Hutchison is turning back the clock at the Dell
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Preparations are going well for Kingussie’s first and second teams ahead of the resumption of shinty with one Red and Blues’ veteran leading by example.
Midfielder James Hutchison has been singled out by Kings boss John Gibson.
“Everyone is back and is fine and fit but James Hutchison is going absolutely great guns in training,” said Gibson. “I do not want to tempt fate but he is probably as fit as he has been for 10 years.”
The 42-year-old is ‘flying’ in training sessions, says his one-time and long-time team-mate Gibson.
“It is great to see him doing so well and he is really fired up for the new season.
“I remember he was in the Scottish Cup final squad in 1995 which was my first Camanachd Cup final, and he was a substitute that day.
“Hutch has been a wonderful servant to the club. Really steady – I think we can call him the Denis Irwin (ex-Manchester United and Ireland defender) of shinty.
“He is an eight or nine out of 10 every week man. He goes quietly about his business and is Mr Consistent.”
“I wouldn’t mind another 10 of him!”
The only player who will not be regularly available for selection from the Premiership winning squad this time out will be Ryan MacWilliam because of new job commitments. But he is hoping to be able to play for the seconds when time off permits
Gibson is delighted with the numbers returning to the twice weekly training sessions at The Dell given the time away from the game caused by Covid.
He said: “Training is going well and we are into our third week now. It is different in that we can only train in groups of up to 15 so logistically it is a bit more of a headache and, of course, there is no contact at the moment.
“It has been a bit tough to juggle but we are managing. However, it is great to have the players all back together."
