Etheridge impressed with Walsall ambition

Towering goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has revealed Walsall's ambition was a major factor in him joining the club.

The 25-year-old shot stopper, who came through the youth-ranks at Fulham, signed a two-year contract at the Banks's Stadium last week.

A Philippines international, Etheridge had offers from teams in the Championship but opted to move to the Saddlers after being impressed by Dean Smith and goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler.

"Neil is someone who I have been in contact with for a while and he is the man who gave me the option to sign here," he said. "I came up, spoke with him, met the gaffer and I knew straight away this was the right club for me.

"Both of them are very ambitious and I knew when speaking to Dean he was right up my street.

"He made it clear we want to get into the play-offs. He showed the club has the heart and desire needed to succeed and that's what I want to be a part of. It was clear this is a club where I can achieve things."

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Etheridge will compete with 22-year-old Craig MacGillivray for the No.1 spot after Richard O'Donnell's move to Wigan.

And while Cutler was instrumental in transforming O'Donnell into one of the best keepers in League One, Etheridge said that didn't come into his thinking when he decided to join.

"Neil is a young goalkeeping coach, who is ambitious and very good at what he does," he said.

"I was aware of the work he had done with Richard but I didn't want to concentrate on that too much.

"I'm a different goalkeeper so the move had to be right for me."

Meanwhile, Walsall have confirmed they will head to Wales on Sunday as part of their pre-season training schedule. As well fitness work, the squad will climb Snowdon and take part in bonding exercises.