FORMER FA Cup finalist Graham Hyde today became Worcester City's second signing of the summer.

Midfielder Hyde appeared as a Sheffield Wednesday substitute in their 1993 Wembley final and subsequent replay defeat against Arsenal.

Released by Conference side Hereford United at the end of last season, Hyde makes his county switch to St George's Lane a little over a fortnight after highly-rated defender Chris Smith joined from Stafford Rangers.

The 34-year-old brings a wealth of experience to City as manager Andy Preece looks to assemble a side to challenge for Nationwide North honours next season.

Hyde has made over 300 appearances for the likes of Birmingham City, Chesterfield, Peterborough United and Bristol Rovers, as well as the Hillsborough club.

Preece's latest capture had to fit a host of criteria, but, according to City chairman Dave Boddy, knowing his way around the football pitch was an essential quality.

Boddy said: "Andy Preece was looking for a specific type of player for the role he's brought him in for and one of the pre-requisites was he had to be experienced.

"I am pleased that we have managed to make our second summer signing. He's got a high reputation.

"He was at Hereford last season and he's a tough tackling competitive player. He can play as well and pass it."

Hyde was one of four players axed by Bulls' boss Graham Turner following the Edgar Street side's failure to reach the Nationwide Conference play-off final for the second successive season.

In all, Hyde made 45 appearances for Hereford in all competitions, 30 in the starting XI and 15 from the bench.

Boddy added: "The manager was looking for an experienced player in that role and it should help everybody around him."