Craig MacGillivray leaving Walsall FC

The shot-stopper, signed from non-league Harrogate Town in 2014, announced on social media yesterday that he would depart the Saddlers this summer.

The 24-year-old has made 19 appearances in all competition in his time in the West Midlands and played the final five games of the 2016/17 campaign with Neil Etheridge out injured.

Just two weeks ago MacGillivray declared himself 100 per cent ready to step up as the Saddlers' No.1 with Etheridge also expected to leave this summer.

But Whitney said he and MacGillivray both agreed it was the best the player moved on after the boss refused to guarantee him first-team fooball.

“Although Craig gave a good account of himself in the final five games, I had to be honest with him and tell him that I didn’t see him as my number one at this stage,” Whitney said.

“At this stage of his career Craig needs to be playing regularly.

“We couldn’t guarantee him that. We sat down and had an open and honest conversation and we feel comfortable that the decision made is best for all concerned.

“He has always worked incredibly hard and we wish him all the best in his future career.”

MacGIllivray took to social media website Twitter to thank the club as well as Walsall’s fans for their support over the past three years.

“The three years I've had at Walsall have been an experience I will look back on with great fondness,” he said.

“However I have come to the stage in my career where I need to seek more game time, really kick on and progress now.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to all the players I have had the pleasure of working alongside for that past three years as well as the staff who have helped me develop as a goalkeeper and a person - it means the world to me.

“Lastly I would like to give the biggest thank-you to the fans who have been brilliant since day one.

“You have made me feel part of something great.”