The defender's one month loan from Northwich Victoria ended after last weekend's 3-2 win over Wakefield which moved Halifax three points clear at the top of the Unibond One North table.

But the 22-year-old centre back has secured his release from the Cheshire club and will now be at the Shay for the rest of the campaign.

"Ritchie will be a fantastic signing," said Vince, who worked with Sutton at Crewe Alexandra's academy. "He was looking to move into part time football and we were in the right place at the right time.

"Someone of his quality will be a real asset at the club and I am excited that he has decided to come to us rather than go elsewhere."

Sutton will be in defence against Radcliffe tomorrow but Paul Collins will not as he starts a three match ban for the red card he was shown against Ossett Albion on Boxing Day.

With Kris King having been allowed to leave, Vince will have to plug the gap on the left, with Junior Brown a candidate to fill the wing back role.

Nigel Jemson could get another game in attack after his second half double against Wakefield and Neil Ross is pushing hard for inclusion after another week's hard training.

Town will be looking for a quickfire double over Radcliffe having beaten them 4-1 at Stainton Park on December 20.

But Vince has warned his side to take nothing for granted as they bid to build on last week's much-needed victory.

"I thought Radcliffe were a decent side," he said. "When we went 4-1 up we took our foot off the pedal and they showed that they could hurt us.

"We certainly won't be taking them lightly."

Vince has been unsuccessful in his attempt to lure a new midfielder to the Shay but that has been offset by good news on Scott Phelan's hamstring injury.

"One of the players I had spoken to and agreed a deal with in principle has decided that because of the travel and the fact he has a young family it is not right for him," said Vince.

"The challenge of a two hour journey to Halifax to train and play has proved too difficult.

"I am disappointed, but I understand the reasons.

"Physio Alan Russell Cox has worked his magic on Scott Phelan and he could be as close as a week to returning. That will help alleviate the pressure of having to get someone in in midfield."

Central defenders Steve Payne and Tony Barras have both trained this week and Vince said that they are a couple of weeks away from a return.

FC Halifax Town (from): Kennedy, Coo, Brown, Meadowcroft, Adams, Sutton, Smith, Baker, Allen, Leitch-Smith, Jemson, Gedman, Stott, Hinsley, Ross.


SUPPORTERS team AFC Halifax are in action on Saturday against Buxton on Savile Park (11am).