Walsall: Liam Kinsella signs new deal, James Hardy joins from AFC Fylde

James Hardy will join Liam Kinsella at Walsall for the 2019-20 season

Liam Kinsella has signed a new two-year deal with League Two side Walsall, who will sign fellow midfielder James Hardy from AFC Fylde when his deal expires.

Colchester-born Kinsella, 23, played 39 games in all competitions last term, taking his tally for the Saddlers to 89 appearances, and has scored twice.

Meanwhile, Hardy, also 23, helped Fylde to the National League play-off final, scoring 16 goals in 44 league games.

He is the third Saddlers summer signing after Stuart Sinclair and James Clarke.

Kinsella was one of the players new boss Darrell Clarke wanted to stay after relegation from League One, as 11 players were released at the Bescot.

"It's a really good feeling knowing the manager wants you," Kinsella said.

"He called me up a few days after he took the job and we had a really good chat. Once I had finished the phone call, I knew I wanted to sign.

"The aim has to be to bounce back immediately and hopefully we will be able to do that this season with the new manager."

Hardy added: "It's a really big club with great fans. It is a great stadium and I am really looking forward to getting started. I can't wait."