Hutchinson hails coaches, teammates for prolific form
JAMAICA INTERNATIONAL Omari Hutchinson has pointed to the input of the Ipswich coaching staff and teammates as one of the reasons behind his recent surge in form in the English Championship.
The 20-year-old on-loan Chelsea forward scored his third goal in five games last Saturday as Ipswich Town blew away Birmingham City 3-1 to go level on 72 points with second-placed Leeds.
“I’ve been working really hard and it’s all paying off now. I’m really buzzing with the goals and helping the team,” Hutchinson was quoted as saying.
“This is my first season in men’s football. Without the coaching staff and my teammates helping me, I probably wouldn’t be doing as well as I am now.
“I’m very harsh on myself, I let stuff get to me and that’s what I’m trying to work on as well, the mental side of things.”
Hutchinson’s goal came in the second minute of injury time, and was his second such goal over the last week, following his dramatic winner against Rotherham last Tuesday which came in the fifth minute of stoppage to give Ipswich a 4-3 victory.
He said the late strikes were a testament to Ipswich’s – dubbed The Tractor Boys – never-say-die attitude.
“When we see 90 minutes, and added time, we always think we can get another goal,” he pointed out.
“That’s how we are as a team – until the final whistle goes, there’s always a chance to score.
“We’ve got very technical, skilful players coming on to impact the game and create havoc for defences.”
Hutchinson, who was born in England, started his youth career at Chelsea before leaving only to return to Stamford Bridge last year on a senior contract.
He subsequently joined Ipswich on a season-long loan last July and has now tallied six goals.
Hutchinson made his international debut for Jamaica two years ago.