Hutchinson lifts the lid on shock exit (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Hutchinson lifts the lid on shock exit

9:00am Thursday 18th June 2009

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IAN Hutchinson lifted the lid on his shock exit from Bridport by claiming the chance to return to Weymouth was “too good to turn down.”

The 36-year-old rocked St Mary’s Field on Monday night when he quit to become Matty Hale’s second-in-command at the Wessex Stadium.

Hale, who was appointed Weymouth boss last month, approached his former team-mate after his deputy Andy Tillson took up a coaching role at Exeter City.

And Hutchinson revealed the lure of rekindling his relationship with a club for whom he made more than 550 appearances was too much to resist.

Speaking exclusively to the Bridport News, Hutchinson said: “Matty rang me and said he wanted me there as his number two.

“In the end it was a no-brainer. To get the chance to return to Weymouth and work with Matty was too good to turn down.

“I’ve had a fantastic time at Bridport and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity given to me by them.

“It wasn’t a case of just walking away but the chairman (Adrian Scadding) was aware of my situation and the fact I was at Weymouth for 12 years.”

It has emerged that Hutchinson had previously declined the offer of a backroom role from Hale because he sought a more high-profile position.

But Tillson’s decision earlier this week to part company with Weymouth paved the way for his return.

Bees’ chairman Adrian Scadding paid tribute to his departing manager in a written statement submitted to the Bridport News on Tuesday.

He said: “It was a great shock when Hutch rang me to say that he would be resigning as first-team manager.

“It is Bridport Football Club’s policy not to stand in the way of any manager or player wishing to better themselves.

“Myself and all at Bridport FC wish Hutch all the best for the future, he did a fantastic job in his time at Bridport bringing stability and respect to the club and will be sorely missed.”

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