Lee Hughes keen to stay at AFC Telford

The goal-getter checked into the New Bucks Head from Worcester City in February and netted four times in 12 games as the Bucks pulled away from the National League North drop.

And Hughes, who turns 41 next month, is ready to commit to another campaign with Telford and believes Smith is capable of putting together a squad that can challenge at the opposite end of the division.

"I've enjoyed it here," said Hughes. "It's a great set-up, I like Rob and Larry (Chambers), there are good facilities and a good fan base. There's nothing concrete yet, we've got to sit down and chat but I've mentioned that I'd like to stay.

"Teams don't really know where they're going to be until they see who wants to stay and leave.

"I think we have the potential to be near the top of this division. I think Rob will bring the right players in."

"The challenge is consistency. We've been inconsistent. On our day we can match anyone. We saw that at Fylde (1-1) and we've been unlucky against Salford and Darlington.

"But it's been frustrating. There were matches like Brackley (6-0 loss). It's been up and down."

Hughes was tasked with being the man to find the net for Smith's goal-shy Bucks when he arrived following his release from rivals Worcester.

He scored three times in his first seven games and played his part as Telford secured the two wins against Stalybridge and Worcester that helped them cement their step six status.

Twenty years after signing for West Brom from non-league Kidderminster Harriers, Hughes remains keen as ever to put the ball in the back of the net.

He added: "We stayed up, that was the main objective. We got what we needed.

"I've not been in that many relegation fights, it was an eye-opener.

"Getting on chances is my game. There's not that many wingers here, it's a shame, if we had more to cross the ball in then I might have had a few more!

"I've got 18 goals in 30-odd games this season and my record doesn't lie. I always aim for 20 goals. If I'd have played all the games I would've done it but I got sent off stupidly a couple of times which was my fault.

"I've definitely got the desire to play until I can't walk. The main thing is enjoying it."