DEAL: Goalkeeper Mark Gillespie joins Walsall from Carlisle

The 25-year-old glovesman moves to the Banks’s Stadium on a two-year deal after rejecting the chance to extend his stay with the Cumbrians.

Gillespie will officially join the Saddlers on July 1 when he contract with Keith Curles’ side expires.

And boss Jon Whitney is delighted to add him to his ranks with the Newcastle born star having been closely monitored by goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler.

“After turning down a contract offer from Carlisle, we knew Mark was after a new challenge,” Whitney said.

“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.”

Having transformed the careers of recent number ones Neil Etheridge and Richard O’Donnell over the past few years, Gillespie revealed the chance to work with Cutler was key to the move.

“It was a big thing knowing I was coming into the club with Neil Cutler as the goalkeeping coach,” he said.

“You only have to look at the goalkeepers he’s brought through and progressed here.

“The fact that he’s identified me as the goalkeeper he wanted is a big boost for me.

“The fact that I knew I’d be working with Cutler 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.”

Now a Saddler, Gillespie admits he can’t wait for the new season to start.

“I really can’t wait to get out there on the training ground and get started,” he added.

“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 at the stadium as well.”