Aston Villa re-sign goalkeeper Marshall

(GETTY IMAGES)

Aston Villa have re-signed veteran goalkeeper Andy Marshall on a one-year deal.

The 35-year-old was released by the midlands club on a free transfer over the summer but has been drafted back into the Villa ranks by caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald as cover for first-choice custodian Brad Friedel and his understudy Brad Guzan.

Marshall, whose new deal ties him to the club until June 2011, joined Villa in the summer of 2009 after his release from Coventry but failed to make a first-team appearance last term.

"It's been in the pipeline for the last three weeks that it potentially could happen," Marshall said of his return on club website www.avfc.co.uk.

"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 me back because I have got a good relationship with Kev."

Marshall began his career at Norwich before making a controversial switch to the Canaries' bitter rivals Ipswich in 2001. He joined Millwall in 2004 before moving to Coventry two years later.