The summer of a trialist

In a summer during which Premier League clubs have spent a record-breaking £2.4bn on signings, it is easy to forget that lower down the pyramid, that is far from reality.

For clubs outside the top flight, a high percentage of players are signed for no transfer fee, and often not directly from another club.

Instead, they are signed as free agents. In many cases, players have spent time as trialists with clubs in order to win a contract.

In effect, it's an audition for employment.

"Being out of clubs is an uncertain time for people who have got families," said former Newcastle and Wales left-back Paul Dummett.

For higher-profile players, periods on trial can be much shorter - but some free agents can spend months or years without a club.

"I don't think many people can go months without getting an income, particularly for themselves or their family," said former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Isaac Christie-Davies.

BBC Sport has spent the summer following the lives of some of football's 'forgotten players' as they fight to earn a contract.

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