AFC Wimbledon in Talks to Extend Sam Hutchinson’s Contract Weeks After Heart Attack, as Nine Players Depart
AFC Wimbledon have confirmed they are in contract talks with veteran defender Sam Hutchinson just weeks after the 35-year-old suffered a heart attack during the club’s final League Two regular season match.
Hutchinson, a former Chelsea youth standout, remarkably played through chest pains in the Dons’ 1-0 victory over Grimsby Town on May 3 — a match in which he scored the decisive goal that secured Wimbledon’s place in the League Two play-offs. The seriousness of his condition only became clear after the match, when he was rushed to hospital and later underwent heart surgery.
In a heartfelt interview, Hutchinson recounted the harrowing experience. “To be fair, I felt like rubbish during the game for some reason,” he said. “I had a really tight chest. I wanted to come off in the first six minutes but I had to battle on like an old warhorse.”
The defender was later diagnosed with a heart attack at Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham. “I broke down when they told me in the hospital because playing football is all I ever want to do,” Hutchinson admitted.
Despite missing the Dons’ play-off campaign — which ended triumphantly with a 1-0 win over Walsall in the final — Hutchinson’s story has become symbolic of the team’s fighting spirit. Now, AFC Wimbledon are open to the possibility of him returning to action, pending recovery, with contract discussions currently underway.
Squad Reshaping Underway
As the club prepares for life in League One, Wimbledon have also confirmed they are in talks to extend the contract of forward Marcus Browne, while new offers have been made to Ryan Johnson, Josh Neufville, and James Tilley. Meanwhile, the club has exercised its option to extend Isaac Ogundere’s stay.
In a major reshuffle, however, nine players have been released as the Dons look to freshen up the squad ahead of next season. Director of football Craig Cope acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized the legacy the departing players leave behind.
“It’s always hard saying goodbye to players at the end of the season, but it is especially tough this year as we say goodbye and thank you to some incredible people and families who have truly impacted this club,” Cope said.
“Our promotion is not a one-season piece of work, it has been nearly three years in the making. Each of the players leaving have made an impact on our promotion and I know everyone involved with the Club will extend their thanks.”
Additionally, loanees James Furlong, Owen Goodman, Joe Pigott, and Alistair Smith will return to their parent clubs following the conclusion of their loan spells.
Looking Ahead
With a promotion-winning campaign now behind them, AFC Wimbledon are building a squad capable of competing in League One. Whether Hutchinson makes a full return to the pitch remains to be seen, but his courage and commitment have already left an indelible mark on the club.
For now, fans will wait with hope as contract negotiations unfold — and as the Dons begin their preparations for the next chapter.
