FORMER York City defender Steve Tutill has walked out on Darlington to sign a three-year deal with Third Division rivals Chesterfield.

The centre-half, who has been a Feethams regular since making his debut against Mansfield in February 1998, finished his two-year-contract last week and was in talks over a new deal.

However, the talks broke down over terms and after negotiations yesterday with Chesterfield boss Nicky Law Tutill, 30, signed a three-year deal with the Spirerites.

Tutill follows former York players Mark Samways and Marco Gabbiadini out of the Quakers' exit door while Peter Duffield also left Darlington to join City.

New Leicester City manager Peter Taylor has confirmed an interest in Sunderland's ex-Minstermen defender Darren Williams and Wolves' striker Ade Akinbiyi.

As reported in yesterday's Evening Press on on this website, any transfer involving Williams will be of interest to York because the club negotiated a sell-on clause when he moved to the North East in 1996.

The Minstermen are believed to be set to pick up 10 per cent of any fee - Sunderland are believed to be looking for £3million for the defender.

Taylor said: "I have made inquiries about Akinbiyi and Williams but that is as far as it goes at the moment."

Leeds United and Ipswich Town are also believed to be monitoring developments.