BEN Smith's attacking prowess and playmaking capabilities persuaded Hereford United boss Graham Turner to make him his first signing of the summer.

The 23-year-old former Arsenal trainee and Yeovil Town player will arrive at Edgar Street after an injury nightmare blighted his season at Southend United.

However Turner has every confidence that Smith can add some much needed creativity to the Bulls line-up which struggled so hard to score goals last season. "He always impressed me when we played against him at Yeovil, whether it was going forward or being the playmaker, both roles he did well," said Turner.

"I talked to Colin Addison who rated him highly and who he did a good job for and I'm sure he can fulfil either role next season.

"The fact that David Webb took him from Yeovil to Southend shows just how highly he regarded him but he was just unfortunate with injuries but as far as I am aware he is over those."

Turner has also signed former United player Jamie Pitman on a part-time contract after he was released from Conference rivals Woking.

The 26-year-old was at Edgar Street between February 1998 and May 1998 and scored a crucial goal for Woking which knocked Hereford out of the FA Cup in October 2000.

"He works in Hereford and phoned me to say that he was struggling to get to Woking for training and he indicated his desire to come back here.

"Jamie can play right back, wide right or central midfield and has signed a part time contract."

Turner also revealed he had been hoping to sign Paul Tait from Crewe but the former Everton player plumped for Bristol Rovers.

Hereford will play Second Division side Swindon Town on Tuesday, July 23, kck-off 7.45pm.