Ex Scotland International Tommy Hutchison, who began his senior career at Recreation Park with Alloa Athletic in March, 1966 will be guest of honor at the second attempt at Alloa Athletic vs Falkirk on the 21st January Scottish Cup 4th round tie.

Tommy will be available on the day to sign copies of his recently published autobiography “Hutch – Hard Work and Belief” which will be on sale for Twenty Pounds, against RRP of Twenty Five. This is the story of how one small boy’s near impossible dream became a reality. Growing up in poverty in the austere 1950s Fife coalfield, Tommy Hutchison had an unshakable belief that one day he would wear the dark blue shirt of Scotland. To an outsider it seemed an improbable ambition. Too weak to cross a ball from the byline to the goal area, the teenage Hutchison was overlooked by his teachers and never made the school football team. Through sheer determination, an indomitable spirit and hour upon hour of lonely practice, the adolescent Tommy was finally noticed by his local team, and his journey to Hampden and World Cup glory began.

Tommy signed for Alloa Athletic on 5th March, 1966 from Dundonald Bluebell after having trials with Dundee United, Blackburn Rovers and Oldham Athletic, Archie “Curly” McPherson signed him for “The Wasps” and the journey began, eventually signing for Blackpool on 7th February, 1968 for Six Thousand Pounds which was a lot of money at that time. Tommy’s football genius ultimately took him all over the world to play with and against some of the greatest footballers of the 1970s and 80s in a career spanning four amazing decades. Making his Scotland debut v. Czechosolvakia at Hampden in 1973 in 2-1 victory which saw the Scots qualify for the 1974 World Cup in Germany, he also played for Coventry City, Manchester City, Burnley, Swansea City & Merthyr Tydfil before moving into management.

Hutch, Hard Work and Belief is the funny yet inspiring story of how the seemingly unattainable can be achieved by unwavering, resolute self-belief. Catch up with Tommy at the Alloa Athletic home match v. Falkirk on 17th December, 2022, when he will be happy to recall his memories in the Beautiful Game and sign copies of his book.