Out of the slammer Hughes to sign for Oldham !

Oldham are poised to complete the shock signing of Lee Hughes upon his release from prison this summer.

The forward has not played professional football since being sentenced to six years' imprisonment in August 2004 after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

The former West Brom striker, 31, is due to be released this summer and Oldham director Barry Owen has struck a deal to bring Hughes to Boundary Park.

Owen is aware the move could raise eyebrows, but wants the club's fans to give Hughes the chance to rebuild his career.

"Oldham Athletic does not condone what happened and we are very sympathetic towards the family of the victim," Owen told the club's official website. "However, Lee Hughes is now nearing the end of his sentence and he has paid the price for what occurred.

"As far as the club is concerned, Lee deserves a second chance and we consider this a top-class signing. We would ask supporters and the general public not to pass moral judgement.

"Lee Hughes is currently serving his sentence in one of Her Majesty's Prisons and the club will not make any comment which would prejudice his upcoming parole hearing.

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

Sgoater1 wrote:Oldham are poised to complete the shock signing of Lee Hughes upon his release from prison this summer.

The forward has not played professional football since being sentenced to six years' imprisonment in August 2004 after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

The former West Brom striker, 31, is due to be released this summer and Oldham director Barry Owen has struck a deal to bring Hughes to Boundary Park.

Owen is aware the move could raise eyebrows, but wants the club's fans to give Hughes the chance to rebuild his career.

"Oldham Athletic does not condone what happened and we are very sympathetic towards the family of the victim," Owen told the club's official website. "However, Lee Hughes is now nearing the end of his sentence and he has paid the price for what occurred.

"As far as the club is concerned, Lee deserves a second chance and we consider this a top-class signing. We would ask supporters and the general public not to pass moral judgement.

"Lee Hughes is currently serving his sentence in one of Her Majesty's Prisons and the club will not make any comment which would prejudice his upcoming parole hearing.

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

Fair play to Oldham. He's done his time - let him get on with his life.

Could be a great signing if he can regain his fittness, he was always a very good finisher and im sure he could do a job in League One.

ads_afc wrote:

Sgoater1 wrote:Oldham are poised to complete the shock signing of Lee Hughes upon his release from prison this summer.

The forward has not played professional football since being sentenced to six years' imprisonment in August 2004 after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

The former West Brom striker, 31, is due to be released this summer and Oldham director Barry Owen has struck a deal to bring Hughes to Boundary Park.

Owen is aware the move could raise eyebrows, but wants the club's fans to give Hughes the chance to rebuild his career.

"Oldham Athletic does not condone what happened and we are very sympathetic towards the family of the victim," Owen told the club's official website. "However, Lee Hughes is now nearing the end of his sentence and he has paid the price for what occurred.

"As far as the club is concerned, Lee deserves a second chance and we consider this a top-class signing. We would ask supporters and the general public not to pass moral judgement.

"Lee Hughes is currently serving his sentence in one of Her Majesty's Prisons and the club will not make any comment which would prejudice his upcoming parole hearing.

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

Fair play to Oldham. He's done his time - let him get on with his life.

Amen to that, not saying he's a particularly nice chap that i'd want to know, but a previous jail sentence shouldn't hold him back in the future.