Football
Exclusive: Former Millwall Skipper Shaun Hutchinson Wanted by AFC Wimbledon and Lincoln City
Former Millwall skipper Shaun Hutchinson is wanted by League One clubs AFC Wimbledon and Lincoln City as a free agent. The 34-year-old has been approached by League Two clubs as well. Hutchinson spent seven seasons with Millwall in the Championship, making 268 appearances before being released this summer. Lions' director of football praised him for his leadership and contribution to the club.
Millwall v Bristol City - Sky Bet Championship by Jacques Feeney | Getty Images
AFC Wimbledon and Lincoln City have both been exploring a move to sign former Millwall skipper Shaun Hutchinson as a free agent, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The 34-year-old Lions’ stalwart was released by the East London outfit this summer after 268 appearances for the club.
But our sources understand the experienced centre-back would be a happy with a move down to League One despite having spent the majority of his career playing in the Championship.
The former Fulham man enjoyed seven seasons in the second tier with the Lions and his first season with the club helped them win promotion from League One.
He has played 251 Championship games throughout a distinguished career, as well having played 121 times for Motherwell, his first club, in the Scottish Premiership.
The Dons and Imps have until Monday 1st September to try and sign Hutchinson, who our sources understands has also been approached by a couple of League Two clubs, both of whom have sounded out his availability.
Hutchinson joined Millwall from Fulham in 2016, but last season he played just 11 times last season in all competitions, with nine of those in the second tier.
WRITING ON THE WALL
The writing was on the wall for his departure, but Lions’ director of football Steve Gallen praised the player for his outstanding contributions for the club.
"On and off the pitch, Shaun has been a fantastic leader for many years and a great servant to Millwall."
"As we enter into our ninth consecutive Championship season, his goal against Bristol Rovers to secure the play-offs must always be remembered as one of the biggest in our history."
"We would all like to thank him for his outstanding contribution over the past nine years. Shaun will always be welcome at our football club."
Hutchinson famously scored a late winner as the Lions beat Bristol Rovers on the last day of the 2016-17 domestic season, a goal which helped the club qualify for the play-offs and ultimately win promotion to the Championship with victory in the Wembley final.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.