Free agent Breckin turns down Walsall
Free agent Ian Breckin has rejected the chance to become Walsall's first summer signing.
Veteran centre-back Breckin, who was released by Nottingham Forest in May, held talks with Saddlers chief Chris Hutchings – assistant boss at Wigan during his three years with the Latics – this week.
But the 33-year-old former Reds skipper has instead decided to join an unnamed club, whose identity will be revealed next week, closer to his home in Rotherham.
Speaking exclusively to the Express & Star, he said: "I spoke to Chris Hutchings about a move. He offered me a decent contract, but I wanted to be closer to home.
"If Walsall had even been a half hour from my house I would have joined them. It was just too far away."
Given their location, Breckin's most likely destination appears to be either Rotherham or Chesterfield, both of whom he played for during the 1990s.
The defender's snub comes as a fresh blow to the Saddlers, who have so far been unsuccessful in their attempts to bring in new recruits.
Hutchings, who is yet to make a permanent signing in his six months in charge, is working with the smallest budget of his career.
The Saddlers report back for pre-season training next Thursday down on numbers following Jabo Ibehre's move to MK Dons and the release of Michael Ricketts, Stephen Hughes and Paul Boertien.
