NEW signing Michael Mison has plunged City into a pre-season crisis.

The former Rushden & Diamonds midfielder has not attended ANY training sessions with his new team-mates and may not even kick a ball for the club.

The shock news comes just as Kevin Mudd primes his squad for their first pre-season friendly, ironically against Mison's old club.

The 6ft 3in midfielder spoke to Mudd this week and told him that his new job as an estate agent has been keeping him away from training. But Mison could also be forced to work Saturday's which, if he chooses to pursue his career, could mean the end of his playing days altogether.

He has signed a two-year deal at Clarence Park and can not sign for anyone else without City's permission, but the worst case scenario would be Mudd losing arguably his biggest signing of the summer.

He said: 'It's a nightmare really. I've spoken to Mikey this week and it seems his new employers have got him jumping through hoops. He has been working late and working Saturdays.

'There's not much we can do at the moment. I am still hopeful we can work a way around it and get him fit enough for the start of the season, but it is not ideal.'

Mison has been a full-time player with both Fulham and Rushden and was expected to resurrect his career at Clarence Park, alongside his friends Andy Futcher and Chris Piper.

His versatility is a key part in Mudd's plans for the coming season and the City boss knows he will be a huge loss if he does decide to quit football.

Mudd said: 'It's disappointing, because we are talking about a player who could have played in three positions for us. Central midfield is his preferred position, but he could have given us a lot more.

'He has played up front and I had him down as a useful fourth striker. We have three quick guys up there already and Mikey would have been ideal if we ever needed to mix things up a bit.

'Footballers never cease to amaze me, but I have never come across a situation like this before. I haven't got right to the bottom of it yet, but we will not give up.

'Even if we do lose him, it opens a door and funds become available to bring someone else in.'

Mison's non-appearance will not mean a reprieve for Paul Turner, who has not been retained by City.