BLUE Square North club Blyth Spartans could sign two experienced Football League players before Saturday`s home game against Droylsden.

Cheltenham Town striker Paul Connor, who has been transfer-listed by the Robins, and ex-Wrexham central defender Richard Hope, recently paid off by Grimsby Town, are the pair in question.

Both are Teessiders with more than 650 League appearances between them and could be tempted to return to their native North East.

Blyth boss Harry Dunn said: "We've got to be interested in any Football League player who may be looking to return to the region. Connor and Hope fit the bill.

"They are both Middlesbrough lads with long League careers behind them and would be good additions to the squad."

Hope has played for eight professional clubs, including more than 100 appearances for Northampton Town, having started his career at Blackburn Rovers.

He left Blundell Park on Monday having his contract cancelled by mutual consent.

The 31-year-old, who was signed by Alan Buckley last summer, made only seven appearances for the Mariners.

Current manager Mike Newell was not very generous in is parting comments, saying: "He's not really figured since I've been here and not really put me under any real pressure to play him, with the exception of the couple of games he had at left-back.

"I really need people who want to play for the club - I'm not convinced that was the case with Richard."

As he left Grimsby Town after the transfer window closed, Richard is unable to sign for a club high than Blue Square North or South before the new season starts.