'Not in my hands' - Hutchinson discusses future

On-loan Cheltenham Town midfielder Isaac Hutchinson said it is "out of his hands" where he plays next season but he wants to play at the "highest level possible".

Hutchinson has enjoyed his most prolific seasons to date, scoring 20 goals in all competitions - two for parent club Bristol Rovers - and earned a place in the League Two team of the season.

The Robins' game on Saturday at home to Colchester is set to be his final in Cheltenham colours although Hutchinson said where he goes next is not in his control.

"It's really not in my hands in terms of what happens, it's going to be largely dictated by Bristol Rovers in terms of what they want to do," Hutchinson told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

"I've had a really good season and I want to play as high as possible, I've always said that. I feel like I deserve a crack at doing that and we'll have to see what happens."

Hutchinson signed a three-year deal with Bristol Rovers from Walsall in 2024 but left his parent club on transfer deadline day last summer after receiving abuse that then-head coach Darrell Clarke described as "disgraceful".

Rovers published out a statement at the time to say they were working with the English Football League and police to identify those involved with sending abuse to Hutchinson and his family.

The 26-year-old was recalled to Bristol Rovers in January and played in two games, before returning to Whaddon Road on another loan until the end of the season.

He has started all of Cheltenham's league games since then with the only exception last weekend's 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Rovers.

Gas manager Steve Evans said Hutchinson had made it clear he wanted to leave but that there would need to be a "significant transfer fee" to sell him this summer.

"Trying to get in my team might be more difficult than any team he signs for but what I will say is 20-plus goals from midfield - we'll welcome him back if he comes back in the building, but I imagine there will be significant interest," Evans told BBC Radio Bristol.

Hutchinson said it had been a tough season with the abuse he was initially receiving.

He said moving up the M5 to Cheltenham felt like someone had taken a rucksack full of bricks off his back.

"Some people understand of course who have been through it but not everyone will know what toll it takes on your family," he said.

"I've just been I've been lucky enough to come into an amazing club that welcomed me with open arms to begin with and just a really good group of players and staff."

Michael Flynn, who originally signed Hutchinson, was sacked in September and replaced by Steve Cotterill and he says both have played a part in making him a better player.

"The gaffer and his staff have been amazing with me carried on that trust that I got from Michael Flynn and belief and I feel like I've become a better player over the season because of that," he said.

Hutchinson also credits the style of play Cotterill has implemented.

"It's probably the first time I've been at a club where we've really tried to pass it and not go from back to front so quickly, which I feel has suited me down to the ground," he said.

"That sort of position and where I've been playing for him, as the season's gone on I think I've just got a better understanding of what he wants and just sort of gone from strength to strength."