REUSCH GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR
NICK HUTCHINGS – POOLE TOWN
BEING a goalkeeper can be a thankless task. You're under constant scrutiny and every mistake could cost your team a goal.
Even when you play a blinder and keep a clean sheet, there's a chance that some fleet-footed forward will pop up, score the winner, and steal the headlines.
But Poole Town stopper Nick Hutchings can now enjoy some headlines of his own after being named Goalkeeper of the Year at Wednesday's ceremony.
The 28-year-old was the cornerstone on which the Dolphins built their Southern League Division One South & West title success, conceding just 29 goals in 36 league fixtures.
His assured handling, command of the penalty area and superb reflexes helped his side win the league by 14 points from closest rivals Hungerford Town.
They also secured the Dorset Senior Cup for the first time in four years, with Hutchings putting in a faultless displayduring a 4-1 victory over his former club Wimborne Town.
His presence was integral to the meanest defence below Step 2 of the pyramid, with only Conference North winners Chester conceding fewer league goals.
Hutchings finished the campaign having conceded less than a goal a game in his 49 appearances across all competitions, a record that included a hugely impressive 21 clean sheets.
But rather than bask in the glory of being Non-League's top stopper, Hutchings paid tribute to everyone at Poole.
“I want to thank everyone at the club. I joined them at what was a difficult time in my life and their support has been brilliant,” he said.
“The defence in front of me had a fantastic season so a lot of credit has to go to them too.
“I'd also like to thank the supporters – this is a fan-voted award and without so many of them getting behind me I wouldn't be picking up this trophy.
“It's a real honour – the perfect way to end what has been a fantastic season for both me and the club.”
The accredited Sport Scientist beat many more familiar Non-League names to the accolade, including Mansfield's Alan Marriott, Gateshead's Alan Bartlett and last year's winner Chester FC keeper Jon Danby, who had another excellent season.
And Hutchings had another reason to celebrate this week after agreeing a deal with award sponsors Reusch to wear their gloves for the 2013-14 campaign.He joins the likes of Brazil keeper Julio Caesar and AC Milan's Christian Abbiati at Reusch and the company's country manager, Bob Fidler, is delighted to have him on board.
“We think it's crucial to support goalkeepers at all levels, not just internationals and world stars,” he toldThe NLP.
“Nick has come off the back of a cracking season; hopefully he can continue that success in the Southern League Premier Division while wearing Reusch.”
