FORMER Colchester United goalkeeper Sam Hornby has vowed to give everything for Walsall after signing a one-year deal with the club.

The 29-year-old, who was released by the U's at the end of last season, has returned to the Saddlers having spent time in their academy, as a youngster.

Hornby, who had been on trial at Walsall prior to signing a contract with the League Two side, says he is delighted to join the club.

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Hornby told the Walsall FC website: โ€œThere was a conversation between my agent, the Head Coach and Dan Still and we all put our heads together, found a day where I could come in.

"I have been in for the last week, all of the staff have had a look at me and they have decided that they want to offer me a contract.

โ€œFootball has got a strange way of doing a full circle and I think this is the final line in the circle for me to come back here.

"I am back in the area that I grew up in and I am really excited for that.

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โ€œI have sat in these stands watching the old reserve games and some first team games and you hope one day that youโ€™ll play here and now I have got the opportunity to and it is one that I couldnโ€™t wait to get done when I saw that the contract was in front of me.

โ€œThe fans here are brilliant, they come here in their numbers week in, week out. They travel up and down the motorways to support the team.

โ€œI have played against the club at my previous club and when I was running towards the goal, it was quite intimidating because the fans were loud and they gave me a little bit but I think the fans here are brilliant.

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โ€œI will give my all when I am out there on the pitch, I will give my all for the badge and I guarantee that I will give everything I have got when I cross that white line come a Saturday or a Tuesday night."

Hornby hadย been at Colchester for two and a half years having initially joined them on loan from League Two rivals Bradford City in January, 2022.

He played in each of the U's final five games last season, playing his part in them staying in the EFL.

(Image: PPA UK)

Walsall head coach Mat Sadler told the club's website: โ€œIโ€™m pleased to get this one over the line.

โ€œIโ€™ve been really pleased with the way that Samโ€™s applied himself. He did fantastically well against Tamworth, his trainingโ€™s been really good and what I like about that department now is that we have that bit of experience.

โ€œItโ€™s one weโ€™ve been really careful about who we put alongside Tommy (Simkin) and Sam is the perfect one.

โ€œHis help and experience will really help Tommy and George Barrett as well in their development.โ€