Gibb left Hartlepool at the end of last season (Getty)

New Bath City signing Ali Gibb looks set to miss the start of the season after breaking his ankle.

Former Hartlepool midfielder Gibb, 32, in is plaster after being forced from the field during the Romans' friendly at Melksham on Friday.

"You try and get through these pre-season games without injury and it's unfortunate," manager John Relish told The Bath Chronicle.

"It could have been worse but he will miss the start of the season," he said.

Gibb was substituted 34 minutes into Bath's latest fixture ahead of their second consecutive Blue Square South campaign.

He was looking forward to starting his non-league career with us John Relish

"Ali's got an avulsion fracture, which means he's torn a ligament and the bit of bone that was attached to it," Relish added.

"It happened when he was running down the right and was tackled.

"He seemed to ride the challenge well enough but fell, tried to get straight back up and was then in some pain.

"He's very disappointed because he was looking forward to starting his non-league career with us and now he'll have to wait a bit longer."