Alan Hutton signs new contract for Aston Villa

Aston Villa sure knows how to keep supporters on their toes. A week after being in the headlines for giant (and real) financial concerns — the cult hero of Alan Hutton has signed on the dotted line of a new contract.

The right-back turned left-back Scottish Cafu has agreed to a one year deal for the 2018/2019 campaign. Hutton’s up-and-down career with Aston Villa is well-known since joining the club from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2011 (I feel old). The defender made 33 league and cup appearances last season — and impressed when he was forced to switch sides over to the left.

As was Set Pieces laid out, many expected the full back to be part of the trimming of the squad because he was already out of contract. This is but one puzzle piece movement from what is going to be a busy summer.

Opinions will vary from wild celebration for the cult figure — to raised eyebrows at having spending money on an older full back. Both sides have their arguments. The assumption here is (presuming the club are handling their business in a reasonable way, which has not always been the case) that the contract is an incentive based one with all eyes on promotion.

I will say this though. The last time that I can recall a player who was out of contract, released, and re-signed -- it was Brad Guzan. The American keeper went on to have a fantastic season... before falling off the cliff and ending his time with the club in total disaster.

I’m hoping for the fantastic season part to be repeated.