Shropshire Star

Rob Smith: I want Lee Hughes at Telford for another year

Boss Rob Smith insists Lee Hughes 'has loved every minute' at AFC Telford United and he wants the veteran to stay at the club next season.

Published

The 40-year-old former West Bromwich Albion striker has netted three goals in seven games since joining from Worcester City, who the Bucks face tomorrow.

Speaking at the club's fan forum at the New Bucks Head, Smith said: "If we want him, he'll be here. He's loved every minute of it.

"He will always divide opinion, but he's been a breath of fresh air. He's helped a lot off-the-pitch and I think he is an asset to the club.

"He's been a leader for us on the pitch, and come work time you can tell why he has been where he has."

Hughes – who was also present at the forum – has no plans to hang up his boots anytime soon because he still enjoys the game as much as he ever did.

"I just love playing, to be fair. I was always told, once you finish you'll regret it," he said.

"I'm still enjoying it and I will carry on next season."

Telford – who are six points off the National League North drop zone – host Worcester tomorrow, looking to build on Tuesday night's 2-1 win at Stalybridge Celtic. Smith added: "Tuesday night was everything, really. If we had of lost that, it would have made Saturday even bigger than it is.

"If you study things like I do, you'll see Worcester's last four games are horrific.

"They'll be thinking Telford and Curzon Ashton are where they can get points.

"I would say, knowing (City boss) John Snape as well as I do, he'll be telling me they will come for the draw. But they'll be wanting a win. We want to win the game as well and we can have some confidence on the back of Tuesday night."

He added: "This is a great club to be at. The players do get looked after here, they're lucky people.

"The players are playing to be here next season. Lee wants to be here next year so we must be doing something right.

Meanwhile, the remaining 68 per cent of shares in the club were due to go on sale today. They offer remain open until May 2.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.