Carl Hutchings

Career

Brentford Hutchings began his youth career at Chelsea, before signing schoolboy forms with Brentford in 1989. He began an apprenticeship in 1991 and signed a professional contract at the end of the 1992–93 season. He instantly became a regular pick under new manager David Webb and after weathering some early criticism, he went on to become a valuable utility player for the team, filling in over the course of five seasons at full back, centre back and in central midfield. Hutchings was a part of the team that reached the 1995 Second Division play-off semi-finals, but his 1995–96 season was hampered by torn ankle ligaments, suffered in a behind closed doors match in August 1995. After managing 29 appearances, Playing in a poor team, Hutchings had the best season of his career in 1997–98, On 1 December 2000, Hutchings joined Third Division club Exeter City on loan, but lasted just 10 days at St James Park, He signed a contract running until the end of the 2000–01 season and made 15 appearances without scoring. Hutchings departed Roots Hall in February 2002, after making 50 appearances and scoring five goals. One week later, had a "nightmare" debut at Brisbane Road, when he "fatally sold his goalkeeper short with a backpass", which allowed York City's Alex Mathie to score what proved to be an 84th-minute winner. Hutchings remained with Orient until April 2003, when he was released early from his contract. He made 40 appearances and scored two goals for the club.

Farnborough Town Hutchings joined Conference club Farnborough Town on 30 July 2003. He made 22 appearances for the club, the last of which coming in a 2–1 defeat to Exeter City on 3 January 2004. He started a property company whilst still a professional footballer, with Bristol City.

Career statistics

Honours Brentford Supporters' Player of the Year: 1997–98