Midfielder Isaac joins Saddlers on a free transfer
DERBY County midfielder Isaac Hutchinson has agreed a move to League Two Walsall.
The former Southend United player will link up with the Saddlers on a free transfer once his contract with the Rams ends on June 30. Hutchinson, who spent time on loan at Crawley last season, has signed a year’s contract with Walsall including a year’s option.
The Derby Telegraph understands, however, that the Rams were unlikely to offer him a new deal.
Hutchinson said: “I am buzzing to get it over the line.
“I spoke to the manager a couple of weeks ago and I loved everything that he had to say, it was a positive chat.
“I am an attacking midfielder but I can play in any of the midfield roles and try and put my own spin on it.
“I can play out wide as well if needed and I think what fans will see is me trying to attack and try and get them off their seat.
“I’ll also do what I can defensively to try and help the team.
“To get it over the line and to be a Walsall player, I am happy with it.”
Walsall head coach Michael Flynn added: “Isaac has real energy in midfield.
“He’s box-to-box and can add goals and assists.
“He’s had a good upbringing at Derby and he scored against us last season for Crawley.
“He’s at the right age, he’s hungry and is a player that I’m excited to be working with and help progress his career.”
Hutchinson signed a two-year contract for Derby from Southend in October 2020 having played 40 times for the Shrimpers. He then made his debut for the Rams against Chorley in the FA Cup in January 2021. He also spent time on loan at Forest Green Rovers.
FAIR Game chief executive Niall Couper has called on the United Kingdom’s main political parties to firmly commit to overhauling football with an independent regulator in light of the ongoing situation at Derby County.
The coalition of football clubs that comprise Fair Game have highlighted that “poor governance” at clubs like the Rams allows owners to “hide their risk-taking behaviours, putting centuries of tradition and community at risk”.
AFC Wimbledon, Bristol Rovers, Chesterfield, Doncaster Rovers, Luton Town and Lincoln City are just half a dozen of the 33 clubs listed on their website as involved.
There are also a number of Fair Game ambassadors, which include former Premier League footballers Brian Deane, Dion Dublin and John Scales.
“Fans should be looking forward to the start of a new season,” said Couper, “not living in fear over whether their club will still be in existence at the end of it. Poor governance at clubs allows owners like those at Derby County to hide their risk-taking behaviours, putting centuries of tradition and community at risk.
“We need a firm commitment from our main political parties to deliver a real overhaul of football and quickly.”