Hutchinson was born in Glasgow. He turned professional with Darlington in August 1891 before moving on to Newcastle United in October 1893. He joined Nelson in January 1894 and in July of that year signed for West Bromwich Albion for a £50 fee. He made his Albion debut in September 1894 in an away match at Sheffield United. He played in the 1895 FA Cup Final, which Albion lost to local rivals Aston Villa.