Cobblers complete Guttridge deal

Guttridge has had a successful pre-season with the Cobblers

Northampton Town have completed the free signing of midfielder Luke Guttridge on a two-year deal.

The 26-year-old joins after impressing Cobblers manager Stuart Gray during a pre-season trial.

"We're delighted to have signed Luke," boss Gray told the club's official website.

"He is the right age, he's got a decent record wherever he's been and I think he definitely adds something to the squad," he added.

"I've been impressed with his ability on the ball, he can use both feet and he's got an eye for goal."

What I do like about him is that he can dominate games from midfield Northampton boss Stuart Gray

Guttridge began his career as a trainee at Torquay United before moving to Cambridge in 2000 on a free transfer.

He had to wait until the following spring to make his league debut for them, but impressed by scoring two goals in two minutes.

He moved to Southend United in March 2005 and was a major part of the side that won League One in 2006.

Following promotion he lost his place in the first team and was sent on loan to Leyton Orient where signed a six-month deal in January 2007.

He joined Colchester United at the start of last season and played 14 times for them before being released.

"He's not had a pre-season as such so I think he can get better but what I do like about him is that he can dominate games from midfield," Gray added.

"I think he did that in our game against Luton and to an extent against West Brom but the pleasing thing is that he can still improve."