Sheffield Wednesday fans all say the same thing about Sam Hutchinson after incredible AFC Wimbledon recovery

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AFC Wimbledon’s Sam Hutchinson spent nine seasons of his career at Hillsborough with Sheffield Wednesday, becoming a fan favourite for the Owls.

A product of Chelsea’s youth system, Hutchinson’s journey to Sheffield Wednesday was anything but conventional after he made his senior debut in 2007 but was forced to retire in 2010 at just 21 due to chronic knee issues.

After a year away from the game, Hutchinson made a remarkable comeback in 2011, rejoining Chelsea and later embarking on loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Vitesse Arnhem prior to moving to South Yorkshire.

In February 2014, Hutchinson joined Sheffield Wednesday on an initial 28-day loan, which was extended until April. Following his release from Chelsea, he signed a permanent two-year contract with the Owls in July 2014.

His combative style and versatility endeared him to fans, with Hutchinson able to operate as a defensive midfielder or fill in at centre-back. Now at AFC Wimbledon, that has remained a feature of his game.

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Sam Hutchinson’s interview following heart attack with AFC Wimbledon

Hutchinson’s time at Hillsborough was marked by his resilience and his obvious passion and leadership on the pitch, making him a cult hero among supporters. He was part of a vastly experienced team who stuck together for a number of years, including club legends Barry Bannan and Liam Palmer.

Now a 35-year-old and still playing despite those early knee troubles, Hutchinson is eyeing a promotion with his current club. Back on 10 December 2024, Hutchinson joined League Two side Wimbledon on an initial one-month deal.

That lasted until 8 January 2025 but it was extended until the end of the 2024/25 season. Then, on the final day of the campaign, Wimbledon confirmed their place in the League Two play-offs thanks to a 1-0 win away at Grimsby Town.

Not only that, but it was Hutchinson scoring his first goal in over three years with the winning goal on 52 minutes with a header against Plymouth Argyle for Wednesday in League One. Since then, it has been revealed that Hutchinson suffered “heart complications” on his way home from the game.

He felt something in his chest after six minutes and wanted to come off but played on. It turns out it was a heart attack, and Hutchinson has had his season cut short through a surgery to correct the issue recently ahead of the play-off final on Monday against Walsall.

Hutchinson has spoken to the media since. He said: “We got back on the coach afterwards and I started to get more chest pains as the adrenaline wore off.

“We ended up stopping in Nottingham [hospital] on our way back and they essentially told me I’d had a heart attack. I was in there for five days. I was like a pin cushion by the end of it after getting lots of tests done.

“A branch of an artery was blocked 75%. I had an angiogram and had a stent put in by a specialist in London who was unbelievable. I’m on the road to recovery now.”

“When they told me I’d had a heart attack, I broke down,” he added. “Only because I wanted to still play football, I didn’t want that to be the end and I didn’t really care that I’d had a heart attack.

“I just wanted to still play and thankfully the specialist told me that I’d have no problems playing football again. The one thing that the professor – who had looked after both Tom Lockyer and Christian Eriksen – said was my situation was nothing like theirs.

“It was a blockage and it was all fixed, there was no need for a defibrillator to be fitted. I just now see it as another injury, another hurdle to overcome. Now it’s all about the team and doing the business on Monday.

“I’m absolutely devastated that I can’t play but I’m there to support the boys and fingers crossed we can get it over the line and do what everyone wants us to do.”

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Sheffield Wednesday fans show Sam Hutchinson love and support

The interview gained plenty of traction far and wide, but most responses came via Sheffield Wednesday fans. One said: “All the best to Sam on his recovery. We still love him at Sheffield Wednesday. True warrior and legend of the game.”

Another lovely response read: “An absolute gent and a man of the highest calibre. So happy to see you’re on the mend Sammy Lad. Made up for the Dons too. Good luck. WAWAW”

His bravery has been commended, with other Owls fans stating: “Bravest footballer I ever had the privilege to watch at Wednesday. Almost too brave for his own good sometimes! Make a full speedy recovery Sammy you legend.”

Another added: “Sam is a huge inspiration, glad to see he’s looking so well. Only one player could have a heart attack, stay on and score the winner. Hopefully the lads win the final for him.”

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Emotional messages of support for Sam Hutchinson as his career continues

Remarkably, Hutchinson wants to continue, which shows the true measure of the man. His commitment has been applauded by EFL expert George Elek of NTT20.

The 35-year-old is hoping to see Wimbledon gain promotion and to gain a new contract in the process, having shown his class at League One level already.

This could be what prolongs his playing career even further, which would be truly incredible to see.