Tranmere central defender Ritchie Sutton has left the club to join fellow League Two side Morecambe on a free transfer, and it’s come as a bit of a surprise.
Sutton joined Rovers after their relegation to the National League in 2015 and played more than 100 games during his time at Prenton Park. While he spent a lot of time in and out of the team, his departure is a little surprising.
The former Mansfield defender has appeared 12 times for Tranmere this season and has done well. He has once again fallen down the pecking order with Steve McNulty, Mark Ellis and Manny Monthe ahead of him in Micky Mellon’s selections. However, with Rovers often now playing with three centre backs, you’d have thought that it leaves us a little thin in that position.
It’s likely another defender is lined-up to come in, and that’s certainly not a bad thing.
While Tranmere have generally been solid at home, away from home they have conceded goals at will. A lack of pace is a key issue defensively, so perhaps Mellon has targeted another defensive option who would alleviate that issue.
Either way, Tranmere fans will wish Sutton will as he embars on a new chapter in his career. A player who always gave his all in a white shirt, now 32, Sutton is probably keen to find first team football himself.
Thanks for playing your part in our promotion, Ritchie, and the very best for the future.
