Imprisoned Hughes set for Oldham

Dmac

Imprisoned Hughes set for Oldham



Oldham are close to agreeing a deal to sign striker Lee Hughes when he is released from prison.

Former West Brom and Coventry player Hughes, 31, is set to be released from prison this summer.

He was sentenced to six years in jail in 2004 after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

"Lee deserves a second chance and we consider this a top-class signing," Oldham director Barry Owen told the club website.

"Oldham Athletic does not condone what happened and we are very sympathetic towards the family of the victim.

"However, Lee Hughes is now nearing the end of his sentence and he has paid the price for what occurred.

"We would ask supporters and the general public not to pass moral judgement.

"We hope that if his hearing is successful Lee will be available to play for Oldham near to the start of the season.

"The player is training very hard and is exceptionally fit. Bearing in mind his past footballing achievements, I hope this will turn out to be one of our best signings for many years."

Hughes began his career with Kidderminster before earning a move to the Baggies in 1997 for £350,000.

He signed for Coventry for £5m in 2001 but moved back to West Brom a year later for a fee of £2.5m.

Credit - BBC Sport

I guess he does deserve a second chance and while he has been in jail I guess he has kept his fitness up anyway.

Tyler Durden

Fat chance. Footie fans around the country will doubtless boo this piece of scum everywhere he goes. Second chance or not, that's just the way things are.

Dmac

Oldham was a good player and that is what Lee Hughes is, whether he is booed or not I think Oldham will concentrate more on the goals he is scoring.

Tyler Durden

He is scum that ran away from a drink driving incident that killed a man so he could avoid being breath tested and then still never apologise to the man's family.

Karma will be a bitch.

Dmac

I don't care what you say, you don't just lose footballing talent, yes he will be booed but he will play well.

Tyler Durden

Well you keep replying so I kind of think you do care what I say!

He's murdering scum, it was proven in court, and like you, I'm entitled to my opinion. Can't wait for someone to break both his legs

Dmac

What he did was horrific yes, it was stupid to drive drunk indeed it was, but he did not kill with malicious intent and he ran away from the scene because he panicked. I'm sure if stabbed the person he killed then I would hate him too, but I can't say that if I was in his position that I wouldn't panic either.

Tyler Durden

Like I say....karma.

And (as in my original point) the Oldham management hoping opposing fans won't treat him like a piece of dirt..........living in cloud cuckoo land.

Dmac

Well it's obvious that he will be booed to high heaven and they are brave to be the club to sign him but he is a terrific player none the less.

Tyler Durden

He was a good Championship player if that's what you mean. Only time will tell if those years away have robbed him of his footballing talent, especially since a large part of his game was his pace (certainly helped when running away from "accidents")