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Walsall complete the signing of versatile defender from the Scottish Championship

Walsall have signed Mason Hancock from Airdrieonians in the Scottish Championship bolstering their defensive options.

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Supporting image for story: Walsall complete the signing of versatile defender from the Scottish Championship
Mason Hancock (Pic: Walsall FC)

The 22-year-old has signed a two-year contract at Bescot with an option of a further one. 

Hancock, who is predominantly a left wing-back, started his career at Aberdeen before moving to Airdrieonians in the summer of 2023. There he has made 66 appearances and scored eight goals. 

As an Englishman, he joins the Saddlers ahead of their League Two campaign which gets under way at the start of August, and returning to his homeland has always been part of his plan. 

He said: “I’m over the moon to be honest. I can’t wait to get started. Pre-season and the beginning of the season can’t come quicker for me.

“I’ve been in Scotland for five years now and it’s always been the plan to get myself back down south into the EFL.

“I’ve made a name for myself up there and it’s about time I came down and did it down here.

“The way the gaffer talks, he wants to bring in young players that are hungry and really kick them on so everything that he wants this club to stand for fits right in with everything I want to do with my career and where I am now. 

“In my opinion, it was a no-brainer to make my decision and come here.”

The news comes after Liam Gordon, who featured more than 100 times for Walsall, had moved on to sign for Port Vale last week.  

And their new left-sided defender is a player they have been scouting for an extended period. 

Mat Salder said: “I'm delighted to bring Mason in. 

“He's someone I've been watching for a long time. 

“He's done really well up in the Scottish Championship in the last couple of seasons. 

"He'll add some power and athleticism on that left-hand side and comes with really good pedigree for that quality left foot he has. 

"I know there was loads of interest in him but we'd highlighted him from a long time ago. 

"Again, he fits that mould of players who are young with experience that want to get better, improve and move forward."