Former Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke has expressed his delight at reuniting with his former defender James Clarke.
Clarke, 29, turned down a two-year deal at the Gas to drop down a league and sign for League Two Walsall.
Clarke, who was on Bristol Rovers' four man shortlist for player of the season in 2018/19, follows Stuart Sinclair in signing for Darrell Clarke at Walsall.
Darrell Clarke left Rovers in December 13 after more than four and a half years at the club which included back-to-back promotions. He was named Saddlers boss on May 10.
Speaking to the official Walsall website: “I’m pleasantly surprised, to be honest with you. I didn’t think we would have a chance of getting him.
“He’s a lad I know very well and he can play anywhere across the back four. He’s more of a centre-half but he’s played a lot of times at right-back.
“We’re not going to be working with as big a squad this year so it’s important we’ve got players who can fill in a few positions.
“He is 100 per cent commitment and it’s about getting the environment right to the football club.
“He’s quick, strong and uses the ball well. He’s one of the best man-to-man markers from set-pieces I’ve ever worked with; I can’t ever remember his attacker scoring a goal.
“He’s got all the attributes.”
James Clarke will officially join Walsall on July 1 when his contract expires at Rovers.
