Charlton goalkeeper Darren Randolph joins Motherwell

Randolph made 14 appearances for Charlton last season

Controversial Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Darren Randolph has signed a three-year contract with Motherwell.

The 23-year-old Irishman was available under freedom of contract.

Randolph once refused to play in an FA Cup tie for Hereford United after hearing that the club were interested in signing another goalkeeper.

But Motherwell manager Craig Brown told his club's website: "Anyone we've spoken to about him has gave us rave reviews, so we're pleased he is here."

Randolph is a product of Charlton's youth system and had loan spells with Accrington Stanley, Gillingham, Bury and Hereford as he sought regular first-team football.

While at Edgar Street in 2008, manager Graham Turner revealed that he had replaced Randolph with Craig Samson, the former Dundee keeper, for the tie against Dagenham and Redbridge.

He said that the player had been fined two weeks' wages for refusing to take part because of Hereford's interest in Matt Murray on loan from Wolves.

He'll compete against Lee Hollis for the number one spot and that's healthy competition to have Motherwell manager Craig Brown

And the Republic of Ireland B and Under-21 international did not play for the League One club again.

But Motherwell point out that Randolph, who made his debut for the Addicks when they were in England's Premier League, finally took over as the side's number one, keeping five clean sheets in the last nine matches of the season.

Because he is under 24, a fee would have been required had he joined another English club, but the Scottish Premier League outfit used cross-border rules to sign him for free at the end of his contract.

Brown had played down his interest in the goalkeeper earlier this week but said: "Things have moved very quickly over the last 24 hours and we're delighted to have Darren on board.

"He'll compete against Lee Hollis for the number one spot and that's healthy competition to have."

The 24-year-old Hollis was signed this summer after his contract ended with Airdrie United, while Michael Fraser also remains on the club's books.

However, the arrival of Randolph could be a signal that Motherwell have given up on retaining John Ruddy, who was first choice while on loan from Everton last season.

Chief executive Leeann Dempster added: "This is another example of us working towards our strategy of identifying and securing young, talented players to long-term contracts.

"We hope Darren will be a massive success here."