WALSALL Football Club have beaten off a host of clubs to secure the signature of promising youngster, Sean Geddes.

The 16 year-old has signed a one-year apprenticeship, which will then be followed by a two-year professional contract, commencing on 1st June 2009.

Geddes has progressed through our Centre of Excellence and, despite being courted by a number of Premier League sides, put pen to paper on the deal earlier today.

"We are delighted that Sean sees his future here at Walsall Football Club," explained Saddlers' boss, Jimmy Mullen. "Sean is a very promising youngster and it is a testament to the work carried out by the likes of Mick Halsall (Head of Youth) and Bill Jones (Youth Liaison Officer) that Sean has made the progress he has.

"There is a long way to go in his development but he is a real talent and, under the guidance of Mick Halsall, looks set to have a bright future.

"The fact that a large number of Premier League clubs have expressed an interest in Sean shows what a talent he is and the fact that he has decided to stay here shows what a thriving and respected youth system we have in place."