Injuries can often lead to the end of a player’s career. This player is no exception, but he is slightly different to most.
Despite his constant injuries, this week’s player returned to his playing career, and is still playing today.
This week’s Forgotten Blue is Sam Hutchinson.
Joining the Chelsea Academy at a very young age, Hutchinson made his way up through the various youth sides at the club, and was given the reserve team captaincy during the 2006/07 season.
He made his senior debut in the Blues’ final day fixture against Everton, and was part of the club’s pre-season tour of America during the summer. He impressed during the tour, and was involved in the first team for the following Premier League season.
However, the next few seasons saw Hutchinson struggle with injury. Despite injuries impacting his chances, he made another league appearance against Fulham, then made his first start for Chelsea in the League Cup against QPR. In a 7-0 thrashing of Stoke City, Hutchinson provided the assist for a Frank Lampard goal with an impressive cross.
His injuries continue to disrupt his playing career, and in August 2010, he was advised to retire from football at the age of 21. After a year spent coaching with the Chelsea Academy and punditry with Chelsea TV, Hutchinson returned to professional football, and signed a one-and-a-half year deal with the Blues in November 2011.
During the 2011/12 season, he made his Chelsea return in the Premier League as a substitute, before making his first league start for the Blues in their final day fixture against Blackburn Rovers.
The following season saw Hutchinson loaned out to Championship side Nottingham Forest, but he only made nine appearances for the club before he was ruled out for six months. During his time at Forest, he scored his first goal in professional football.
Upon his return to fitness, Hutchinson departed on loan once again. This time going overseas, he signed for Vitesse Arnhem of the Eredivisie. Yet again, he struggled for game time as injuries and rehabilitation took priority. He spent the second half of the 2013/14 season back in England, and on loan at Sheffield Wednesday.
He enjoyed regular football with the Owls, and upon the expiration of his contract with Chelsea, he signed for the club on a permanent basis in the summer of 2014.
Since making the move to Hillsborough, he has made over 80 league appearances for Wednesday, and is one of the side’s regular players and fan favourites.
Despite his injury concerns, Hutchinson returned to professional football, and has made his name in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday, but will always be welcomed back at Chelsea.