DON HUTCHINS

Born: 08 May 1948

Came from: Leicester City   Went to: Blackburn Rovers

First game: 30 August 1969   Last game: 18 April 1972

Appearances: 99 (98/1)   Goals: 23

Born in Middlesbrough, Hutchins started his career in youth football with North Riding before being signed as an apprentice by his home town team, but was released after being unable to progress beyond the youth side at Ayresome Park.

He then joined local team Stockton Juniors, where his performances on the wing brought him to the attention of several League clubs. He eventually joined Leicester City but could not break into their first team, making just four appearances between 1967 and 1969. It was while playing for Leicester reserves against Argyle reserves that he impressed Billy Bingham, and shortly afterwards he moved to Home Park for £5,000 in July 1969.

Frustrated by the lack of opportunities during his first season with Argyle, Hutchins requested a transfer and the board agreed. However, when no offers were received, he stayed at the club and finally got his chance early in the 1970-71 season. His speed, trickery and crossing ability often had the crowd on their feet, and he was also a regular goalscorer. His impressive performances led to a transfer to Third Division rivals Blackburn Rovers. In total, he spent three seasons at the club, playing 99 times and scoring 23 goals, while also finishing as the club's leading scorer for the 1970-71 season with 11 goals.

He went on to spend two years at Ewood Park, despite a rumour that he was to return to Argyle, before moving to Bradford City in what turned out to be a seminal spell. In seven seasons from 1974, he scored 44 goals in 256 appearances and became adored for his soaring pace, earning the nickname 'The Train'. He is often cited as the best City winger of the past 50 years. He starred in their famous 1975-76 FA Cup run to the quarter-finals, scoring five goals in six ties, and was also an influential figure in the 1976-77 promotion-winning side, which finished fourth in Division Four to secure promotion to Division Three.

By 1980, he had started to pick up injuries that took longer to clear up and, at the end of the 1980-81 season, he was forced to retire because of injury. After leaving Valley Parade, he attempted a comeback with non-league Scarborough in 1981-82, though injury issues prevented him from ever making a debut and he eventually retired fully from playing.

He remained living in West Yorkshire and settled in Baildon, working for Leyland Paints in the city for more than a decade, first as a salesman before being promoted to Sales Manager for the north of England. He now remains in Baildon, enjoying life after his retirement from work.