While admitting the legacy of Paul Jewell, who resigned last month, is a lasting one inside the JJB Stadium, Hutchings believes he can take Wigan on to the next level and carry on the club's success story.
He has already shown he is not afraid to make tough decisions as a manager by releasing captain and club ambassador Arjan De Zeeuw.
David Unsworth, whose penalty on the last day of the season at Sheffield United preserved Wigan's top-flight status, was also told he would have to seek alternative employment.
Both were thanked, but Hutchings knows it's time to move on.
Hutchings told M.E.N. Sport: "At this level you need pace at the back. Matt Jackson has also moved on and I have tremendous respect for all of them, but I just felt we had to move on now and I had to bring in some younger, fresher legs.
"A lack of pace at the back was a big concern and good teams have pace because it can cover a multitude of sins and it can get any team out of trouble.
"I guess quite a few people were surprised when we let Arry go because he was a fantastic professional and definitely one of the best I have worked with. But he was somewhat injury-prone a little last season and that went against him. I still think he'll do a good job elsewhere and I've given him a first class recommendation.
"What he and the other lads did for Wigan will never be forgotten."
Hutchings still intends bringing in at least three more players following the capture of Newcastle duo Titus Bramble and Antoine Sibierski, former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot and, yesterday, Andreas Granqvist from Helsingborg.
Confident
The new man is confident more will follow and that they may be 'high profile' players.
"The so-called small club trying to sign the big name players theory has been quashed now by what we've already done," he added. "The three signings we have made are big names from big clubs and don't forget we already have Emile Heskey and Chris Kirkland, both England players, and the new players will go nicely with other big names we have here."
Wigan completed the signing of defender Granqvist last night.
The 22-year-old Swedish international - who was on loan at the club last season - has signed a two-year contract.
Hutchings said: "There was a lot of interest in Andreas, which is why I wanted to get this done quickly. Andreas has got bags of potential and I think he has the ability to make a real impact in the Premier League.
"He's good technically, he's strong and powerful and has pace, now it's up to us to make sure we harness that potential and turn him into a Premier League regular."
The Swede said: "To play in England has always been a dream for me, and I am thrilled to have sorted out the move.
"I feel I can now push and challenge for a regular first team place next season. I get on really well with the manager and I am very optimistic about the future now.
"I can't wait to get back and start challenging for my place."
Hutchings has switched football co-ordinator Bill Green, the former Scunthorpe boss, to the new role of full-time European scout.
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