Edward Stephen Hutchinson (born 23 February 1982) is an English retired professional footballer who made over 110 appearances in the Football League for Brentford. He was a combative, energetic central midfield player.
Hutchinson started out at non-LeagueSutton United, before leaving to join Brentford as an 18-year-old.[2] The player spent six years at Griffin Park, clocking up in excess of a century of league appearances.[3] Hutchinson was not a regular scorer during his time at Brentford, but did score in a fifth-round FA Cup replay against Premier LeagueSouthampton in March 2005.[4] Despite opening the scoring, Brentford went on to lose the match 3–1.[4]
Oxford United
Upon being released by Brentford, the player attracted interest from various clubs.[5] Hutchinson ultimately signed up with Oxford United,[6] spending three years at the Kassam Stadium. Whilst at Oxford, Hutchinson made 72 league appearances, thirty of which were from the substitutes bench.[7] The midfielder fell out of the favour during his last season at Oxford, being placed on the transfer list midway through the campaign.[8] Hutchinson was also inadvertently embroiled in controversy during his final season at Oxford.[7] The club were deducted five points for playing Hutchinson although the player had not been adequately registered.[9]
Non-league football
Upon leaving Oxford United,[10] Hutchinson signed for Crawley Town.[11] He was a mainstay in the first-team throughout his first season at Crawley, appearing in 39 league games, scoring his first goal for the Red Devils on only his second appearance for the club against Forest Green Rovers.[12]