New goalkeeper Simon Rayner wants to put his play-off heartache behind him by gaining promotion with Crawley.

Rayner became Reds' eighth summer signing when he joined from Torquay last week.

The Canadian-born stopper, 25 next week, played in both legs as the Gulls lost last season's play-off semi-final 5-3 on aggregate to rivals Exeter.

He said: "I wouldn't have joined Crawley if I didn't think we could go for promotion. You have to aim to win the league otherwise there is no point showing up.

"We need to be pushing for the play-offs and we have a decent squad who should be capable of doing it.

"Last season was disappointing but you have to put that behind you and look forward and hopefully I can go one better with Crawley."

Rayner made 34 appearances for Torquay last season but was put on the transfer list last month after reportedly falling out with boss Paul Buckle.

He will be given the No. 1 jersey at Reds following the departure of last season's keeper Ashley Bayes to Stevenage.

Rayner said: "Regular first team football was a big selling point of joining Crawley. The manager (Steve Evans) made it clear he wanted me and you always need to be somewhere you are wanted.

"It was clear I was not really wanted at Torquay so to hear a manager so keen to sign you, makes your decision easier.

"There were a few other offers but nothing as concrete as Crawley's. My family lives in Peterborough so this is slightly closer to them and I'm looking forward to getting started."

Rayner grew up in Canada and was introduced to football by his English-born father. He joined Bournemouth as a 16-year-old and had spells in the League of Wales with Barry Town and Port Talbot, before stepping into League football with Lincoln.

He joined Torquay on loan at the end of the 2006-07 season before making the move permanent the following summer and establishing himself as the regular No. 1 at Plainmoor.

Rayner said: "My dad is from Romford so he got me into football. I started playing when I was four or five just to keep fit for baseball but I happened to be better at it than every other sport.

"It is easy to play football in Canada, especially at youth level because it is cheaper than the other sports but it is not as popular as baseball and hockey.

"I moved to England on my own when I was 16 to try and make it as a professional at Bournemouth and was fortunate to have my dad's family here to help me settle in."

Rayner met his new team-mates on Tuesday when Reds returned for pre-season training.

Evans has appointed fitness therapist Stephen Trussell to get his squad up to speed in twice-a-day sessions.

Reds begin their programme of pre-season friendlies on July 14 with a home clash against Championship side Crystal Palace.

What do you think of Crawley's summer signings?