Left back Tutonda joins the Shrimps

Former Gillingham defender David Tutonda has today joined Morecambe FC on a one-year-deal.

The left back, who has over 220 career appearances under his belt, brings defensive experience to the club from across the English football pyramid, and becomes the club's 14th summer signing.

Signed to the Cardiff City academy by Neal Ardley in 2012, he spent almost five years with the Bluebirds that included loan spells with Newport County and York City.

Following his departure from the Welsh side, Tutonda signed for Barnet where he would spend three-and-a-half seasons across League Two and the National League. During his time with The Bees, he would make over 100 appearances. David, who is naturally a left-back, has also shown capabilities in playing as a left centre-back and in an advanced wingback role during his career.

Tutonda spent the 2020-21 season with Bristol Rovers before joining Gillingham in the summer of 2021.

He departed Gillingham just a few weeks ago following the expiration of his contract.

Manager, Derek Adams said: "David has talent that has been seen across various leagues in England and at 27 years old has a significant number of games under his belt.”

“We have had to be patient in our recruitment for reinforcements across the defensive line, but we are really happy to have David joining us who will certainly add some good experience to us as well as a different dynamic to what we already have in the building.”

On signing, Tutonda added: "I am well aware of the challenges of League Two football, and I am eager to kick on here at Morecambe with the great group of players in the dressing room. This move has come at a really good time where I am ready to keep pushing and testing myself and I feel this is a good place for me to do that.”

The defender won't be available for tomorrow's match at Mansfield Town, subject to EFL confirmation he will be available for Tuesday evening’s match with Notts County.