Torquay United: Durrell Berry grateful for chance to play

Durrell Berry spent his youth career at Aston Villa

Durrell Berry says he wants to repay Torquay manager Chris Hargreaves for the faith he has shown in him.

The right-back is on non-contract terms at Plainmoor, but is hoping to sign a deal until the end of the season after being without a club since he was released by Plymouth Argyle in June.

"I have to thank the manager Chris Hargreaves for giving me that opportunity," Berry told BBC Sport.

"I'm just trying to pay him back by performing on the pitch."

Berry admitted he had been out of the game longer than he expected and had to stay "mentally strong" during his four months of inactivity.

"I had a few things in the pipeline which fell through which was frustrating for me," he said.

"I had a personal trainer, on my own keeping fit, which helped a lot, but it's not as good as a pre-season with a club, so I wouldn't say I'm 100% match fit yet, but I'm getting there. In the next few games I'll hopefully be back to my best.

"Training on your own during pre-season and for four or five months was obviously frustrating; some days you can't be bothered, but you have to do it, so it's great to be back with a club playing week in week out."