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Hutch's honour in Bob Lucas Trophy derby
by
Adam Summers & Ky Capel
Brendon King is calling for fans to turn out in force to honour
the tremendous service Ian Hutchinson has given to local football.
Tomorrow’s Bob Lucas Trophy clash, which sees Weymouth host
Dorchester Town (3pm), will double up as the popular Teesiders’
long-awaited testimonial and both clubs are hoping to see a bumper
crowd in attendance.
Hutchinson made over 550 appearances in a 10-year spell at the
Terras before eventually going on to manage the club twice between
2009 and 2011 after cutting his teeth in the dugout at the helm
of Bridport.
Commenting on the 39-year-old, King told Echosport: “Tomorrow’s
testimonial is just reward for Hutch and all the service he has
given the club and to local football as a whole.
“His family are coming down from up north for the occasion
and his son Harry is going to be a mascot along with his niece and
nephew, so it is going to be a fantastic day for him and I hope
people come out and give him the support he deserves.”
Although Hutchinson is best remembered for his service to the Terras,
the former midfielder also made two appearances for the county town
and current Magpies’ boss Phil Simkin has echoed King’s
sentiments.
He added: “I’m pleased for Hutch as he deserves this
testimonial. I hope he has a great day.”
The Bob Lucas Trophy was devised in honour of Weymouth’s
lifetime president, who sadly passed away in August 2010.
Like Hutchinson, Lucas enjoyed spells at both clubs but it was
the Terras that won the first meeting between the two in this annual
pre-season match back on July 30, 2011 when they triumphed 2-1 at
the Avenue Stadium.
King believes the Magpies will be desperate to make it honours
even and is looking forward to the showdown.
He added: “We won it last year so I expect they will want
to get one over on us this time but in terms of our preparations
for the new season it is another step up again.
“So far we have played a Dorset Premier League side, aWessex
League side, a Football League academy side and a Southern League
South & West side so it will be interesting to see how we fare
now against a good Dorchester side from the league above.
“It is a great test for us and I am very much looking forward
to it.”
Trialists Rob Farkins and Dan Smith are expected to feature again
for the Terras tomorrow with King still in the process of trying
to secure a deal for the latter.
He said: “I will be sitting down again with Dan this week.
“Other clubs are interested in him but he has enjoyed his
time with us so far and I am hopeful we can get him on board because
he gives us a completely different option.”
Meanwhile, Simkin remains hopeful of fielding Exeter City duo Jamie
Reid and Jacob Wannell at the Bob Lucas Stadium – providing
their loan deals are completed in time.
He said: “I’m still not certain if they will be available
to play, it all depends on how quickly the paperwork goes through.
If the paperwork gets done then they will play.”
As for the rest of his squad, Simkin is expected to rest any players
carrying slight knocks, including winger Nick Crittenden.
The manager added: “We have got two or three niggly injuries
and we are too close to the start of the season for me to be risking
people.
“We have still got some trialists we want to look at as well.”
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