Rene Gilmartin signs for Watford

Walsall goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin has signed a two-year deal with Watford after rejecting a new contract at the Banks's Stadium.

The 23-year-old has quit the club despite finishing last season as the Saddlers' number one stopper.

Gilmartin put the finishing touches on a deal this morning and joins the Championship outfit who narrowly avoided relegation last term.

Saddlers boss Chris Hutchings signed a replacement last night after swooping for Macclesfield goalkeeper Jonny Brain.

And Hutchings hopes Gilmartin has made the right choice to go to Vicarage Road and challenge Hornets keeper Scott Loach.

He said: "Only time will tell, you could arguably say it's too soon, but if he goes and makes a fantastic impact then he's made the right move.

"It's something he has to get round and I'm sure he'll be willing to fight for his place, as he has done here after a number of years of being told by previous managers he was number two to Clayton Ince.

"When I came in I said there wasn't a number one, you will both fight it out."

Walsall have struck a compensation deal with the Hornets, as Gilmartin was under 24 but are left searching for another goalkeeper as back-up for Brain.

Gilmartin joined the Saddlers in 2005 but only became their first choice last season after Ince, who retired in May, was dropped following a series of high profile errors.

The Irishman made 39 appearances in his five years with the Saddlers and had a loan spell at Hednesford in 2007. He is the second departure this week after Mark Hughes' shock switch to North Queensland Fury on Monday.

Julian Gray's future at Walsall has also yet to be resolved. The winger didn't join the squad for the start of pre-season training this morning but their contract offer is still on the table.

The former Birmingham wide man wants to keep his options open, but it is understood the Saddlers are the only club to make a concrete offer.