550 Not out
By Paul Baker

Monday 25th July 2005

IT MIGHT not have been the biggest match in the club's history, but Weymouth's pre-season friendly at Westland Sports will be long remembered by Ian Hutchinson.

The popular midfielder's appearance in the 5-3 victory at Alvington was his 550th in all competitions for the Terras.

It's a rare milestone for a player at any level of the game and the 33-year-old is determined to significantly add to that figure before hanging up his boots.

He said: "I was shocked to hear that I'd played 550 matches for Weymouth, but it's a great honour and I'm delighted.

"I don't know whether there's any real secret to it. I've always kept myself fit which obviously helps, and that's particularly so since we turned full-time earlier in the summer.

"I've been lucky with injuries although I've had my fair share in recent seasons and I guess what also helps is the fact that the way I play is quite simple and unspectacular. I know my capabilities and know my limits and that's what's got me through 550 appearances."

He added: "At 33 I'm coming towards the end of my playing days although I'd like to think there's a fair few games in me yet. I want to keep playing at the highest possible level for as long as I can and I'm sure my family and friends will tell when it's time to stop."

Hutchinson had been expected to leave the Wessex Stadium following the arrival of new boss Garry Hill, mainly because of his work commitments as a porter at Dorset County Hospital. However, the left-footed Teesider was able to negotiate a part-time contract with his employers and is now relishing life as a professional footballer.

"Garry Hill has always been honest with me about my situation," he explained, "and told me at the end of last season that he wanted me as a squad player although there's were no guarantees of getting into the side.

"I was lucky that I was able to go part-time at the hospital and I told the manager that I would accept his terms although I was determined to make it hard for him not to pick me.

"And that's the way it is right now. I'm really enjoying the full-time training and my aim is to do enough in pre-season to earn a place for the first league game and then make it impossible for Garry to leave me out.

"At the same time I'm realistic about things. We've got a great squad of players at the club these days and every one of us will have an important part to play."

Having joined the Terras from Halifax in 1996, Hutchinson has experienced more ups and downs than he cares to remember. But he's convinced that Weymouth have never been in better shape less than a month before the start of a new season.

He added: "I'm not going to say we will definitely win the league because that would be silly. There are a lot of other teams out there who have strengthened considerably, but we've never been in better shape.

"Garry Hill, Gary Calder and Kevin Hales have brought three important ingredients to the club - professionalism, organisation and discipline. That's what needed if we are to get back into the Nationwide Conference and everyone is really confident.

"There's a buzz at Weymouth these days which is fantastic and there's a real belief that, with a little bit of luck, this season could be our season."