Walsall FC are delighted to confirm the signing of goalkeeper Mark Gillespie from Carlisle on a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old will officially join the Saddlers on 1st July, when his contract with the Cumbrians expires.
The 6'3" custodian came through his hometown club Newcastle's youth ranks before moving to Brunton Park in 2008, aged 16.
He went on to make over 150 league appearances for the Cumbrians and helped them reach the League Two play-offs last season.
“After turning down a contract offer from Carlisle, we knew he was after a new challenge," said manager Jon Whitney.
"We initially spoke to him and asked for a meeting, from there we knew he was the goalkeeper we were after.
“Neil knows him really well; he’s kept tabs on him. We’ve had nothing but good feedback from the people we know at Carlisle. It’s key we bring the right characters into the dressing room and Gillespie fits that profile.
“He’s a goalkeeper that can come in and be a dominant number one for us."
A delighted Gillespie added: “I’m very excited to be here and get it all sorted.
"I really can’t wait to get out there on the training ground and get started, it’s a new chapter for me and I’m excited that it’s here at Walsall. I’m looking forward to the first game and the atmosphere here at the stadium as well.
“It was a big thing knowing I was coming into the club with Neil Cutler as the goalkeeping coach. You only have to look at the goalkeepers he’s brought through and progressed here.
“The fact that I knew I’d be working with him was one of the main reasons I came to the club, the other being that I wanted to come to Walsall and really progress my career.
“I want to come in here and help the team out as much as I can.”