Jonny Brain joins his new team-mates

New goalkeeper Jonny Brain insists he knew Walsall were the club for him after joining his team-mates for pre-season training.

The 27-year-old arrived on a one-year deal from League Two Macclesfield last night and is expected to be the Saddlers' number one in the wake of Rene Gilmartin's switch to Watford.

And Brain is happy to have the opportunity to fill the Irishman's shoes.

He said: "The idea is to establish myself in the team and enjoy a good season.

"Walsall are a progressive club and it didn't take long for me to decide that this is where I want to be.

"I enjoyed it at Macclesfield and had four good seasons, but it was time to move on and try to better myself, which I have certainly done by coming here. I am delighted to be stepping back up to League One.

"The facilities are fantastic, the training ground is first-class and really took my breath away, while the stadium and pitch are superb."

Brain started his career at hometown club Carlisle and earned a move to Newcastle in 1999 but failed to make the breakthrough at St James' Park.

The 6ft 4in goalkeeper then moved to Port Vale before joining Macclesfield in 2006 – making 138 appearances – and was named Players' Player of the Season at Moss Rose last season before rejecting a new deal this summer.

Brain becomes the Saddlers second signing of the summer, after former Manchester City midfielder Paul Marshall.

The new-boys were among the faces as the players underwent fitness tests at Wolverhampton University today, before returning to their Essington training base next week.

Manager Chris Hutchings added: "We're working hard and taking tests which take time, so it's a little laboured at the moment but it's very worthwhile."

Reports have also linked the Saddlers with former Bristol Rovers left-back Aaron Lescott.

The Birmingham-born former Villa trainee, brother of old Wolves defender Joleon, is available after his release from the Memorial Ground.