from swindontownfc.co.uk

David Prutton has become Danny Wilson’s second new signing for 2010/2011. The 28 year old central midfielder joins Town with vast experience, having played 317 Football League games and scored 18 goals. Prutton excelled earlier in his career, first at Nottingham Forest then at Southampton in the Premier League following a £2.5M transfer in 2003. Since then Prutton has established himself in League One as a player for Nottingham Forest (loan), Leeds and Colchester since his release from Southampton in May 2007.

Thanks to Colchester United fan Michael Harridge for his view on Prutton and how he may fare under Wilson.

When we first signed Prutton I felt pretty happy as he came with a good pedigree; former England under 21 international, top flight experience and at 28, not over the hill. He scored on his debut and looked like he would slot straight into the side and hopefully install some confidence in those less experienced players around him.

After his explosive start things didn’t really progress from there and he looked pretty average. This may of course have been partly down to the questionable tactics of then manager Aidy Boothroyd. He seemed to lack any creativity going forward and played the long punt upfield, whereas you might have expected him to be the type of player who would have put his foot on the ball and looked for an intelligent pass.

I remember one game, where he had been booked early in the game and then in the dying minutes proceeded out of frustration kick the ball out of the ground when it had gone out of play and thus receiving a second yellow card resulting in a red and needless suspension for a crucial game in the run-in! He managed to keep John-Joe O’Toole out of the side for a period, a player who I highly rate.

When it was announced that he had been offered a new contract by Boothroyd, Imyself and other supporters were a little dissapointed  failing to see what exactly he brought to the side. I personally am glad that he decided not to sign the contract on offer and has left. He may well be a good signing for yourselves and your style of play may suit him as our new managers style may have suited him.

Good luck with him.