He played for Celtic against Rangers and Manchester United but the demise of Ben Hutchison shows no sign of letting up.
His transfer from Middlesbrough in January 2008 looked like a shrewd acquisition with Gordon Strachan picking up a 19-year-old striker who had made eight substitute appearances in the Premiership.
While Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Scott McDonald were securing the title Hutchison was being getting used to life at Celtic to compete for a place the following season. It never worked out.
Strachan made a comment about having to use his seventh choice striker in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United with Hutchison going on to have loan spells at Swindon, Dundee and Lincoln before being released by Celtic a year ago and joining Kilmarnock.
In January he was again sent out on loan to Mansfield with the deal made permanent to the Conference side last month.
Hutchinson has been in and out of the Mansfield side in pre-season after falling foul of manager Paul Cox in the opening friendly at Leamington.
“Both (Hutchison and fellow striker Louis Briscoe) were dropped last night as I needed more from them than I got last weekend,” Cox said after the 2-0 win at Hednesford.
“I hope this is the kick up the backside that jolts them as both are excellent footballers.
“Standards have to be raised here and I won’t put up with people wanting to stroll through matches. If this means upsetting footballers then so be it.
“I have spat my dummy out a bit with them as it’s my job to get players into the best possible form.
“At Hednesford I thought both sets of forwards showed me what was needed and raised the bar but the door is open for Ben and Louis- it’s up to them.”
On Wednesday night Mansfield beat Derby 2-1 at home without Hutchison, Briscoe appeared as a 75th minute substitute.
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Whilst at Lincoln City he ‘allegedly’ made a comment about the home fans. That was the beginning of the end. Never seemed to be interested when he was playing which also didn’t endear him to the locals
I’m really sad to read this because Ben played for my local team Eastwood town F.C and I was so proud that he’d signed for Celtic.He is still young enough to have a decent footballing career and I hope he realises this.
Thought the bhoy looked great when we got him classy on the ball an could finish just a shame his attitude stinks and is lazy oh what could have been. Anyway we got hooper now just need a target man for him now lol hail hail gbnl
He scored some wonderful goals in the reserves/U19s. Most thought it was only a matter of time before first team glory was his.
Unfortunately, he was one of them. Like you Declan, I think he is still young enough to get the finger out.
Lazy bugger that seemed that football was interfering with something else he’d rather be doing.
Talent will only take you so far in the game, need application / attitude to really make a mark and earn the right. Just one of many young players who will fail to maximise potential.