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From the Bridge to the Lane
Former Chelsea chief executive Colin Hutchinson may have retired from a life of multi-million pound football deals but he can still spot a club with real potential when he sees one.
Hutchinson 68, who now resides in Eastbourne, was so impressed by Borough after a visit to watch them play against Dorchester and an FA Cup clash with Weymouth, he approached the club to offer his services on a voluntary basis.
Chairman Len Smith had no hesitation in contacting the ex-Chelsea supremo who now hopes his vast football knowledge can help Boro as they embark on their first season in the Blue Square Premier.
Hutchinson said, "I went to see a couple of games last season and I was really impressed. For a non-league club the set-up is fabulous.
"What they have achieved so far is a remarkable story. In 1986 they were competing in Sussex division three and look where they are now.
"The club has so many people doing great things behind the scenes. It's a real community club and that's one of their main strengths.
"My role will be to help out where I'm needed. I have covered most roles in running a football club and if my experiences can help then great."
Hutchinson was the chief executive of Chelsea during a boom period in the English game. The money and marketing from Sky TV was having a huge impact as the Premier League transformed from a stuttering national league to a cash rich global product.
During a 15-year career at Stamford Bridge, that spanned from 1987-2002, Hutchinson rubbed shoulders with football's elite and instigated Chelsea's transition from perennial mid- table boredom into Roman Abramovic's European superpower that exists today.
Hutchinson appointed the likes of Glenn Hoddle, Ruud Gullit, Gianluca Vialli and Claudio Ranieri and was responsible for the multi million pound transfers of Gianfranco Zola, Frank Lampard, Frank Leboeuf, Marcel Desailly, Gustavo Poyet, Tore Andr Flo, Mark Hughes, Roberto di Matteo and Didier Deschamps.
In a crazy seven-year period Hutchinson gave the green light for more than 126 million of transfer talent, a far cry from the Priory Lane budget.
He added, "We had some great times and we brought in the very best players from across Europe.
"We knew the world of football was changing and we (Ken Bates and Matthew Harding) made the decision to act then to make sure Chelsea would be at the top of the game and not get left behind.
"We laid the foundations for what you see at Chelsea today."
Hutchinson's business acumen helped raise the profile of Chelsea and he points to the signing of Italian playmaker Zola as the highlight, "Signing him made people sit up and take notice.
"He played the game with such style and with a smile on his face. He is a lovely genuine guy and we are still very good friends today.
"I also paid 11m for Frank Lampard and at the time people said that was crazy but look what he has gone on to achieve.
"One of my best deals was also signing Tore Andre Flo on a free transfer and selling him on to Rangers for 12m."
Million pound deals may be light years away from Priory Lane but Hutchinson insists his passion for the game remains.
He believes Boro are capable of consolidating in the Blue Square Premier and eventually go on to the Football League.
"I still get a buzz from the game, it is in my blood. There is something refreshing about non-league football and I'm looking forward to going along as a punter next season.
"It will be a tough season, In terms of standard there is little difference between the Conference Premier and League Two.
"The club has some big decisions to make but they have come this far so why not aim for the Football League."
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Weather for Eastbourne
Sunday 27 May 2012
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