[themaclad]

League Two side Walsall have signed goalkeeper Sam Hornby on a one-year contract following a successful trial period.

The 29-year-old had spent last season at Colchester United, but after losing the number one spot to Owen Goodman, Hornby was released by the U's in June.

Hornby told the Saddlers' club website, external that he was "delighted" to be joining.

The former Port Vale and Bradford City stopper is the second goalkeeper Walsall have signed following the arrival of Tommy Simkin on a season-long loan from Stoke City.

"It’s one we’ve been really careful about who we put alongside Tommy (Simkin) and Sam is the perfect one," head coach Mat Sadler told the club website.

[themaclad]

Defender Taylor Allen has signed a new deal at Walsall, extending his stay at the West Midlands club until 2026.

Allen joined his boyhood club two years ago on a free transfer from Forest Green Rovers and his contract was set to run out next summer.

The 24-year-old, who can play at left-back or in central defence, has penned a one-year extension at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.

“I'm buzzing to sign an extension," Allen told the official club website, external.

"Having that run of games last year towards the end of the season really helped me as different challenges came up and you learn how to deal with those challenges.

"This year is a different challenge for me and I'm hoping that I can go one better from what I did last year."

The Saddlers begin their 2024-25 League Two campaign on Saturday at home to Morecambe.

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Walsall have signed West Bromwich Albion forward Reyes Cleary on loan for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old is the eighth summer signing by the Saddlers, who have won both League Two games so far, beating Morecambe and Swindon without conceding a goal.

Cleary has made seven senior appearances for the Baggies and signed a new one-year contract last month, with an option for a further 12 months.

"He’s a very good finisher, very direct, wants to get at people and he gives us a different attacking outlet which is what I talk about all the time, having different weapons in the game to be able to beat teams in different ways and he does that," said head coach Mat Sadler.

Cleary scored 19 goals for West Brom's Under-21 side during the 2022-23 season.

He said: "It’s good to play Premier League 2 but I need to start doing it against men in the real life of football because that’s the only way I’m going to get better."

Walsall are next in action on Saturday with an away game against Tranmere Rovers.

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Walsall have signed England Under-19 international forward Nathan Lowe on a season-long loan deal from Stoke City.

The 18-year-old has come through the Championship side's academy and has played 17 times for the club in all competitions.

His first goal in senior football was a late winner for the Potters in their league victory at Bristol City last season.

Lowe has three caps for England's Under-19 side, having made his international debut last October.

“I’m buzzing to be here,” Lowe told the League Two club's website., external

“I want to experience proper men’s football and hopefully I can develop, score a lot of goals and help the club.

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Walsall have signed defender Rico Browne after he impressed during a trial with the League Two club.

The 20-year-old joins the Saddlers after a compensation package was agreed with Birmingham City, where his contract recently expired.

He has agreed a one-year deal with the option of an additional year.

As Brown is under 23 and was offered a new contract by Birmingham, external, having come through their youth system, he was unable to move on a free transfer.

In such cases, a compensation fee is set by a tribunal unless the two clubs reach an agreement.

“I’m delighted to be here,” Browne told Walsall's website., external

“The plans the head coach has for the rest of the season suited what I’ve been looking for and I’ve felt really comfortable since I came in."

Browne, who did not make a first-team appearance for Birmingham, was on loan at National League North side Rushall Olympic last season.

Walsall head coach Mat Sadler said: “With the injuries that we had, it’s a really good opportunity for an extra player to be with us and somebody who we think can improve with us.

“I didn’t just want to bring anybody in, I wanted to bring somebody in who’s got a real chance of getting better, improving and will work extremely hard, so I’m delighted to bring Rico in and we look forward to working together.”