Born Derby, England,, August 4, 1948. Ian Hutchinson was an exciting and creative forward widely known for his robust style, impressive heading ability, and trademark long throw-ins. Unfortunately, his career was ultimately plagued by injuries, limiting what could have been an even more storied legacy.
Ian Hutchinson began his footballing journey in the non-league setup at Burton Albion. Playing for Burton was where Hutchinson first honed his skills, and it was here that his knack for heading and those famously powerful throw-ins began to garner attention. At this stage of his career, Hutchinson displayed raw potential, and it wasn’t long before scouts from higher-tier clubs took notice of the young talent. However, it wasn’t the traditional route that led Hutchinson to prominence. After showing enough promise at Burton Albion, he secured a move to Cambridge United in February 1968. Despite Cambridge’s low profile, Hutchinson’s performances were enough to catch the eye of bigger clubs. Cambridge United might not have been a footballing powerhouse, but for Hutchinson, it was a crucial stepping stone. In an unexpected twist, Chelsea’s coach, Ron Suart, had made the trip to Cambridge to watch a goalkeeper, but it was Hutchinson’s powerful presence that caught his attention instead. Suart was so impressed by Hutchinson that he recommended him to Chelsea manager Dave Sexton, and by July 1968, Hutchinson had joined Chelsea for a modest £5,000 fee. This move was pivotal in Hutchinson’s career, as it provided him with the platform to showcase his talents on a much larger stage. The striker’s robust style, relentless work rate, and incredible aerial ability made him an instant asset to Chelsea, and he quickly became a fan favorite.
It didn’t take long for Hutchinson to make an impact at Stamford Bridge. On his debut against Ipswich Town, he showcased one of his soon-to-be trademark skills: the long throw. His powerful throws reached the opposite side of the penalty area, causing confusion among the Ipswich defense, and even led to an own goal by an Ipswich defender. It was a unique weapon in Chelsea’s arsenal, and Hutchinson’s long throws became a hallmark of his game. Hutchinson’s partnership with the more technically gifted Peter Osgood became a defining feature of Chelsea’s attack. Together, they formed a potent strike force, with their contrasting styles complementing each other perfectly. Hutchinson’s physical presence, aerial prowess, and tireless work rate made him the perfect foil for Osgood’s flair and creativity. In the 1969-70 season alone, the duo netted a combined 53 goals, with Hutchinson contributing 16 goals in just 26 league appearances.
The FA Cup Triumph of 1970 is undoubtedly the highlight of Hutchinson’s career. Chelsea faced Leeds United in the final, a team known for its physicality and aggression, traits that mirrored Hutchinson’s own style. The final was a bruising affair, and Hutchinson was often in the thick of the action. In the first match at Wembley, Hutchinson played a crucial role, setting up Peter Houseman’s equalizer with a well-placed header. Later in the game, he was on the receiving end of a rough challenge from Leeds’ Norman Hunter, leaving him limping for the remainder of the match. However, it was Hutchinson’s resilience and determination that shone through. Despite his injury, he stayed on the pitch and scored a dramatic equalizer just two minutes after Leeds had taken the lead. His headed goal ensured that the match would go to a replay at Old Trafford, where Chelsea would ultimately secure a 2-1 victory in extra time. Hutchinson played a key role once again, launching one of his signature long throw-ins into the Leeds penalty area, which David Webb converted into the winning goal.
After his time at Chelsea, Hutchinson’s career took a downward turn due to persistent injuries. Two broken legs, a broken arm, a broken toe, and chronic knee trouble limited his playing time. Despite this, Hutchinson remained determined to continue his footballing journey.
In 1976, he retired from professional football at the age of 27, but his love for the game kept him involved at a lower level. Hutchinson spent a brief spell with non-league Dartford FC, where he often played through immense pain. Despite the physical toll football had taken on him, Hutchinson continued to play with passion and dedication. It was during this period that he also played for Slinfold FC, a village team, where he was coached by local hero Ian Haines. At Slinfold, Hutchinson took on a new role as a center-back, and even in this position, he managed to score an impressive 25 goals in 45 appearances. Although his time with Slinfold might not have garnered the same attention as his years at Chelsea, it was a testament to Hutchinson’s love for the game. He continued to contribute on the pitch, even when his body was no longer able to handle the rigors of professional football.