GRAHAM Allner is confident Lee Hughes still has the magic touch in front of goal.

Allner was the man who originally signed the hitman as a 15-year-old for Harriers’ youth team and watched him blossom into the Football Conference’s hottest prospect.

Hughes, now 38, has returned to Aggborough after signing a deal until the end of the season.

Current Kidderminster boss Gary Whild believes the forward, who has scored 235 goals in all competitions, can fire the Reds to the play-offs.

Allner, who was manager between 1983 and 1998 and guided the club to the Conference title and FA Trophy, is sure the veteran is still a potent threat in the box.

He said: “I have always kept my eye on Lee, he’s always scored goals and I don’t think he’s going to stop now.

“He will bring experience to the team but he’s also got a natural goal-scoring instinct, as well has a natural and infectious enthusiasm for the game.

“When I first came across him he played in midfield but he always popped up in the box and scored goals, he’s always been able to do it.”

Allner was recommended a youthful Hughes, who had been released by West Bromwich Albion, by a friend of former Reds player Mick Tuohy.

He signed for Harriers’ youth team but suffered a setback after breaking his leg. Once he recovered, the irrepressible forward started to catch the eye and was thrust into the first team in 1994 when he made his debut against Northwich Victoria.

Hughes scored 70 goals in 139 appearances for Kidderminster’s first team and became the most sought after property in semi-professional football.

He joined boyhood heroes West Bromwich Albion in the summer of 1997 and generated over £1million for Kidderminster thanks to add-ons and sell-on fees.

Overall, the prolific forward generated over £8 million in fees during his career.

President and former chairman Colin Youngjohns welcomed his return.

He said: "Lee made so much money for this club that he doesn't owe Harriers anything at all, so it's great to see him back.

"It allowed us to compete in the Football League and invest in the ground, that's his legacy."