Former Fulham captain Brown, 30, has joined the Latics on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee and is the club's seventh signing - following Titus Bramble, Antoine Sibierski, Mario Melchiot, Andreas Granqvist, Carlo Nash and Jason Koumas - since the dramatic final-day survival under Paul Jewell last season.

But Hutchings has not finished yet as he continues to rebuild a squad who looked like relegation certainties for large periods last year.

"The search goes on for more new blood; I still feel we need to add to the squad and we are optimistic that we can make further announcements, hopefully, sooner rather than later,'' he told the club's website, www.wiganlatics.co.uk.

West Brom full-back Paul Robinson is one such target and could be a long-term replacement for Leighton Baines whose future looks unlikely to be at the JJB Stadium.

``Robinson is a very good player, he's a tenacious full-back with plenty of experience,'' the manager told the Manchester Evening News.

``He has also shown a hunger for this club and is keen to come on board. Left-back is the only position we have not had cover for. We've been playing Kevin Kilbane there as a stop gap.''

Brown, meanwhile, represents a welcome addition for Hutchings.

He said: ``Like all of our signings we have done extensive research on the player and I feel he is someone who brings something new to the table.

``We have worked really hard behind the scenes to make this one happen because I believe he will make a big difference to the side and I am really happy Michael has agreed to join us.

``He has huge Premier League experience and is an all-action player who can play a number of roles in the middle of the park."