Tyrell Burgess hopes playing for Bermuda Hogges in the Premier Development League (PDL) this summer will offer him a springboard back into the professional ranks.

Burgess has been looking for a route back into the professional game since being released by Vancouver Whitecaps after just one season at the Canadian club.

Recent trials at American teams Tampa Bay Rowdies and Rochester Rhinos came to nothing and Burgess returned to the Island earlier this month, making a surprise substitute appearance in North Village's Friendship Trophy final win at the weekend.

The 24-year-old said he was confident he still had the ability to play at the higher level and believed the Hogges could help him resurrect his pro career.

"I've agreed to play for the Hogges next season and I'm just waiting for the paperwork to go through," said Burgess, who scored Village's second goal against Southampton Rangers on Sunday.

"I still want to return to the professional level and hopefully playing for the Hogges can help me. I've played a fewer notches higher than the PDL and I know what it's all about.

"I really think the Hogges can do well, as long as we manage to pick up points away from home – that will be crucial."

Prior to his appearance in Village's victory over Rangers, Burgess had not played a competitive match since Whitecaps' USL-D1 final defeat against Montreal Impact in October.

He was among a raft of players released by Whitecaps as they prepare for life as a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise in 2011.

The national team player said he had "no hard feelings" towards the team's management and understood their decision to let him go.

"The franchise has made wholesale changes across the board, on and off the pitch, as they plan for the MLS," said Burgess, who made 23 appearances for Whitecaps.

"I was an inexperienced player taking up one of their international spots so I understand their decision, I have no hard feelings.

"It was great training everyday, you get better because you're required to get better."

Burgess has plenty of PDL experience having starred for Pennsylvania-based side, Reading Rage, during the 2008 season prior to joining the Whitecaps.

Although it would have been better for Burgess' development to remain a professional, Bermuda Football Association's (BFA) technical director Derek Broadley is glad to have the flying winger on board with the Hogges.

"Obviously we're delighted to have Tyrell playing for us next season as he's a very exciting player," said the former Reading Rage coach.

"However, I would have rather Tyrell remain as professional overseas but hopefully playing for the Hogges can him help him return to where he wants to be.

"From a selfish point of view it will be great for us as he has lots of PDL experience and got his move to Whitecaps on the back of his performances for the Rage.

"We're looking forward to working with him for a lengthy period of time."

Former Village defender Logan Alexander could be the next ex-pro to nail his colours to the Hogges mast. He signed pro terms with National Indoor Soccer League (NISL) side, Baltimore Blast, last year but failed to force his way into their starting line-up.

Both he and Devonshire Cougars' Domico Coddington had unsuccessful trials at USL-2 franchise Harrisburg City Islanders last month.

Islander coach Bill Becher told The Royal Gazette: "They were both at an open try-out and were invited into (the) camp. Logan was here for a week, and we let him go. Domico never came into (the) camp."

Broadley yesterday confirmed the Hogges had approached Alexander about playing for them this term.

"We've spoken to a number of players about next season including Logan Alexander," he said.

"It would be far better for him to be playing for us than sitting on another team's bench, because in America the only way you can get spotted is by playing games. We've also talked to a few senior players as we're allowed eight players over the age of 23."

Last month Keishen Bean chose to play for the Hogges instead of their PDL rivals Ottawa Fury. Bean, 23, made a big impression at the Fury last season scoring four goals in 12 matches.

The PDL has 68 teams competing in four conferences, split into eight regional divisions.

PDL rules dictate that a maximum of eight players on each team's 26-man roster can be over 23-years-old, while at least three players on each team's roster must be 18 or younger.

Hogges will play in the Eastern Conference Mid Atlantic Division. Their opening game is against Reading United at the National Sports Centre (NSC) Friday May 28.