Walsall sign free agent Andy Butler

Walsall have handed a contract to free agent defender Andy Butler until the end of the season after a successful trial period.

The 27-year-old was without a club after leaving League One rivals Huddersfield in the summer and played for Walsall's reserves in a 7-0 rout of Rotherham's second-string on Wednesday.

Butler, who will wear number 32 for the Saddlers, is expected to go straight into the squad for tomorrow's trip to Bournemouth.

Manager Chris Hutchings was a defender short after Andrew Davies returned to Stoke at the end of his one-month loan with Butler expected to challenge Manny Smith, Clayton McDonald and Oliver Lancashire for a spot at centre-back.

And the Saddlers boss is delighted with his latest acquisition.

Hutchings said: "Andy has a good pedigree. He is an experienced lad and an organiser who does what he does well.

"He's got the leadership qualities that we are looking for and is not afraid to get stuck in. He's got a good left foot and is strong in the air.

"He will add a lot to our defensive options and I am delighted to have him on board."