Farnham Town pull off major coup with ex-Premier League midfielder Sam Hutchinson

Farnham Town have pulled off a major coup with the signing of former Premier League and Championship midfielder Sam Hutchinson, who chairman Harry Hugo describes as the “highest-profile signing in the club’s history”.

The 36-year-old joins the National League South newcomers on a two-year contract following his departure from League One side AFC Wimbledon.

Hutchinson brings almost 300 senior appearances from a career which began at Chelsea before enjoying lengthy spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Reading.

He joined the Dons in December 2024 and played a key role as the club earned promotion to League One via the play-offs, making 23 appearances before leaving last month.

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Incredibly exciting

“Sam is probably the highest-profile signing in the club’s history,” Hugo said. “That’s an incredibly exciting thing to think about.

“Having spent the best part of the last two decades around the pro game in the Premier League and Football League, it’s clear that from speaking to Sam he wanted a fresh challenge in football at this stage of his career, and we’re delighted that he’s chosen to take that next step with us.

“He had offers to stay in the Football League, including some from his former clubs, but he’s chosen Farnham Town which says a lot about where we’re at as a club now.

“Able to play in midfield or in defence, Sam offers us valuable options, experience and leadership in a playing group that’s going to need that this season as we tackle the National League South for the first time ever.

“We’re all looking forward to working with Sam over the next two years as a key part of this next chapter of our story.”

Experience

Town’s rise through the Non-League pyramid reached another milestone last season as they defeated Gloucester City 5-1 in the Southern League Premier Division South play-off final to secure promotion to the sixth tier.

The man who guided Farnham to that success, manager Paul Johnson, said: “It’s great to welcome a player of Sam’s experience and calibre to our squad.

“As someone with over 300 appearances in the pro game, he’s seen and experienced everything there is to see in football, and will be able to use those experiences to help the rest of the group through what will be an exciting but challenging season at this level.

“He’s trained with the group recently and been with us at some recent friendlies, so he’s already begun to establish those relationships with his teammates and people around the club.

“As an experienced leader, Sam will raise the standards of the group and be an important voice in the dressing room.

“I look forward to working with him this season.”

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