VASTLY-experienced striker Lee Hughes has thrown his hat into the ring to become Worcester City’s new manager, insisting he’s “up for it”.

The former West Bromwich Albion star says he is keen to take his first step into management with the Vanarama National League North strugglers after Carl Heeley’s resignation.

While City’s search for Heeley’s successor continues, Hughes, skipper Danny Jackman and stand-in boss John Snape have teamed up to lead the team.

And Hughes, who scored in City’s 1-1 draw against Tamworth at the weekend, revealed he had spoken to the club's board to express his interest in taking charge.

“I would be up for it to be fair,” said the 40-year-old, who has scored 33 goals in 57 appearances since signing for Worcester in September 2015.

“We have spoken about it, I have spoken to the board, given them my ideas and what I would like to do, so we will see what they think.

“You never know.”

Hughes has a wealth of experience having played in the Premier League with West Brom and joined Coventry City for £5million in 2001.

He was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal crash in November 2003.

But after serving time in prison, Hughes returned to the game in 2007 and went on to play for a host of Football League clubs.

He has also worked under a long list of managers during his career, including Brian Little, Gordon Strachan and Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Although he has not got any coaching badges, Hughes felt his knowledge and contacts within the game could help City’s cause.

Worcester are in 18th position, three points above the drop zone and are on a run of 11 league matches without a win.

“I am going for (my coaching badges) in the summer, but I’ve got experience and have played under some top quality managers, so I have taken a lot of ideas from them,” Hughes continued.

“Hopefully my knowledge will help them on the pitch.”

Asked whether he previously had aspirations to become a manager, the ex-Kidderminster Harriers player added: “Not really as I have just been concentrating on football, but if the opportunity came along then why not?

“I have got experience and know a lot of people within the game.”

Club captain Jackman hailed his City teammate as an “example to everyone” after he was handed the armband for their clash against Tamworth.

And Hughes said he was enjoying having more of an influential role in setting up the team as well as contributing on the pitch.

“I think myself, Jacko and Snapper work well together,” he said.

“We worked on our shape and how we were going to play.

“There is still a lot to improve, but as long as the lads buy into it, which I think they are doing, then we will be alright.”

Heeley ended his seven-year reign last week, but Hughes said he was “used to” to seeing managers come and go and was pleased by the way City’s players responded in training.

“I think I had six or seven managers in two years at Notts County, so you have just got to get on with it and the lads have reacted well in training,” he added.

“We worked on the formation last Thursday, so we will see what happens this week.”

Hughes is understood to be among a number of contenders for the top job, including former fans’ favourite Mark Owen. Snape, who was Heeley’s assistant, has ruled himself out.

City’s directors are set to hold further talks this week as they continue to consider their options. But an appointment looks unlikely to happen before their trip to Harrogate Town on Saturday (3pm).