Rochdale sign Andrew Tutte and Simon Hackney

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Andrew Tutte
Image caption,

Tutte has worked with Dale boss Steve Eyre in the Man City youth set-up

Rochdale have signed midfielder Andrew Tutte and winger Simon Hackney on free transfers and agreed a new two-year deal with captain Gary Jones.

Tutte, 20, was released by Manchester City this summer and has signed a two-year deal with the Dale.

Hackney, 27, has signed a 12-month contract after leaving Colchester.

Jones, 34, Rochdale's record appearance holder, had been linked with several clubs this summer after scoring 19 goals last season.

New manager Steve Eyre told BBC Radio Manchester: "We're absolutely delighted to re-sign Jones on a two-year deal.

"Me and Frank [new assistant Frank Bunn, external] can't really take any credit for him re-signing, we're just hoping we can enhance his career, add to what people have already done, and enhance this fantastic professional."

Tutte had loan spells with the Dale, Shrewsbury Town and Yeovil last season and the Glovers wanted to keep him., external

"I know there was a lot of interest," continued Eyre. "There were some concrete offers, and there were some better deals for him financially, but he recognises what we're hoping to achieve.

"Tutte worked with us for a decade at Manchester City and he was an outstanding youth player - captain of the youth team and the reserves. He's a fantastic leader - I think he'll be a captain of any side he plays for in the future, most notably Rochdale.

"He's an England youth international, he has passion, he has talent and he's a fantastic young professional.

"His development at Manchester City was slightly hampered towards the end of his time there because it's so difficult to break through to that first team at City, so we're grateful he's come and we're going to offer him the pathway to develop. I think we'll all benefit from him."

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