Walsall sign defender Jon Guthrie from Crewe

The centre-back has put pen to paper on a two-year-deal to move to the Banks’s Stadium after rejecting the chance to extend his stay with Crewe.

Guthrie joined the Railwaymen in 2012 when he was plucked from non-league outfit Pewsey Vale.

He went onto make 116 appearances for the club – the majority of which came in League One ­- before rejecting a new contract this summer.

The defender becomes Walsall’s second signing of the summer following the capture of full-back Luke Leahy from Falkirk.

And boss Jon Whitney admitted he is delighted to add the player to his ranks.

“We’re delighted to get Jon on board to bolster our defence for next season,” Whitney said.

“He has got plenty of experience of League One from his time with Crewe and we think he can work well with the team.

“We’re getting Jon at a good stage of his career and crucially he’ll be with us from the beginning of pre-season."

Guthrie’s arrival is something of a coup for Walsall and Whitney.

Speaking last week, the 24-year-old revealed he was close to making a decision on his future after receiving a number of offers from clubs in League One.

“I’ve had a couple of offers from League One clubs so it is just a case of deciding which one I want to accept,” he said.

“I’ve played more of my games in League One so I know what it is about. As a player, you’re always going to improve.

“You’ve got to start fresh again, make new friends, show what you’re made of to the coaches and look to impress.

"I’m looking forward to the challenge of showing what I can do.”