SELDOM in his career as the BBC’s Match of the Day anchorman had Jimmy Hill’s brow been so furrowed or his chin so forlorn. It was Ian Hutchinson, the Chelsea forward, who galvanised the “Chinned Wonder” into such consternation with his prodigious long throws that proved an integral part of the Saturday afternoon entertainment at Stamford Bridge, and later in the evening for Hill’s punditry.
The Kings Road would have to wait a decade for Dallas and Dynasty to confirm shoulder-pads as fashion accessories, but Hutchinson was without doubt the innovator of a tactical shoulder accessory that few football clubs could do without.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Hutchinson, who died two years ago aged 54, must have felt content. The long-throw tactic has become almost endemic — a crossbreed from his windmill-style action. Andy Legg, for Notts County, performed his own version of the long throw during the 1990s, turning a somersault before releasing the ball.
Hutchinson reprieved Chelsea in the 1970 FA Cup Final against Leeds United at Wembley, with a headed equaliser four minutes from time. It was his long throw from the left touchline that created the winning goal for David Webb in the replay at Old Trafford, an injury-time goal for Chelsea’s first FA Cup Final victory.
It would be 30 years before Dave Challinor, the Tranmere Rovers captain, next unleashed the weapon, upon Leicester City in the League Cup final. Challinor’s public profile had risen during the Wirral club’s epic matches in both domestic cup competitions. Away to Bolton Wanderers, strategically placed advertising boards reduced his run-up in the League Cup semi-finals, while the ballboys at the Reebok were told not to allow him his trademark towel to wipe the ball before launching it towards goal.