Walsall Football Club have this morning confirmed the signing of Harrogate Town goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray on an initial one-year deal, after agreeing an as-yet undisclosed compensation package for the soon to be out-of-contract 'keeper.21-year-old MacGillivray, who was out-of-contract at Harrogate, is a very talented young 'keeper, who is being touted as the 'next Joe Hart'.
Craig joined Skrill North side Harrogate from Stalybridge Celtic in August 2012, after an almost appearance-free 2011/12, thanks to a lengthy injury lay-off.
He made his Harrogate debut versus West Auckland Town just over a month after joining the Wetherby Road club.
Before joining Stalybridge, Craig was often the reserve keeper for Harrogate's neighbours Harrogate Railway Athletic, and after joining 'Town' spent a brief spell on loan with the club during 2012/13 in order to gain some much needed match-fitness.
Craig made over 40 Harrogate appearances last season and has been attracting interest from Walsall's local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers and Premier League outfit Newcastle United amongst others.
He initially signed a two year deal with Harrogate Town in November 2012 and had been set to agree terms on a new deal with the club after brief negotiations, however after meeting with representatives of Walsall has agreed on a Harrogate departure.
Walsall manager Den Smith told saddlers.co.uk: "Craig is one we've had our eye on for some time now. We've received plenty of glowing reports on him from various sources, so we decided to get in there early and broker a deal with Harrogate Town.
"He has the pedigree to really challenge for a first-team place here. He's a bright, young lad who has played a number of first-team games at Conference North level.
"He's the right age and has all the attributes that we are looking for.
"It's a one-year deal initially, but the opportunity is there for him to show what he can do and extend that.
"We thank Harrogate Town for the way in which they conducted themselves during the negotiation process and we look forward to working closely with Craig and helping him fulfil his undoubted potential."
Full details of the agreement remain undisclosed, however it is understood that Harrogate will receive a percentage of the fee from any future sale.