GOAL poacher Lee Hughes has returned to Aggborough to sign for early-season strugglers Worcester City.

The vastly-experienced 39-year-old, who has been a prolific scorer for the likes of Kidderminster Harriers, West Bromwich Albion, Oldham Athletic and Notts County, joins from Ilkeston.

After a disappointing start to the new Vanarama National League North season, joint City managers Carl Heeley and Matt Gardiner highlighted the areas they felt needed strengthening over the coming weeks and put a plan together to correct them.

Hughes has played more than 600 games in the Football League and is nearing 300 career goals.

Heeley said: “Lee has been on our radar for the past six months and we feel it is blatantly obvious to all regular watchers of Worcester City that a main problem area is our threat up front.

"Younger players with potential are an important part of our squad but they will require experienced players around them to help them develop.

"Lee might be 39 but he is in unbelievable shape and loves playing the game. He is also a very bubbly character, who will give everyone a huge lift within the changing room."

Hughes caught the eye with his goals for Harriers at non-league level before a big move into the professional game in 1997 with West Brom, where he also proved prolific at Championship level.

His performances earned a £5million move to Coventry City in 2001 and, despite scoring more goals, he returned to the Baggies in 2002 for a then-club record £2.5million.

However, Hughes' career nosedived when he was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving in 2004 after a trial and served half of a six-year prison sentence.

The striker's release from prison in 2007 was followed by more goal-laden spells in the lower leagues for Oldham Athletic, Notts County and Port Vale.

Hughes dropped back into non-league with Forest Green Rovers last year and was still a regular on the scoresheet before returning to cash-strapped Kidderminster later in the season as they slid down the National League table and again impressing.

He scored three goals in five games for Ilkeston in the Northern Premier League Premier Division this season under the management of Gordon Strachan's son Gavin, netting against Grantham Town, Colwyn Bay and Stourbridge, but has now made the move back to Worcestershire to sign for City.