Middlesbrough were in the hunt for a right-back in the summer, with new boss Jonathan Woodgate assessing a whole host of options ahead of his first season in management.
Ryan Shotton and Jonny Howson had deputised at full-back for Middlesbrough, with the former naturally a centre-back and the latter’s natural position being in the centre of midfield.
Charlton Athletic Anfernee Dijksteel signed in the transfer window and has been first choice so far this season, but reports in the summer suggested Woodgate was chasing former teammate Alan Hutton.
Hutton and Woodgate (as well as Boro assistant coach Robbie Keane) played for Tottenham together, and after the defender was released from Aston Villa last season, the Scotland international was, and still is, without a club.
Speaking to The Football Insider, Hutton has revealed why he rejected the chance to join Middlesbrough.
“I don’t really like saying because I don’t want to be like putting people in bad positions but the problem was it was far away” he said.
“For instance I had really good phone calls with Middlesbrough, obviously I know Robbie Keane and Jonathan Woodgate very well.
“It was a difficult one for me because I’d love to give them everything because I know them so well and I know how good they’ll be but just family-wise it would be difficult from where it is.
“It was a shame but sometimes you have to make a decision which is tough and that was a tough one for me, I think overall that was best for me.”
