FORMER Premier League striker Lee Hughes revealed he had taken a pay cut to return to troubled Worcester City as joint manager.

Hughes was allowed to leave City to sign for AFC Telford United in February as the cash-strapped club looked to slash their wage bill.

But the 40-year-old agreed to rejoin Worcester despite admitting he could have earned more money playing for Telford in National League North.

Hughes said it was the right time to take his first steps into coaching and he is looking forward to working alongside John Snape as Worcester aim to bounce back following their first relegation in 32 years.

He also wants to bring “entertaining” football to Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground in a bid to bring supporters through the gates.

“I have taken a pay cut,” Hughes said.

“I could have got more money playing for Telford but at this stage in my career I want to try to get into management.

“It had to be the right time and the right club. I spoke to the board and I think the club have had a bad time but we can change it around.

“There is no reason why we can’t and hopefully we can get the supporters back to watch games.

“I know it is difficult when you are playing at Bromsgrove but the sooner we can get back to Worcester the better.”

The much-travelled forward says he will be entering a new chapter in his career which spans more than 20 years.

After coming through the ranks at Kidderminster Harriers Hughes joined West Bromwich Albion where he made his name, scoring almost 100 goals in more than 200 appearances.

He landed a £5million move to Coventry City in 2001 and went on to have spells at a host of Football League clubs including Oldham Athletic, Notts County and Port Vale.

In one-and-a-half seasons at Worcester Hughes netted 33 times in 57 games, playing a key role in helping them avoid the drop in the 2015-16 campaign.

Prior to his departure Hughes formed a temporary coaching team with Snape and captain Danny Jackman after Carl Heeley’s exit in late January and he is relishing the chance to get on the training ground again.

“It is a new chapter in my career so I am looking forward to starting to work with John and getting back to it,” he said.

“It is going to be a challenge but it is a club I am familiar with and I really enjoyed my time there.

“The supporters were great with me. When I played for Telford they were still superb with me and I just want to bring entertaining football back to the club. I am really excited and can’t wait.

“John is a friend of mine anyway so we bounce off each other and I know we will work well together.”