Hostile future awaits Hughes

The former West Bromwich Albion and Coventry striker was released after serving half of a six-year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving and leaving the scene of an accident.

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But as he contemplated life back in professional football aged 31, he was warned that the mental strength he needed in prison will be nothing to that he may need now.

Hughes's £17,000-a-week deal at West Bromwich was torn up when he was convicted following the accident in November 2003 in which his £100,000 Mercedes hit a vehicle carrying Douglas and Maureen Graham and Albert Frisby.

Mr Graham died instantly. Hughes fled and was arrested 36 hours later after handing himself in.

Hughes's former agent Dale Wright said: "He's paid his debt to society, so he's got every right to go back to work like anyone else.

"He'll need skin the thickness of a rhino to come through what lies in store. I don't suppose opposition football fans will be forgiving."

Graham Allner, who managed Hughes at Kidderminster, has remained in touch with his family.

He said: "He'll accept the abuse he'll get because he knows it's a situation he created himself. But all he's ever wanted is to play football. He said to me if it was taken away from him he'd go and play Sunday football.

"The biggest thing about what's happened, besides the obvious punishment, is that it's taken away the prime of his career, from 28 to his early 30s.

"I know he has kept fit and played some football. I know what a strong character he is. But it's still three years out - it will take him time to find his feet.

"I think he knows wherever he plays there's going to be a reaction and he's got to be strong enough to handle that."