Canadian national Simon Rayner, 25, made 34 appearances for The Gulls in the Conference last season before being told he was not in Paul Buckle's future plans.

He soon became Steve Evans' 'number one' transfer priority after Ashley
Bayes left for Stevenage, which left the Reds' boss making endless calls to the 6ft 4ins goalkeeper who was visiting family in Canada.

And despite interest from a League club and a Conference club, the indemand shotstopper had no hesitation in signing for the Reds when he
arrived back last Friday.

Rayner said: "I know both Steve Evans and Paul Raynor because they
tried to sign me in the past.

"Steve is a very animated character and it felt like the right thing to do in respect of everything else.

"I had interest from two other clubs but it was nothing concrete and
Crawley was the more attractive move."

Evans' other goalkeeper target was former Reds' No.1 Ben Hamer, who
is contracted to Reading, but he turned down a move back on loan because
he wanted to play League football for Brentford.

Rayner, who played for Canada from under-18s up to under-23s level, said it was tough to leave the Gulls but added that he was hungry for
success at Crawley.

He added: "At Torquay it didn't work out between the two different
parties and it ended up with me being pushed out.

"I didn't want to leave at first but I was told there's nothing there for me and when you're told that there's no point wasting your time.

"At Crawley I think the play-offs are not out of reach and it would be a
great achievement if we could make them.

"Raynor and Evans have put together a pretty good squad with some
decent players and I'm just looking forward to getting started now."

Reds' boss Steve Evans Evans said Rayner will be a key player for Crawley.

He explained: "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. I do not want to think what my mobile phone bill will come to, however it has been all worthwhile given the big man has joined us."

"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."

Crawley will be looking to sign a back up goalkeeper for Rayner and
have enlisted two trialists.