REECE Hutchinson says that he is thankful to the Academy for helping him in his development, after the left back made his maiden first team start against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup.
The Academy graduate signed his first professional deal in the summer, and made his league debut against Gillingham earlier this season.
The youngster’s full debut came in the second-round of the Carabao Cup, where he put in an impressive performance as the Brewers overcame Villa through a Liam Boyce goal.
Hutchinson says that the playing time given to him, along with fellow Young Brewers such as Marcus Harness, Ben Fox and Joe Sbarra, shows that there is a pathway from the Academy to the first team.
The youngster has also thanked coaches such as Academy Manager Dan Robinson and Professional Development Phase Lead Coach Sam Rose for their help in his road to first team football.
He said: “As you can see, they have all played crucial minutes recently. It just shows that there is always a pathway from the Academy.
“He (Dan) came into the dressing room afterwards. He gave me a big hug and said ‘well done’. He was sat next to my dad and said that my dad was super proud of me, and that the whole Academy were proud of me.
“I have got to thank them (The Academy) for this opportunity. Coming through the Academy is not easy but, thankfully, they helped me through it.
“(The coaches) have been crucial in my development. If I had questions, then I would ask them, and they would help me out. On the training field every day they would give me tips on how to improve as a player. “
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