Hutchinson: I'm too tired to go on

Chelsea managing director Colin Hutchinson is to leave at the end of the season, but denied today that he has rowed with chairman Ken Bates.

Hutchinson said he needs a rest after 15 years in a very demanding job.

But his departure will inevitably weaken the position of coach Claudio Ranieri, whom he was instrumental in taking to Stamford Bridge.

Since joining from Wimbledon, Hutchinson has been a key figure in the dramatic changes which have taken place at Chelsea.

A major part of his job has been to conduct the often complicated negotiations to sign foreign players.

He told Standard Sport today: "I've had 15 good years at Chelsea but it has been very demanding on me and my family. For the last six or seven years now I've not had a proper summer holiday and I've spent more time on the phone during the times when we have managed to get away.

"There have also been occasions when I've left my family on holiday and dashed off to sign players. Since the Premiership started I think I have only missed two first team games and no more than six games, including cup-ties.

"The decision was taken a few weeks ago and Ken has known for some time. We understand each other because we've been together for 15 years. Obviously I've given the matter a lot of thought and I know I am going to miss it.

"But I will still be around for the rest of this season and I just want to focus on that now.

"I want to do other things but at the moment I have got nothing in mind. I still want to remain in football but what shape or form that will take, I do not know. I certainly haven't had any contact with any other club and I haven't really given my future plans a lot of thought."

Hutchinson may not have to wait long for job offers. He has a formidable network of European contacts and is an authority on football's increasingly complex system of transfer regulations.

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