Reading have signed Sam Hutchinson on a free transfer from Sheffield Wednesday on a two-year contract until June 2024.
Hutchinson began his career at Chelsea where he graduated through their youth academy to make his first-team debut as a substitute under Jose Mourinho in a 1-1 draw against Everton on the final day of 2006-07 Premier League season.
The versatile centre-back and defensive midfielder eventually went on to make six appearances in total for the Blues, despite briefly retiring due to a knee injury before making his comeback during 2011-12 season.
Loan spells at Nottingham Forest, Vitesse Arnhem and Sheffield Wednesday followed between 2012-14 seasons, with Hutchinson eventually released by Chelsea in Summer 2014 to join the Owls where he enjoyed two stints either side of three months playing for Pafos in Cyprus in 20-21 season.
Across both spells at Hillsborough, Hutchinson scored eight goals in 207 appearances across all competitions.
Hutchinson was eventually released for a second time by Sheffield Wednesday in late June, which led to him joining Reading on an initial trial where he featured in training and pre-season friendlies this month.
His performances ultimately impressed manager, Paul Ince who has decided to award Hutchinson a two-year contract until June 2024.
Explaining the decision to sign Hutchinson on a free transfer, Ince commented: “Sam is a player who knows this division inside out and, in training with us during the last few weeks, he has shown me and my coaching staff all we needed to see.
“Capable of playing at the back or in midfield, he is a true competitor on the pitch – committed in every challenge, hungry for the ball and, importantly, he is a winner.
“He has earned this new opportunity and I’m sure he will be a real asset to this group of players.”
Hutchinson could make his competitive Royals debut away to Blackpool in their opening match of 2022-23 Sky Bet Championship season on 30 July.
Discussion about this post