Oldham chairman: No moral judgement over Hughes

Oldham chairman Simon Blitz insists the club did not make any moral judgements in deciding to sign controversial striker Lee Hughes.

The 31-year-old was unveiled by Athletic today, having recently been released after a three-year spell in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.

And after claiming to have beaten off a number of other clubs to capture Hughes on a two-year deal, Blitz was adamant that his only considerations had been footballing ones.

“We don’t make a moral judgement. We don’t condone what happened in the past, we have respect for the family and for us it is a pure footballing matter,” he said.

“We can’t tell other people what to do if they want to make moral judgement - we as a club don’t make the moral judgement.”

He added: “We believe strongly that as part of the rehabilitation process people should be able to return to the profession they know best and Lee is no different than any other person.

“Whilst his first priority will be be to score goals and hopefully help us win promotion, the club will also be here to assist Lee with his desire to work within the community to help young people.”

Hughes told a press conference that he will never again speak of the incident that saw him imprisoned – in which he crashed his Mercedes into a car driven by Douglas Graham, who was killed.

The former West Brom and Coventry striker then fled the scene to avoid a breath test and did not give himself up to police for more than a day.

He said: “I only wish I could turn back the clock, but I know I can’t. Nothing I can do or say will change what has happened.

“In going some way to facing my responsibilities, I have met a relative of the man who died, and what was said will always remain a personal and private matter.

“I have made dreadful mistakes and decisions that I will have to live with for the rest of my life.”

Hughes revealed he thought long and hard about returning to football and is braced for abuse when he turns out for the Coca-Cola League One club.

“It is a difficult decision to make. I did think about what would be best – if I should or shouldn’t go back,” he said.

“I gave it a lot of thought, but I thought it would be best if I tried to rebuild my career. I will have to handle everything that’s thrown at me. I’m here to do a job".

“I understand that people are going to say things about me, but I have just got to deal with it. I’m determined to do well here, score goals and help Oldham get promoted.”