It was probably the worst kept secret in football, but it has now been confirmed that Hartlepool’s Chris Westwood will be signing for the Saddlers.

We had the story that the Dudley born central defender was going to return to his West Midland roots by signing for Walsall back on the 30th May and there had been rumours about for even longer than that, but now the waiting is over.

Westwood is a six foot, pacy centre back, who can read the game well. He started his pro career at Wolves, under youth team coach (and his future manager), Chris Turner. He broke into the first team, playing 4 games with another 2 sub appearances, scoring one goal, but felt that his chances were being limited under the then Manager, Mark McGhee.

He then moved to Reading, but picked up a very serious injury before making any appearances and was freed by them. He spent some time with Telford United getting back to fitness (and modelling for a friend’s sportwear business), before Turner took him the the Victoria Ground.

The rest is history. He made 267 appearances for Hartlepool, plus 7 as sub, scoring nine goals, and was twice voted their player of the season. He became something of a folk hero, not least because of his changing hairstyles, but his stay ended unfortuantely when he was harshly sent off during their play off defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

His signing for the Saddlers should give Paul Merson the experience he wants at the back.