THE SADDLERS have received another timely boost with the news that popular goalkeeper, Clayton Ince has put pen-to-paper on a new deal.

The 2008/09 Player of the Year returned to pre-season training on Monday after being away on International Duty with Trinidad & Tobago and has signed a one-year contract with the option of a further year. "I am delighted that Clayton has committed himself to the club," said manager, Chris Hutchings. "It means that we now have good competition in the goalkeeping department with Rene Gilmartin working hard during pre-season.

"We will use both players during the pre-season programme of matches.

"Clayton has been playing and training throughout the summer, but has had the last two weeks off so we will monitor his fitness levels during the course of the week.

"This is another boost for us as we prepare for the new season."

Ince, who turned 37 on Monday, added: "I'm happy with the news, the manager is happy with the news and hopefully the supporters will be happy too. Now the contract is signed everyone can settle down and concentrate on the season ahead.

"I think that League One is going to be just as exciting as the Premier League and Championship this season. There are some big clubs and it's going to be a real challenge for us but we have a good team and a fighting chance.

"We put down the foundations last season and did well. We have some promising young lads and an excellent team spirit, which will count for a lot.

"From a personal point of view I want to first and foremost maintain the high standards that I set myself last year and then build upon them as the season goes on. There is plenty of competition for places here and that can only be a good thing as it keeps everyone sharp and on their toes."