No hard feelings from Hutchings

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Everton are expected to unveil the 22-year-old left-back as their latest signing on Tuesday once the formalities of a £5million move are completed - after agreeing personal terms and undergoing a medical on Monday.

And there are no hard feelings from Hutchings, who said: "He has done a fantastic job for this club after coming through the system. He was brought up here and knows a lot of people but sometimes you need to make a change in your life."

Two weeks ago Baines turned down a switch to top-flight newcomers Sunderland two weeks ago after the Wearsiders had a £6million offer accepted by the Latics.

At that point Hutchings knew he was destined to lose the former England Under-21 defender and began making alternative arrangements. That it has taken this long for Baines to finally move has been something of a hindrance.

"The timing does not help us to be honest but we have been looking at left-backs and that will continue," said Hutchings.

"The situation with Leighton has rumbled on and we would have liked it sorted out earlier.

"But we have to move on. We would like to bring someone else in but I do not know if that will happen."

If Hutchings fails in his bid to bring in a replacement, then Kevin Kilbane will almost certainly fill in as an emergency left-back.

Hutchings added: "He has played there a number of times in pre-season and have every confidence in him."