FOOTBALL League side Walsall FC have signed 20-year-old defender Harry Williams from Alvechurch for an undisclosed fee.

Williams has been trialing with The Saddlers in pre-season and has now earned himself an initial one-year contract, with the option of a one-year extension. 

Alvechurch will receive a sell-on fee, as well as securing themselves a pre-season friendly with Walsall next year. 

"I’m really pleased to sign for Walsall," he said. "I’ve had a couple of games and I’ve really enjoyed the training so I’m happy to be here.

"The lads and the Head Coach have welcomed me and accepted me straight from the start, it feels like a family club.

"The main thing that struck me was the togetherness of the group and you can see that in the first couple of games.

"We’ve had two positive results against Leamington and we took that into the game against Aston Villa so hopefully we can build on that momentum and have a successful season.

"It’s a massive opportunity and I want to develop myself as a player and whatever opportunity I get, I’m going to give my best for the team and the gaffer."

Worcester News: Harry Williams played a frequent part in the Alvechurch side in 2022/23Harry Williams played a frequent part in the Alvechurch side in 2022/23 (Image: Ian Macvie)

The former West Bromwich Albion Academy player, who has also had stints with Burnley and Aston Villa, had attracted interest from Leicester City back in May.

Williams enjoyed a successful spell with Southern League Premier Central side Church for the one season he was at the club, being part of the memorable run to the second round of the FA Cup.

His performances were good enough to earn himself a trial with Walsall over the summer and manager Mat Sadler has moved to bring him in on a permanent basis.

"I’m really pleased to sign Harry," he said.

"Harry has had a really strong season at Alvechurch. The links we have to the local non-league scene alerted me to him and he’s been with us for the last 10 days.

"We really thank Alvechurch, Mark Fogarty and the board of directors there for allowing us to have him with us and during that time we feel he has gone from strength to strength.

"He’s got a lot of ability and it’s a fantastic opportunity for him and for us to have him in the building.

"Not only has he earned the contract, he’s really improved and shown he can cope with the levels that we train at and he impacts the training sessions.

"He’s desperate to improve, desperate to get better and that’s the mentality we want at the football club."