Sheffield Wednesday are likely to be without Sam Hutchinson for the remainder of the season despite him not being injured, according to Yorkshire Live’s Dom Howson.
What did he say?
Garry Monk has frozen out the midfielder since January, with the Owls winning one game since, while Keiren Westwood has also been banished to the under 23 squad alongside his teammate.
It was a bold decision from the manager considering both players took part in the squad that made the play-offs in consecutive seasons between 2015/16 and 2016/17.
Howson’s update is an intriguing one, therefore, as he rules out the idea that the 29-year-old may be suffering from injury, which opens up Monk for criticism considering how much his team have faltered without Hutchinson.
Speaking in a Q&A on YorkshireLive, Howson said:
“Contrary to some reports, there has been no fall-out between Hutchinson and Monk.
The Owls boss said: “I’ve had conversations with Sam and been clear. It’s a similar situation in terms of injuries and pick-ups and continuity. It’s simply not there. I can’t afford that. I need reliability in terms of being available and being ready and understanding that that needs to come continually.”
“I get where Monk is coming from in terms of reliability with Hutchinson. I don’t think it is possible to build a team around the defensive midfielder with his injuries and disciplinary record.
“It is abundantly clear, though, that Monk is not going to change his mind and Hutchinson is not part of his plans.”
From his comments it seems certain that Hutchinson will not play again this season – if Howson is on the money that is – and that of course means the long-term servant may have played in his last game for the club, with his contract expiring in the summer.
Costly decision
Monk’s reasoning for dropping Hutchinson from the squad seems a very weak one, particularly given Wednesday’s lack of success in the weeks since.
Getting rid of a senior, well-respected player carries the risk of alienating the squad, and given the results since January it is very possible that his removal has had a negative effect on the players.
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As some fans have noticed through several insipid performances, there is a clear lack of fight amongst the squad currently, and that was epitomised in the 5-0 defeat against Brentford.
That is one characteristic Hutchinson possesses in abundance, and with the Owls slipping ever close to the relegation zone – now just nine points clear – Monk may be forced to swallow his pride and bring the former Chelsea man back into the fold.
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Howson’s revelation does at least clarify the situation and may put to rest any rumours of a fall-out, and that must be treated as a positive as it shows Monk may not actually have a bad relationship with some of his players.
In other news, Barry Bannan has shared his view on one factor which could be contributing to the recent poor results…
