HEREFORD have signed striker Dan Smith on loan from National League side Eastleigh until January.

Smith, who turns 22 next week, spent last season at National League side Eastleigh scoring two goals.

Previously the Portsmouth Academy youth player had two successful spells at Isthmian Premier Division side Bognor Regis scoring 18 goals in 25 appearances in the 2019-20 campaign.

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“He is a big strong boy who holds the ball up and wins his headers,” said Gowling.

“First and foremost he works hard for his teams. He knows Luke (Haines) really well. Luke has played against him through the youth competitions and they have played a lot of games against each other.

“I think he’s going to be a really good addition to the squad.”

Gowling said that his connections in the football world as a player meant he could get a ‘true reflection’ of Smith’s attributes.

“I used to play for Bournemouth down south so know a few people down there,” added Gowling.

“I played against Ben Strevens who is the manager there (at Eastleigh). A good friend of mine Danny Hollands and Andrew Boyce who I played with at Grimsby are both there.

“When we are looking at our players, looking at recruitment and the players available they are two players I respect and trust their opinions. You can have dialogue with them and get a true reflection of the lad.

“The biggest thing for me was the lad wants to play football and get back scoring goals. He came off the bench a lot last year in the National League which is good experience as it’s the league above ours.

“I’m pleased to get it done as we needed another striker through the door and we’ve got one. Hopefully he’ll score goals so the fans will get off my back.”