"Hurricane" Duncan Hutchison was one of the most dynamic and exciting forwards to play for Dundee United. He was also one of the most beloved players to have worn a United shirt. Between 1927 and 1929, his goalscoring feats helped the club towards the Division Two championship, securing promotion to the top tier of Scottish football. For the 1929-30 season, United would take their place at the top table for only the third season since their formation twenty years prior.
There is no doubting that mere months later, it would have come as something of a "scunner" when 'Hutch' was lured away from United to sign for English Division One contenders Newcastle United - after only 3 games in the top flight!
Such was the esteem he was held in when he was sold, United fans went as far as to boycott matches. On the flip side of the coin, many United fans wished him well, and even followed him down to St. James Park to watch his debut for the Magpies!
A chance transfer opportunity brought about his eventual return to United in 1935 and he spent four more years adding to an already successful career with the club.
In this short entry to the Arab Archive Blog, we bring you an article from the Aberdeen People's Journal of July 8, 1939 - penned by the 'Hurricane' himself - who at the end of his playing days took a look back at the "Transfer Coincidence" which saw him sign for United on two different occasions - both times on a free transfer.
Free Winger to £4,000 - Transfer Coincidence
By Duncan Hutchison, Dundee United
It's really amazing how a man's fortunes can turn in football. Take my own case. I was playing in Midlothian football with Rosewell Rosedale at left-back. Only twelve games I played for them when Dunfermline Athletic came along and signed me. But not as a back. They made me an outside-right.
If I had dreams of becoming a star, these, I may say, were quickly and rudely shattered. At the end of the season I was handed a free transfer and my prospects appeared to be nil. But luck had not deserted me. An old clubmate in Bill Paterson, the goalkeeper, hadn't forgotten me. He recommended me to Jimmy Brownlie of Dundee United, and one day they arrived at my home in Fife in big Bill's motorcycle and sidecar. And what a picture they presented.
Pitiless rain had fallen all day, and when they arrived they looked like drowned rats. I asked them if they had swum the Tay. But Jimmy Brownlie was not worrying about his condition. It was my signature he was after, and it didn't take him long to get it. And what position do you think he signed me for? None other than centre-forward. Thus, in a short space of time I had signed for three different clubs and for three different positions.
My third signing proved a lucky one. No longer do I believe that the number is unlucky. I entered into the happiest time I ever had in football. Jimmy Brownlie must have known something when he put me into the centre berth. I hit a good game right off, and I was was scoring many sensational goals.
Before long English clubs were on the job. One day I was called into the office to be told that Newcastle United wanted me. At first I didn't want to go. I was happy at Tannadice Park under a man who always was the players' friend. I refer to Jimmy Brownlie.
Again, I had found my feet in Dundee and was popular with the supporters. I preferred that position to the uncertainty of English football. However, the United officials pointed out advantages I would have, especially joining a famous club like Newcastle United. I was persuaded, and something over £4,000 changed hands.
That was a quick change. From a free transfer winger of Dunfermline to a £4,000 centre-forward looked to me as being nothing short of a miracle.
Above: This mascot was given to Duncan Hutchison as a good luck token when he moved to Newcastle in 1929. His nickname "Hurricane" is stitched on its back. (Credit: Gordon Barrie)
I am not to say I was a failure in England, although I could not be written down as a howling success. I had quite a happy time at Newcastle and found myself a wife there before being transferred to Derby County. After a spell with Derby I moved on to Hull City. While at Hull a rather remarkable happening took place. The City became interested in Bobby Yorke, of Dundee United, who was also a free agent when he first joined United. Hull arranged to transfer me back to Dundee and give a small fee in return for Yorke.
I jumped at the chance, and at Tannadice Park, where I still am, l have served at back, right-wing, and centre-forward since my return. So United actually got me twice without spending money and yet raked in over a £4,000 fee for me. And the man who figured on the opposite side of the Hull deal — Bobby Yorke — returned to Dundee United two years ago and became a clubmate. He gave good service, too, before throwing in his lot with Montrose.
Funny game football, you say. I tell you it is.
As it would turn out, 'Hutch' had played his last competitive football match for United by the time he wrote this article. During his time at Tannadice, he scored 122 goals in 215 games.
He remained under contract at United until August when he was freed by the club's directors, and aside from the occasional benefit match, he called time on his 15 year playing career shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War. He later became a publican, running the United Bar in Dundee.
He was invited to join the Board at United in 1953 and took temporary charge of team matters between the resignation of Willie MacFadyen and the appointment of Reggie Smith as Manager. In 1963, he became Chairman of Dundee United, but was only in the position for just a brief spell. He remained a Director until his death in 1973.
In January 2011, 'Hutch' was inducted into the Dundee United Hall of Fame. Read his Archive bio here.