'I saw myself coming back here' - Hutchinson on record-breaking Town switch

Sat at Portman Road late last night, the camera lights focused on Omari Hutchinson, who was otherwise surrounded by total darkness. It gave him a chance to reflect.

“This time last year, I signed for the club on loan - now I’m here on a permanent,” he told Town TV. “I’m happy to be back and get started.

“It feels surreal, really. It’s gone quickly. As I said, last year I was signing on loan, and here we are today signing on a permanent. I’m very excited.

“I had a good connection with the fans and especially a good connection with the manager, so it wasn’t a hard decision to come here on a permanent.

SIGN-UP! Get four months of ALL our Town content for just £4 - or 40% off a whole year!

“I’m looking forward to it.”

The versatile attacker completed a big-money move from Chelsea, a deal that shatters Ipswich Town’s transfer record, reaching £18 million plus add-ons.

It wasn’t as simple as negotiating a fee with Enzo Maresca’s side, however. Town had to convince him to re-join the club and sign a five-year contract, but given how positive his experience was on loan in Suffolk last season, it didn’t take long for everything to be agreed.

“When you’re a player, you want that confidence,” Hutchinson said. “With the fans, they give you that extra boost, especially with the manager.

Hutchinson said Town boss Kieran McKenna played a big part in his decision to return (Image: PA)

“They trusted me and had full belief in me, so it was a no-brainer to come here.”

Looking back on last season, the 20-year-old was asked about his favourite matches in an Ipswich shirt. He took some time to think, but ultimately chose the two sentimental options – the moments he thought about when the option to return became more and more realistic.

“Probably my first game, playing at the stadium, and my last game where I got the goal and we got promoted,” he argued.

“That was probably the best feeling.

“I kind of saw myself coming back here. When you’re asleep, you have those dreams, especially of the last game.

“It was a pleasure playing here last season and I can’t wait to get started, as I said.”

It was, of course, crucial to get his family on board, having supported him on every step of his football journey. They often came to watch the Blues play last season, and the vibe they got from the club certainly encouraged Hutchinson.

“Even when they came last season and they stepped foot in the stadium, they felt a good energy about it,” he revealed.

“When they saw the people, the people are really friendly.

The 20-year-old scored the second goal against Huddersfield Town as Ipswich secured promotion to the Premier League (Image: PA)

“It was an easy decision, that’s why we came back.”

The hard work starts now. When Hutchinson first came through the door, he was a raw yet talented youngster with next to no senior experience, but the way that developed over the course of a single season means that there’s a real sense of optimism that he can continue to grow.

“From minute go at the start of last season, he told me what I needed to bring to the team and what I need to work on,” he revealed. “He helped me throughout the whole season last season.

“He’s been very hard on me, always pushing me during training sessions and stuff like that, trying to get the best out of me.

“That’s what I need as a player, I’m always wanting to improve. It was good.”

Next season will be totally different for him and for Town. The step-up is significant, but the aim is clear. Hutchinson wants to shine and keep his side in the Premier League.

“I’ve got huge ambitions for the club, I want to stay in the Premier League with them, play against the biggest teams in the world - which I’m really looking forward to – and do amazing things with this club,” he explained.

Hutchinson registered 10 goals and five assists in 44 Championship games last season (Image: PA)

“For me, I always want to try my best for the team. As I always say, I want to score goals, assist, get fans out of their seats, helping the team as much as possible.

“Coming up to the Premier League is going to be difficult, it’s not going to be easy. We’re going to play the best teams in the world, but we’re going to have to fight and battle, which I’m looking forward to, actually.”

As for his message to the fans? “Be ready,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to this season and I hope they are too.”