Hutchinson in Wimbledon contract talks weeks after heart attack

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AFC Wimbledon are in talks with Sam Hutchinson over a contract extension, just four weeks after the defender suffered a heart attack during a League Two match.

The former Chelsea and Sheffield Wednesday centre-back, 35, underwent surgery following the health scare, which happened in the sixth minute of the final match of the regular season, against Grimsby.

Incredibly, Hutchinson completed the entire match - and scored the winning goal.

The Dons went on to beat Notts County home and away in the play-off semi-finals before defeating Walsall 1-0 at Wembley to earn promotion to League One.

Hutchinson joined Wimbledon from Reading in December and has made 18 appearances for the club.

Midfielders James Tilley and Josh Neufville and defender Ryan Johnson have all been offered new deals, external at Plough Lane, while the club have triggered an option to extend Isaac Ogundere's contract.

Marcus Browne is also in talks over a new contract. The forward has scored four goals in 21 appearances since moving to the club from Oxford United in January.

Goalkeeper Owen Goodman has returned to Crystal Palace on completion of his season-long loan with the Dons.

The 21-year-old kept 24 clean sheets in 54 appearances in all competitions for the club.

He kept a clean sheet in each of his final four appearances - all 1-0 victories - culminating in the play-off final victory at Wembley.

James Furlong, Joe Piggot and Alistair Smith have also returned to their parent clubs.

"I'd like to say a massive thank you to our loan players, the impact they've made has been incredible," director of football Craig Cope told the Dons' website.

"James Furlong with an instant impact at the start of the season accumulating points early doors then coming in with some good performances later on as well.

"Club legend Joe Pigott returning with some crucial goals away at Cheltenham and Barrow.

"Finally landing long-term target Alistair who ended up being so reliable, missing one game all season and scoring some crucial goals.

"Owen coming across south London to become the best goalkeeper in the league, concede 35 goals in 49 games which has culminated in an England Under-21 call up."

Will Nightingale will end his 11-year association with the club as he departs this summer.

He will have a testimonial at the Cherry Red Records Stadium on Sunday.

Reuben Amissah, James Ball, Huseyin Biler, Paris Lock, Ryan McLean, John-Joe O'Toole, Lewis Ward and Morgan Williams have also departed the club.

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