Whilst never being fancied ahead of England name-stay Greame Le Saux during the Late 90’s, Andy Hinchcliffe can be considered one of England’s most underrated wing backs.
A ‘confidence’ player in the extreme, Hinchcliffe had pace to burn and a deadly left peg. His biggest handicap (as it were) would always been an unwelcome habit of being perennially injured.
But that left foot. It’s unsurprising to learn that the defender’s ability to swing in a cross was one of many solutions to the famous ‘left-sided’ problem blighting England managers throughout the 90’s.
Born in Manchester in the late 60’s, the former Everton and Wednesday favourite began his career with the Citizens. Establishing himself as the side’s first choice left-back, Hinchcliffe’s Man City highpoint came when getting on the scoresheet during his sides famous 5-1 thumping of rivals Manchester United.
Perhaps having reservations over the flying wing-backs lack of defensive sensibilities, Howard Kendall soon sold his speedy wide player to Colin Harvey’s led Everton side for Neil Pointon and 200,000. The deal bemused many City fans, what with the players’ positional flexibility (he was also a decent midfielder) and his raw potential.
Wednesday
Whilst crucial ligaments would hinder his progress (taking him out for an entire season), it was with the Toffees that the Manchester born footballer would enjoy the most fruitful 8 years of his career. The highlight of course being on the winning side during Everton’s 1-0 win over Man Utd in the FA Cup final – to this date Everton’s last trophy win. Those seeking out an easy win on betting offers injurwere alerted when Kendall would establish his distaste for the left back’s qualities by taking over from Joe Royal in 1998, and then selling Hinchliffe all over again – this time to Sheffield Wednesday.
Just prior to the move Hinchcliffe made his England berth, starting for Glenn Hoddle’s side during a 3-0 away win to Moldova during the qualification stage for the 1998 World Cup. The wing-back would go onto criticize the setup of the England side in comparison to the usual club setup.
Similar to how Rio Ferdinand spoke of the division of the national side due to Liverpool and Manchester United rivalries, Hinchcliffe criticized the lack of unity, emphasizing his belief that it was the main reason such talent failed on the biggest stage.
Injury
Spending four years with Yorkshire side Sheffield Wednesday, Hinchcliffe’s injuries finally caught up on him. Whilst the player would work hard to return following an operation on his knee, the white flagged was raised when the defender’s miraculous healing ability failed him.
Upon his retirement, he commented. “I hoped to have been able to play for another couple of years, but it’s not worked out that way.
“It’s a decision that I’ve had to accept but now I must look forward. “I’ve had excellent support at the club, from the medical and physio staff, and from the fans. “Even though I’ve had my injury problems over the past couple of years, the supporters have always given me a good reception, and I wish them well.”
Whilst former left-back now operates as a footballing expert for Sky Sports, his talents live on through respected Finnish composer Osmo Tapio Räihälä was compsoed a piece in order of the former Toffee’s wing back, titled Hinchcliffe Thumper — tha’ Bloody Intermezzo.
