The 6ft 4ins custodian impressed against Reds with a man of the match display when the two sides met at the end of the season.

Two mystery goalkeeping trialists will fight it out to get the remaining goalkeeper's contract and be the challenger to Rayner who himself started in 34 matches for Torquay United last season.

Rayner has been made available from the high-flying Conference club followed a bust-up with Gulls' boss Paul Buckle.

Town manaager Steve Evans said; "Simon Rayner was my No.1 transfer priority this summer and obviously I am delighted he has joined us."

"It has taken many hours to get this done as the player has been visiting family in Canada.

"He has a big presence in goal given his size, has excellent technique and kicks the ball with great accuracy, he will be our last line of defence and our first line of attack when needed."

"Replacing Ashley Bayes was never going to be easy. I broke it down to two alternatives one being Simon Rayner and the other being young Ben Hamer. I wanted Rayner and I got him and we are all delighted. Young Ben wanted to play league football and I understood that."

"The boy Rayner will give our defenders a real comfort feeling knowing they have this guy behind them."

"We have a couple of additions to make to the squad as permanent signings as well as a significant loan signing that I am trying to secure but we will continue to work on that."

"With Simon Rayner signing today, we are ready to start the new season. My players will see this as a great signing that is for sure!"