for a reasonable amount of time. That’s a conversation that is had every six months: ‘What do we need to do? Where do we need to be, contract wise?’ Hutchy was one we felt we needed to extend.
“He has played in a back four with two centre-halves for a lot of his career and he’s now played quite a long time in a back three. I think defenders enjoy it because they can step in and join attacks a little bit more, they have that little bit more flexibility. We can play a little bit more from the back and build possession.
“Hutchy can play in any of those three positions – particularly in the middle and on the right. He’s mobile and aggressive – that’s what you want from your three central defenders. You want them to be able to join in attacks, be able to defend and deal with defending in space. It suits those kind of hybrid defenders who can handle the ball a little bit and almost play, at times, like an auxiliary full-back. He can certainly do that.
“A lot of these players have got the club into the Championship but are now performing at a high level in the Championship. You have to recognise that and also part of the team’s strength has been our defensive record. It’s not just the defenders who contribute, that’s the whole team, but the back three play a massive part and Hutchy has been a mainstay in that alongside the likes of Coops and Muzza.”
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
