“Great strides” – Impressive manager on Chelsea winger who is emerging as unexpected star of this year’s loans

In a season of poor loans, we’re delighted that one has developed into something really positive.

Omari Hutchinson was not even nearly at the top of the list of the most hyped players going into this season, but as many of those sent on more glamorous moves struggled, the young winger has seen his season at Ipswich get better and better.

A lot of credit has to go to his manager there, Kieran McKenna. He’s managed Hutchinson very carefully in his first senior season, gradually introducing him to the hectic and physical Championship as the months have gone by.

Even now he’s not a starter, but he’s one of the most dangerous contributors off the bench in the whole division, and is contributing crucial goals and assists to Ipswich’s push up the table.

McKenna’s comments on him were very interesting, and reveal a lot about what he makes of the 20 year old:

“He’s having a very strong season, especially for someone in their first season of men’s football. He’s come on in great strides in many different areas, but he’s also very grounded and very humble,” the manager said in quotes picked up by Football.London.

“He knows he’s only at the very start of his career and he’s got aspirations and he wants to continue to improve much further from where he is now. I’m sure if he shows the same attitude and mindset that he has done up to this point he’ll continue to do so.”