AFC Wimbledon midfielder Sam Hutchinson has revealed he suffered a heart attack in the sixth minute of a match against Grimsby Town earlier this month, yet remarkably continued playing and scored the winning goal.
The 35-year-old former Chelsea player only discovered the severity of his condition after the May 2 fixture when his symptoms worsened on the team coach journey home.
Hutchinson's 53rd-minute strike secured a crucial 1-0 victory that earned the Dons a place in the League Two play-offs.
Despite experiencing chest pains, Hutchinson battled through the entire match at Blundell Park without realising the seriousness of his condition.
Sam Hutchinson revealed he suffered a heart attack during a match before going on to score the winner
PA
"I felt rubbish during the game for some reason," Hutchinson said after the fixture.
"I had a tight chest and wanted to come off after six minutes but I just battled on through like an old warhorse."
The midfielder's determination paid off when he netted the decisive goal in the 52nd minute, unaware that he was playing with a serious heart condition.
It was only after the match that Hutchinson's condition deteriorated significantly.
"I was experiencing a lot of pain," he told the club website.
"I got on the coach after the game, the adrenaline wore off and I started having more pains in my chest. From there we made a pit stop in Nottingham."
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Medical staff at the hospital confirmed he had suffered a heart attack, with tests revealing a branch of an artery was 75 per cent blocked.
Hutchinson spent five days in hospital undergoing various tests before having a stent fitted by a specialist in London.
"I'm on the road to recovery now," Hutchinson said, already making remarkable progress.
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Sam Hutchinson will miss Monday's play-off final against Walsall
Wimbledon
"I ran on Monday, believe it or not. A lot of people say things slow down but I feel really good."
Despite his rapid recovery, he will miss Monday's play-off final against Walsall.
"I am absolutely devastated I can't play on Monday," he admitted. "I genuinely think I could play. It would be dangerous but I could play. I would love to, I'm not going to."
Despite the frightening ordeal, Hutchinson remains determined to resume his football career.
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Sam Hutchinson has bravely chosen to tell his story after experiencing heart complications and undergoing surgery recently.
— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) May 20, 2025
Sam has also taken this opportunity to thank everyone for their unwavering support.
We’re all with you Hutch. ❤️ #AFCW 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/BpZe7Ten05
"I broke down when they told me in the hospital because playing football is all I ever want to do," he said.
"I didn't care that I had a heart attack, I'm not really like that."
Hutchinson, who joined Chelsea's academy at age nine and made six senior appearances for the club, has been reassured about his future in the sport.
"The specialist in London has told me there's no problem with playing football again, so I'm happy."
