PAUL Cox has not given up hopes of bringing Ritchie Sutton back to Holker Street, but admits the chances this season are growing slimmer.

The experienced full-back was a hit on loan at Barrow AFC from Tranmere Rovers in the second half of last season.

He played in 10 matches – losing only one – before his stay was cut short by injury and he returned to Prenton Park.

At the start of the close-season, Cox was hopeful that the chance might arise to bring in the 30-year-old former Port Vale and Mansfield man on a more permanent basis.

But Sutton has instead been a regular in pre-season for Rovers, often playing in the centre of defence, and seems likely to go into the upcoming campaign as a regular first-team squad member.

Cox says he will keep an eye on the situation as time goes on, but said: “Sutts is very much a defender – whether it's at centre-half or right-back. I would always be interested in players of Ritchie Sutton's calibre.

“Once again, we have to respect the player and Tranmere. While he is there and they have not made a decision with him, then we have to look elsewhere.

“I wouldn't say it was dead in the water, but it is something that we will have to monitor. We have to be patient.”