Boss Carter delighted as prize asset Hutchings signs on for 10th season at Moneyfields

Steve Hutchings, left, has scored 217 goals for Moneyfields in 300 appearances since joining the club in 2011. Picture: Neil Marshall

The former AFC Bournemouth striker, who has netted 217 times in 300 club appearances, has committed to a 10th season at Dover Road.

Hutchings played a key part in the Moneys progressing to step 4 of non-league football in 2017.

Now Carter is tipping his prized asset's goals to push the club towards another promotion this season.

Still only 29, the boss insists Hutchings’ best years are still ahead of him - and is confident those years will be in a Moneys shirt.

‘He always seems to be linked with every club across the area,' said Carter.

‘But he’s going to be, Steve scores goals.

‘He’s a big, strong centre forward and I’m sure every team around our level - and even in the league above - would love to have him in their side.

‘He’s 29 now so he’s right in his prime.

‘He’s committed for the season and you get him fit, he’ll get 30 goals this season.’

Hutchings first played for Moneys om 2011/12, scoring 28 goals in 31 Wessex Premier matches.

His best season was in 2014/15, when he fired 42 goals in all competitions in just 38 starts.

He also bagged 24 goals in 27 starts when Moneys finished runners-up in 2016/17 but still win promotion.

‘Steve just loves Moneyfields, he's been here for years,’ said Carter.

'His record for the club shows that he’s someone who should be playing at a higher level.

‘He loves the place, loves everyone around it and loves the boys.

‘That’s why he’s re-signed to play for us.'

Moneyfields had high hopes that Hutchings and Ryan Pennery could form a formidable partnership last term.

However, the former Baffins and Gosport Borough forward’s first season at the club came to a premature end after rupturing his cruciate ligament and ACL in January.

Pennery could be back available at some point this year.

‘Ryan’s kept himself fit and done all the work the physio is telling him to do,' Carter explained.

‘They’ve said if the operation goes well he could be back within two months, so fingers crossed really.

‘He can’t do anything until they open up the operations again.

‘They’re all still shut down and it’s only emergency operations at the moment.

‘Until they open that up and get him in, he can’t go any further.'

Moneys start their pre-season preparation against Lymington Town at Sway this Saturday before hosting Hampshire League Premier Division outfit Paulsgrove at Dover Road on Tuesday.