Mark Gillespie leaves Walsall for Motherwell

The goalkeeper, who joined the Saddlers last summer, has had his contract at the Banks's Stadium terminated by mutual consent to allow him to move north of the border.

Snapped up from Carlisle, the 26-year-old began the 2017/18 campaign as Walsall's number one but lost his place to Liam Roberts.

And he has now opted to move on in pursuit of regular first-team football.

“I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the club,” Gillespie said.

“Personally, I enjoyed working with (former coach) Neil Cutler and I learned a lot from him. Steve Hale came in as well and was great with me.

“I had a really good relationship with Liam and I’m sure we’ll keep in touch.

"When he got his chance he took it and did really well. Hopefully he can kick on next season and I’m sure he’ll have a really good career.

“I was obviously disappointed not to play in the second half of the season but I felt I played my part in helping Liam, and that’s football.

“I’m moving on now to a new challenge, which I’m excited about, but I’ll still keep an eye on how Walsall do.

“It’s a great group of lads, and with a new manager now, hopefully the club can push on next season.”

Gillespie's departure means boss Dean Keates is likely to be on the lookout for a new keeper to provide competition for Roberts next season.