Former Carlisle United keeper Mark Gillespie has joined League One club Walsall.

The Blues No1, who rejected a new contract at Brunton Park, has agreed a two-year deal with the Saddlers.

The Banks's Stadium club led the chase for Gillespie after he decided to leave United after a long spell with the Cumbrians.

His move was confirmed today and Gillespie said he was "excited" about the switch.

“I’m very excited to be here and get it all sorted," Gillespie told the Walsall website.

“I really can’t wait to get out there on the training ground and get started.

"It’s a new chapter for me and I’m excited that it’s here at Walsall, I’m looking forward to the first game and the atmosphere here at the stadium as well."

Walsall manager Jon Whitney said Gillespie had been their top goalkeeping target.

"After turning down a contract offer from Carlisle, we knew he was after a new challenge," Whitney said.

"We initially spoke to him and asked for a meeting, from there we knew he was the goalkeeper we were after.

“Neil [Cutler, goalkeeping coach] knows him really well, he’s kept tabs on him. We’ve had nothing but good feedback from the people we know at Carlisle.

"It’s key we bring the right characters into the dressing room and Gillespie fits that profile.

“He’s a goalkeeper that can come in and be a dominant number one for us.”

Gillespie had been United's longest-serving player, making 180 appearances after coming through the youth ranks.

He was an ever-present in the league last season.