Footballer 'sorry' over crash death

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Speaking at a press conference organised by his new club, Oldham Athletic, Hughes also pledged to undertake community work while attempting to rebuild his career.

The former West Bromwich Albion, Coventry City and Kidderminster Harriers player was released from prison last week after serving three years of a six-year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving.

The 31-year-old told the media: "This is the first time I've been able to make a public apology for my actions and I now hope for an opportunity to rebuild my life."

During his time in jail, Hughes is understood to have met the daughter of 56-year-old Doug Graham, who died when the car he was travelling in was struck by the footballer's Mercedes.

"In going some way to facing my responsibilities, I have met with a relative of the man who died, and what was said will always remain a private and personal matter," Hughes added.

"For different reasons I think we were both glad that the meeting occurred."

"I made dreadful mistakes and decisions that will live with me for the rest of my life. It also greatly affected my immediate family, including my wife and children, and I will never forgive myself for this."

Hughes was jailed in August 2004 for ploughing his £100,000 sports car into another vehicle in Meriden, West Midlands, killing Mr Graham, a father of four.

The striker, whose contract with West Bromwich Albion was terminated after his conviction at Coventry Crown Court, admitted fleeing the scene of the crash, but denied causing death by dangerous driving.