NEW signing Ben Smith could miss three months of Hereford United's league campaign after dislocating his shoulder.

The former Southend and Yeovil midfielder was injured in Tuesday's friendly at Bromsgrove and it is feared he could be out until the end of October.

Smith's injury is a hammer blow for manager Graham Turner who is already working with one of the smallest squads in the Nationwide Conference.

John Grant will also miss the opening three games after being sent off for Northwich at the end of last season.

Meanwhile Turner has signed 19-year-old midfielder Robert Purdie who was with Leicester City last season.