Saul Shotton: West Bromwich Albion sign former Bury defender

Saul Shotton made six first-team appearances for Bury after being given his debut at the age of 16

West Bromwich Albion have signed defender Saul Shotton, who was without a club following Bury's expulsion from the English Football League.

Shotton, 18, played for Albion in a reserve game last week and has signed a two-year contract at The Hawthorns.

He is the cousin of Middlesbrough defender Ryan Shotton and made two EFL Trophy appearances for Bury two months before his 17th birthday.

"Being here has definitely put a smile on my face," said Shotton.

"The lads and the staff have been very welcoming and that's made me feel extremely settled already."

Bury's 125-year membership of the Football League was ended on 28 August after owner Steve Dale's summer-long attempt to sell the League One club failed.

The Shakers had already had their first five league games cancelled and been thrown out of the Carabao Cup for non-fulfilment of a first-round fixture.

"The summer was tough for everyone associated with Bury and it's still difficult to put into words what's happened there," Shotton added.

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