Bermuda Hogges aim to forge links with an English Premier or Championship club within the next two years as part of mutually beneficial agreement, club president Shaun Goater has revealed.

Goater is confident of entering into a partnership with an English powerhouse, in some format, believing it is a case of "when" and not "if", although the intriguing plan is still very much at an embryonic stage.

It is no secret the Hogges hierarchy desire to take Bermuda's first football franchise, currently in the USL-2, to the highest possible level and believe attracting the patronage of a 'big brother' will accelerate their evolution into a USL-1 force.

"Within two years we aim to forge a partnership, or some sort of association, with a top overseas club," said Goater, who attended the USL's AGM in Florida with coach Kyle Lightbourne and co-owner Paul Scope last week.

"It's more likely an agreement would be with an English club considering the contacts Kyle (Lightbourne), Paul (Scope) and myself have there.

"I don't think this is a case of 'if' but 'when' it happens - it needs to happen for the Hogges to progress as a franchise.

"Premiership and Championship clubs are known to be interested in forging links with USL franchises, which is very encouraging for us. Over the next year or so we will be investigating it and making sure our product is attractive for any potential associate.

"For the Hogges to become competitive in USL-1 that's the direction we must take. We want to take Hogges to the highest level possible and an agreement with a top English club would enable that growth."

A number of USL franchises are already associated with English clubs, with Crystal Palace Baltimore a feeder club for Championship outfit Crystal Palace, allowing the Londoners to develop players, seek new talent and expand their brand across the US.

The move saw Charlie Sheringham, son of former England striker Teddy Sheringham, and fellow Palace youngster Lewwis Spence join the US Eagles on loan last season, gaining experience and match fitness ahead of the 2007-08 Championship campaign.

Top-flight heavyweights West Ham also recently announced a major development partnership with the USL, entailing player identification, player exchange, coaching and club development initiatives.

Former Premiership striker Goater envisages any arrangement as being equally beneficial for both parties especially in terms of player exchanges, creating an avenue in both directions for young talent to blossom.

"They (the English club) would be able to send their young players to us to play in a strong US league and in front of larger crowds than experienced at reserve team football. It would offer their players a different challenge and in turn bolster our team with a few quality young players from their ranks.

"We would not be talking about nine or ten players, but maybe two or three to help us become more consistent and improve our local players as we look to develop into a top-half team in the USL-1.

"Our players might also get the chance to train and play reserve team matches at the partner-club, who would then have first choice on them.

"During the AGM we were able to talk to franchises like Crystal Palace Baltimore about their partnerships. It seems the USL are keen to attract overseas clubs to forge links and strengthen the league. For us, that was very encouraging to hear."