Aston Villa have re-signed veteran goalkeeper Andy Marshall to a one-year contract.
The 35-year-old had been training with Colchester since his previous Villa deal expired at the end of last season.
But caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald was keen to add some backup to Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan, and Marshall is delighted to be back at Villa Park.
He told the club’s official website: “It’s been in the pipeline for the last three weeks that it potentially could happen.
“I was released in the summer with the possibility of coming back. I am absolutely delighted it has been done and I am very thankful for Kevin MacDonald for bringing us back because I have a good relationship with Kev.
“I worked very well with him in the reserves with the young lads last season and he sees it as an opportunity to get Elliott (Parish) out on loan and get him some match games.
“There is still the cover having myself here in case anything happens with either of the Brads.”