Don's Delight

Don Hutchison is delighted to have had a run-out on Saturday - and says he is going to work right through the summer.

Don, who replaced goal scorer David Connolly, says:

"I felt really sharp when I came on but it is obviously easier when the lads have done a great job as they had in the second half.

"The boys passed the ball well which is a really good sign."

Don has no complaints about being on the bench at the Britannia stadium, and he adds:

"As long as they are winning you have got no arguments; it is frustrating when you are not playing because you want to help the boys, and I haven't figured much this season.

"I want to earn my wages and give the gaffer something to smile about.

"It has been a bit of a dodgy season off the field and with injuries.

"I only played a small part in the first team this year but if I can play a big part in the next five games then hopefully that will be enough.

"I am not going to have any holidays in the summer, I am going to do as much work as I can and come back strong - basically I want to stay fit and get a head start on everyone else for next year."

As for the prospects of promotion, he says:

"We just have to make sure we win the next two then we will have a bit of momentum and we can look forward to the playoffs.

"We are in a healthy position now; we knew if we won the last three we would make the playoffs - we have done one so now we have to prepare for next week.

"You normally find that the team having the late surge with the momentum does really well so touch wood it is West Ham.

"If you are being brutally honest I don't think it has been the greatest season; it has been a bit patchy.

"But we are putting a good run on towards the end and that is the main thing."

Don was pleased to see Matthew Etherington and Michael Carrick back in action and says:

"Mattie gives us something because he can run with the ball and he is so athletic; Mick is obviously different class with his passing, so it was good to have them back."