Walsall FC snap up goalkeeper Shane Lewis
Former Albion reserve Shane Lewis today won the race to become Walsall's second goalkeeper signing of the summer.
The 19-year-old has put pen to paper on a one-year deal , with a further year option in the club's favour, on the eve of the new League One season following a successful trial at the Banks's.
Saddlers' boss Dean Smith also looked at former Liverpool keeper Tyrell Belford, along with Blackburn Rovers' Seb Usai and Calum Barrett, who was once at Villa.
But Lewis, a former England under-17 international, was invited back to train with the Saddlers this week and has done enough to convince Smith he is the man to challenge No.1 Richard O'Donnell.
"Shane has impressed during his time with us so far," said Smith.
"He's an up-and-coming talent who we will be able to develop and fits the bill of what we are looking for in terms of attitude, temperament and attributes.
"We see Shane as a player of real potential who will challenge for a starting place."
Finding a new goalkeeper was one of Smith's main aims of the close season after the Saddlers finished last season without a permanent No.1 and used four loan keepers during the course of the campaign.
O'Donnell, released by Chesterfield at the end of last season, was also signed following a successful trial.
But Smith made no secret of his desire to add a second keeper and Lewis, who featured in the second half of Wednesday's 5-0 defeat to Villa and will wear the No.13 shirt, is keen to progress now his future has been resolved.
"This is a good move for me," he said.
"It's nice to finally have things sorted and be at a well-run local club where I feel that I can really progress.
"Everything is geared to be successful here, from the facilities to the way that the Gaffer wants us to play.
"There are a talented group of young players at the club and I am delighted to be part of it.
"The key is to be able to push on from last season and build. We certainly have the players here to do that and I want to be part of it.
"The target is obviously to push Richard O'Donnell as much as I can and develop. It's a good opportunity for me to prove what I am capable of."
