Chris Wilder has made his eighth capture of the summer after snapping up former Bury keeper Wayne Brown.

Brown, 34, put pen to paper on a one-year deal after playing in the U’s 1-0 pre-season friendly win at Brackley on Wednesday night and will provide strong competition for No 1 keeper Ryan Clarke.

The U’s were awaiting international clearance before Brown, who was on the bench for their 1-0 win against MK Dons on Saturday, could sign.

The Southampton-born stopper, who worked with Wilder when he was assistant boss at Gigg Lane, was a free agent after playing for a year at Supersport United in Pretoria, South Africa.

But having arrived at the Kassam Stadium, he said he was already enjoying working with Clarke.

“I have known Clarkey for a while and know what a good keeper he is,” said Brown, who began his career at Hereford before having spells at Bristol City and Chester City.

“But it’s up to me to work him, to put pressure on him. I’m not just here to make up the numbers.

“We’ll work together – he’s is a great guy. It will be genuine healthy competition – it’s up to me to back him up.

“I think a club has always got to have two experienced goalkeepers and I can learn a lot off him and Hodgy (keepers’ coach Alan Hodgkinson).

“They have got two players challenging for each place with is very important.

“I was really impressed by Clarkey when I watched him play and when he was training. If he can keep his form in the next two or three months other clubs will be having a look at him.”

Brown said he needed little persuasion to join United.

He added: “My deal came to an end, so when I got back I sent Chris, who I know well from our Bury days, a text asking if he knew anyone that was looking for a keeper.

“I came down last Friday to see what it was all about and was really impressed. The whole club is brilliantly run.

“They obviously had a fall from grace and are carrying on the rebuilding work – everything is in place to push on.

“I didn’t see their play-off win (against York) because the Sky reception wasn’t too good in South Africa – but I was amazed by the number of fans they took.

“Although I was playing in front of crowds of 92,000 in South Africa, the atmosphere at games over here is a lot different – all we got in South Africa was the sound of the vuvuzelas!”

Brown was delighted to get a game on Wednesday.

“I haven’t played since last Christmas, so it was quite tough – I did expect it to be easier, but Brackley created a lot of chances,” he added.

“But it was nice to be back playing again.”

Wilder said: “Wayne sho-wed his qualities against Brackley – he was really good. He will be good competition for Ryan –- it’s always healthy to have that.”