Sam Hutchinson has become a huge fans favourite amongst Sheffield Wednesday fans over the course of the last 12 months.

Gritty and determined performances this term has made Hutchinson arguably the club’s player of the season so far.

With a handful of man of the match performances, Owls boss Carlos Carvalhal is now reluctant to drop the Wednesday number 23 and is without doubt one of the first names on the teamsheet.

When at Chelsea, aged 21, Hutchinson retired from football due to a re-occurring knee injury. Whilst taking time out to study and working with the Chelsea academy, Hutchinson’s knee trouble began to show signs of development and improved dramatically.

In 2011, the defensive midfielder made an astonishing return to professional football having signed a new one-year deal with the London club.

Having spent time on loan at Sheffield Wednesday in 2013-14 season, Hutchinson signed a permanent deal at Hillsborough in the summer following his release from parent club Chelsea.

Most recently, the Sheffield Wednesday star extended his stay with the Owls having deservedly penned a new three-year deal on January 10, 2017.

With the new deal fresh in the mind, Shoot!‘s Sheffield Wednesday representative Louis Shackshaft gives us five reasons why the Wednesday faithful adore Sam Hutchinson…

Wears his heart on his sleeve 

Every time Hutchinson steps onto the turf wearing the blue and white strip of Sheffield Wednesday, he wears it with pride.

His enthusiasm to win ensures 100 per cent commitment on the field of play; he is also dedicated to the cause as the Owls look for promotion glory.

Passion is one of many positive words you could use to describe Hutchinson.

With his ability and determination combined, ‘Hutch’ has become one of, if not the, best defensive midfielder in the Championship.

Man of the Match performances

Hutchinson already has seven man of the match awards to his name this campaign.

Quite amazing considering this season has only just past the halfway stage.

The versatile defender has certainly stood out from the crowd with second to none performances this term and has acted as a brick wall at times in the Wednesday line-up.

With more interceptions and clearances than any other player in the Owls squad, his man of the match awards, it seems, will continue to be a common theme for Sam.

Aggression and determination

Discipline is one area that overshadows Hutchinson’s game having been booked excessively last season.

On the flip side, Hutchinson’s aggression and commitment brings out the best in him.

Hard, but legally timed challenges can often spark an urgency amongst the players and can turn into game changing moments.

Sometimes branded as a ‘hard nut’, because he flies into tackles, plus rash decision making, are additional reasons why the Wednesday fans love this man.

He certainly knows how to get the crowd going at both ends of the stadium.

Match winner

Undoubtedly, Hutchinson has been Sheffield Wednesday’s ‘match winner’ on numerous occasions this term.

Usually creative players and goalscorers receive all the plaudits because of their ability to ignite the crowd.

In a season where the Owls are slightly underachieving on the goalscoring front, the defensive back-line have had to step up a notch.

With the combination of passion, determination, aggression, man of the match performances and many other attributes, Hutchinson, more often than not, has been Wednesday’s match winner so far this campaign.

Celebrations

Hutchinson doesn’t score often, but when he does, you will not see a more committed and powerful celebration.

He has hit the back of the net on two occasions this season, once with a last minute headed equaliser against Brentford and a scrappy effort on goal at home to South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley.

Both instances were celebrated in a fashion as if his life depended on scoring.

Wednesdayites just love him for it!