Rocks Review: Prior set for Newcastle trial

The turn of events has amaxed everyone - not least the player himself, who has described it as a ‘surreal’ situation.

Newcastle stepped in after the Rocks reluctantly agreed a deal to sell Prior to Conference South outfit Eastleigh.

Prior, who is 23 and has scored close to 100 goals for the Rocks in two-and-a-half seasons, was due to make one last appearance for the Rocks, at Whitehawk next Monday, before moving to the Silverlake Stadium - now the Toon’s interest means nothing is certain.

It is understood Prior will head to the north-east early next week for a trial.

Eastleigh officials are angry at what they see as a broken agreement, and have indicated they will not be pursuing their interest in Prior if he does head to Newcastle.

But we understand that no contract or registration has been signed by either Prior or the Rocks.

* There’ll be more on this website as the story develops and from sports editor Steve Bone (@stevebone1) on Twitter.