WILTSHIRE footballer Jon Guthrie has signed a two-year deal with EFL League One side Walsall.

The 24 year old former Pewsey Vale FC defender, who is from Milton Lilbourne, will officially join the Saddlers on July 1 after his contract with League Two outfit Crewe Alexandra expires.

Guthrie, who can play at full-back and centre-half, began his career with Vale before signing for Crewe in 2011.

He went on to make 137 appearances for the Railwaymen, scoring once but, earlier this week told the Gazette & Herald he had departed Alex to seek a new challenge in League One.

Referring to his Walsall move, Guthrie told saddlers.co.uk: “I’m really excited to join the club; the deal has been agreed for a while now, so I’m glad to get the announcement over the finishing line.

"I’m really excited and can’t wait to get started.

“There was a big attraction to come and play for Walsall, there were a couple of clubs who had made offers both in league one and two, but I felt after meeting Jon (Whitney, manager), seeing the training ground facilities and learning more about the club, I knew that this would be the best fit for me.

“The club are well known for developing players and that’s what I want to do, keep improving. For me this was the best fit for me and the right club for me”

Whitney added: “We’re delighted to get Jon on board to bolster our defence for next season.

“He has got plenty of experience of League One from his time with Crewe and we think he can work well with the team.

“We’re getting Jon at a good stage of his career and crucially he’ll be with us from the beginning of pre-season."