THE SADDLERS have completed the signing of goalkeeper, Jonny Brain from Macclesfield Town.

The 27 year-old started his career with hometown club, Carlisle United where his fantastic progress earned him a move to Newcastle United in 1999.

He went on to join Port Vale in search of regular first-team football in 2003 and appeared almost 70 times for The Valiants before following manager, Brian Horton to Macclesfield Town in 2006.

Chalking up 143 appearances in all competitions for The Silkmen, he was voted as Players' Player of the Year last term for his reliable displays as the last line of defence.

"We are pleased to have him on board," said manager, Chris Hutchings. "He has done well over the last few years and has decent experience.

"He is looking to improve and is a good age for a goalkeeper, so we are lucky to have him.

"I've spoken to a lot of people about him and it's clear that he is a very good 'keeper who is just coming into his prime.

"He is here to really push the club on to where we belong."

Hutchings went on to reveal that he has 'a number of irons in the fire' as he looks to strengthen his squad. "It's been a busy summer," he added. "We have a few irons in the fire at the moment with regards to further signings.

"It's an ongoing situation and hopefully we'll be able to announce more new arrivals soon."

An exclusive interview with the new signing will appear here on www.saddlers.co.uk from Thursday...