Walsall sign Crewe defender Connolly

Walsall have signed defender James Connolly following his departure from Crewe Alexandra. Connolly, 24, ended his two-season stay at the Mornflake Stadium on Tuesday after turning down the club's offer of a new contract. The Liverpool-born centre-back has agreed a two-year deal with the League Two Saddlers until the summer of 2028. He becomes new head coach Lee Grant's fourth signing of the summer window. Connolly said it "felt good " signing for Walsall and was "buzzing" to get the move finalised. "I've had some good conversations with the gaffer and it was massive for me because as soon as I spoke to him I wanted to get things done," Connolly added. "The way he sees football and what his ambitions are for this season and beyond is massive." Connolly joins midfielders Sven Sprangler and Lewis Simper along with forward Andy Dallas at the Pallet-Track Stadium for next season.