Trialist Tyrell Burgess will be hoping to have done enough to win a contract at Gateshead with the English Conference season just weeks away.

The 24-year-old has played a handful of games in pre-season and grabbed the winner in Gateshead's recent 2-1 win at Harrogate United.

Burgess, who was recommended to the club by Bermuda Hogges' co-owner Paul Scope, has been looking for a route back into the pro ranks since being released by Vancouver Whitecaps after just one season.

Gateshead coach Ian Bogie told the Evening Chronicle: "I have been scouring the market for players who are free agents and also some who are currently attached to a club as it is important we bring the right people in."

Last season saw Burgess make 23 appearances for Canadian outfit Whitecaps, scoring one goal.

His Hogges' team-mate Freddy Hall is also waiting to learn whether he will be offered a permanent contract at Plymouth Argyle after impressing between the sticks on the club's recent tour of Holland.

Plymouth boss Peter Reid said he is hoping to sign trialists Hall, Tony Capaldi and Anton Peterlin.

"All three of them have done well, and I think there are deals to be done if it's in the scope of our budget," Reid told The Herald.

"I know now what the strengths and weaknesses of the squad are, and there will be some changes as we go on to the season.

"But it's hard work in the market, getting people in and out at the moment.

"I think as the season gets nearer, people will get more business done and I'm hoping to do the same."

Gateshead chairman Graham Wood, meanwhile, is delighted with the Premier League's decision to pump £6.2 million into the Football Conference over the next three years.

The Premier League gave £1m to the Conference last season and Gateshead are set to pick up £36,000 in each of the next three years.

Wood said: "It is a magnanimous gesture from the Premier League."

n Bermuda Hogges crashed to a 3-0 defeat last night at West Virginia Chaos in their final match of the Premier Development League (PDL) season.

It was Hogges' fourth straight loss and means they finish at the bottom of the league standings in their inaugural season at the PDL level.

Scott Morton's men lost their previous game 2-1 against Carolina Dynamo with Shayne Hollis scoring for the visitors.