Defender signs for Seagulls

WESTON manager Andy Gurney has captured the signing of man mountain former Bristol City defender Clayton Fortune.

The 26-year-old centre back has put pen to paper at the Woodspring Stadium after his release by Darlington this summer.

Fortune, who stands at 6ft 3, has played more than 100 league games and is set to form the bedrock of the Seagulls defence this season in the Conference South.

Gurney told the Mercury: "It's brilliant news for the club.

"He's a very good player and has enough ability to play at a much higher standard.

"His ambition will be to return to the league, but we are what he needs to get kick-started and hopefully we will be able to help him while he helps us."

Fortune played 53 games for the Robins before joining Leyton Orient in 2006.

He signed for Darlington at the start of the 2008 season, but most recent appearance came last season for Conference National side Rushden and Diamonds.

Details of the contract signed were unavailable as the Mercury went to press.