Don Hutchins

Another winger who became a darling of the Valley Parade crowds. His bursts down the left wing and flowing locks remain a vivid image of the late seventies at Valley Parade.

Born at Middlesbrough in 1948, Don played for North Riding, Stockton and Middlesbrough Boys, before Raich Carter signed him on junior terms for Middlesbrough. In February 1966 he joined Leicester City and made his debut in a First Division game at Burnley in April 1968. Don was transferred to Plymouth for £6,000 in July 1969. He was a great success in Devon and was the Pilgrims leading scorer in 1970-71. He returned north in July 1972 when he signed for Blackburn Rovers.

Don was always on the fringes at Ewood Park, so in June 1974 he came to Bradford City in part-exchange for Graham Oates - City also received £10,000. Don made his City debut at home to Crewe on 17 August 1974.

Don quickly became a favourite of the fans, scoring 52 goals in 286 appearances. It was his thrilling wing-play that endeared him to the fans. His finest hour was during the fifth round FA Cup tie at Norwich, when he struck City into a shock lead from an acute angle. Asked whether it was a cross or a shot, Don quipped, ‘it was a cross-shot!’ (see City v Southampton, 1976)His fellow professionals voted Don into the PFAs Fourth Division representative team - City’s first such honour.

Don left Valley Parade in 1981, he played a handful of games for Scarborough, but retirement soon followed. It ended a fifteen year career in the game. In total he made 397 League appearances, scoring 73 goals. He still lives locally at Baildon and is a regular at Valley Parade.

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