Tate fails to win Gulls contract

The 24-year-old hit-man has spent the last ten days with the Plainmoor side in order to win a new deal after coming from Leyton Orient, where he is still under contract.

Gulls manager Leroy Rosenior watched Tate play in the reserves on Wednesday but has decided against offering him a deal.

The former Scarborough and Halifax Town player will now return to Brisbane Road and O's manager Paul Brush's side.

On his decision not to sign Tate, Rosenior told The Herald Express: "I'm not going to follow it up.

"Chris lacked the sharpness and fitness I'm looking for. I need someone who can go in and do a job for me right away if need be."

The Gulls boss will step up his search for a new striker with the imminent departure of fellow hit-man Marcus Richardson to come after this weekend.