Walsall sign Matthew Gill on loan

Walsall have signed Norwich midfielder Matthew Gill on loan as they fight to stay in League One.

New manager Dean Smith has moved quickly to beef up his threadbare squad and the 30-year-old goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's trip to his former club Exeter.

Gill will spend an initial month at the Banks's Stadium and Smith is pleased to have got his man.

He said: "Matthew is a player that I have been aware of for a while. He's someone whose got energy, can keep the ball moving and will cover a lot of ground for us.

"He's an experienced lad who has played in something like 370 League games, so his understanding and know-how is going to be important for us in the matches that lie ahead.

"This is a position that needs strengthening and I am delighted to be able to bring in someone of his calibre."

The former Peterborough and Notts County star made 164 appearances for Exeter before a 2009 summer move to Norwich, but failed to establish himself at Carrow Road.

Gill was loaned back to Posh earlier this season and has made six appearances for the promotion-chasing Canaries this term.

The midfielder arrives with the Saddlers desperate for bodies, after the exits of Steve Jones and Ryan McGivern.

Left-back McGivern was recalled by Manchester City midway through his season-long loan after struggling to break into the side.

Winger Jones, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has joined Motherwell on loan until the end of the season.

The 34-year-old had struggled for fitness this term and only made 16 appearances, so has linked up with his former Bradford manager Stuart McCall in Scotland.

Jones said: "I would like to thank everyone at the club for the support and backing that they have given me over the past 18 months or so.

"It really has meant a lot to me and I have made some good friends here."