Hutchings reunited with Jewell April 25 2008
Championship-bound Derby have confirmed the appointment of Chris Hutchings as their new assistant manager.
Hutchings will replace Stan Ternent, who took the reins at Huddersfield on Thursday, as Paul Jewell's number two at Pride Park.
The 50-year-old has previously worked under Jewell at Bradford and Wigan, succeeding the Liverpudlian on both occasions as boss.
He was given his chance at the JJB Stadium following Jewell's departure at the end of last season but was relieved of his duties by Latics owner Dave Whelan in November.
Jewell has already secured three promotions - one at Bradford and two with Wigan - with Hutchings as his assistant and now the Rams chief hopes the pair can add a fourth by guiding relegated County back to the Premier League at the first attempt next season.
He told the club's official website: "Chris is a football man through and through and he lives to be on the training ground.
"He understands footballers and what makes them tick, he's a people person and tactically there are few better than him.
"We have struck up a great understanding over the years and I'm delighted he has agreed to come on board. Our main task now is to put together a squad capable and in the right frame of mind to launch a promotion campaign next season for Derby County."
And Hutchings insists he has already seen enough evidence to suggest Derby have the infrastructure in place to establish themselves as a top-flight club.
"When Paul got back in touch, I was delighted to join up with him again. Football is a game based on trust and when you build up relationships over time, these can be invaluable.
"Coming into the club as an outsider, I can see the potential at the club is incredible.
"There is an ambitious chairman backed by totally committed new owners, a manager with a proven track record, a great stadium filled every week by a magnificent support base and most importantly, there is a core of good players here, whose confidence has been badly shaken but who I'm certain can regroup in the summer and start fulfilling their potential.
"The ingredients are here and I'm looking forward to getting back to work."