The experienced former Sudbury Town, Maldon, Chelmsford and Braintree keeper trained with the club at the start of pre-season training on Tuesday.

AFC manager Nicky Smith, who played with Catley at Maldon, said of his former team-mate: "He is a quality keeper and a big presence. It will be good to have him on board."

Catley was second choice keeper and goalkeeping coach at Blue Square South Braintree Town last season.

Smith has had talks with James Rowe and Gareth Heath from last season's squad, but both players have asked for more time to think AFC's offer over.

Rowe is away on holiday for two weeks.

"I have also spoken to a couple of forwards, currently with other clubs, but things are gradually taking shape," said Smith.

The first pre-season training session went well. "The attitude of the players was spot-on. They found it hard. But I wanted us to hit the ground running."

Terry Rayner, plagued by a knee injury last season, came through Tuesday night well.

Smith has asked Rayner to show he has recovered before offering him a contract. "The door is still open," he said.

AFC's annual general meeting will be at the King's Marsh Stadium clubhouse on Wednesday, July 9 at 7.30pm.

Week 8 winners of the AFC Gold fundraiser: £100 – R Border (342), Sheepshead Hill, Gt Cornard; £10 – I Tatum (221), Beaconsfield Close, Sudbury; £10 – Mrs C Jeffery (316), Chelsworth Avenue, Gt Cornard.