Lescott came through the youth ranks at Aston Villa

Walsall have bolstered their squad with the signing of four players.

Winger Julian Gray, defenders Aaron Lescott and Oliver Lancashire and goalkeeper David Bevan have all agreed deals with the Saddlers.

Gray, 30, returns to the club after spending the last three months of the 2009/10 season at the Banks's Stadium.

Lescott, 31, arrives after six years with Bristol Rovers, Lancashire, 21, joins from Southampton while Bevan, also 21, is an Aston Villa graduate.

Walsall manager Chris Hutchings is thrilled with the business.

"I'm delighted to have signed these four players, they all bring their own qualities," he said.

"Julian is well known to our supporters and he's a player of proven ability who gives us another dimension.

David is an emerging young keeper who has had a good grounding at Aston Villa and will fight hard for the number one spot Walsall boss Chris Hutchings on new signing David Bevan

Prior to joining Bristol Rovers, Lescott had spells at Stockport and Sheffield Wednesday after coming through the youth system at Aston Villa.

"Aaron has lots of experience, is versatile and can fill a number of roles," Hutchings added.

In his time with Southampton, Lancashire captained the Saints' under-18 side and represented England at under-19 level.

"Oliver is a lad we have been monitoring for some time. He has shown plenty of promise and we have had some good reports on him. He will add competition to the central defensive positions, " Hutchings said.

Goalkeeper Bevan also has youth international experience having played for the Republic of Ireland from under-15 to under-19 level.

"David is an emerging young keeper who has had a good grounding at Aston Villa and will fight hard for the number one spot," Hutchings admitted.

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