OLDHAM have split opinion with the signing of former West Bromwich Albion striker Lee Hughes.

Last week, the 31-year-old was released from Staffordshire's Featherstone Prison after serving half of his six-year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving.

Hughes was driving home from a post-match drinking session when the accident happened, crashing his £100,000 Mercedes sports car into another vehicle, killing a father of four and severely injuring two others.

He fled and was arrested 36 hours later after handing himself in.

His West Brom contract was terminated after his conviction at Coventry Crown Court and Hughes was jailed in August 2004.

But Oldham have opened the door for the former Premiership front man to resume his professional career. However, many football fans, including some Latics supporters, feel that Hughes should not be given a second chance.

"We have every sympathy for the families concerned but we are hopeful now he can get on with the job he knows best," said Oldham director Barry Owen of Hughes.

"I don't think Lee Hughes will have it easy. Fans will remind him of the past when he's playing football.

"But one would expect them to conduct themselves in a football ground as they would do in the street.

"He has kept himself extremely fit, but obviously match fitness will come into the equation and the coaching staff will need to assess where he's up to."

Hughes was sent off in his last match playing for Featherstone Prison, which means he has to serve that suspension with his new club.

He misses out at Turf Moor.