Dean Smith has handled Alan Hutton superbly this season. The Scottish full-back has no future at the club next season no matter what division they find themselves in. At the ripe old age of 34-years-old, the defender is getting on and won’t be able to be relied upon. However, he’s a cult hero at Villa Park so seeing him off the right way was a must.
#AVFC pic.twitter.com/eKIiX3B3Um
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) 5 May 2019
Hutton has had some brilliant moments with Aston Villa, and none will ever top his spectacular solo goal against Birmingham this season. However, those memories will have to end somewhere, and after yesterday it looks like Dean Smith has drawn the line on the veteran defender’s career with the club, after an eight-year spell in Birmingham having signed way back in 2011.
For a lot of the Villains’ time under the management of Smith, the right-back option who the fans have seen the most of is Ahmed Elmohamady, and for good reason. The Egyptian is far more mobile than Hutton and can influence games at both ends of the pitch, whilst at times Hutton’s dying legs struggle. Seeing him off properly was still a must, though, and it looks like Smith has done so perfectly.
You can see what the Villains made of Hutton’s send-off here:
https://twitter.com/AVFC_Blog/status/1124991226929909760
ALAN HUTTON THE SCOTTISH CAFU
— billy (@avbiIly) May 5, 2019
why am i emotional
— chlo (@chloeavfc_) May 5, 2019
Good luck with the rest of your career #UTV #VTID #SOTC pic.twitter.com/4x9Raph2eF
— Martan smith (@martan_smith) 5 May 2019
it’s been a ride Hutts, thank you.
— RW (@r_villan22) 5 May 2019
Good luck today hope your last league game is great thank you for what you've given us and showing what a professional you are!
— Adam Huxley (@TocaHux) May 5, 2019
I would give him another year no matter what league we are in… you can’t but commitment & experience like he can offer he gives everything for the shirt many can learn from him #PartOfThePride
— Sue (@1cheekygirl) May 5, 2019
All the best Hutton for the future and all your efforts
— Paul Wilkes (@pajesow) May 5, 2019
— Dan (@SR3MMSR3MM) 5 May 2019
Villa Park will miss Hutton for sure, but to move forward the 34-year-old needed to be moved sooner or later.
