STRIKER Lee Hughes has said he won’t be coming back to Kidderminster Harriers.

The 39-year-old is being chased by Vanarama National League and SkyBet Football League clubs as he looks to continue his playing career.

Hughes returned in January after an 18-year break when his contract at Forest Green Rovers was cancelled by mutual consent – taking a large pay cut in the process.

But with manager Gary Whild’s playing budget reduced by half to £250,000 for the 2015-16 season, the Harriers felt they could not offer the experienced goal-getter a new deal.

Hughes is currently training with Port Vale while he’s looking for a club.

He re-joined with Kidderminster still in the play-off hunt but financial instability derailed their efforts.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Harriers, it’s a great club with brilliant fans,” said Hughes.

“It was unfortunate during my time there were problems behind the scenes, I’ve never seen players not get paid before. But I must say the manager was brilliant with me, he was honest and up front about the situation at the club and I respect that.

“I would have loved to have stayed but there was never any offer on the table, I know the money situation at the club is tight.

“I definitely still feel I can go on playing and now I’ve come back from holiday I will see what offers there are.”

Striker Danny Wright, who Whild had been hoping to persuade to stay, has joined local rivals Cheltenham Town.

Harriers will be hoping that experienced pair Reece Styche and Craig Reid can rekindle their goal-scoring form, while the likes of Jamie Spencer, Gurjit Singh and Reece Hales, who has signed a new deal, can develop.

Meanwhile, winger Ahmed Obeng has had his contract cancelled by mutual consent so he could join Hednesford Town.

The Pitmen had been chasing the wide man all summer and he was tempted by the prospect of regular appearances.

Whild explained: “We had been expecting to begin the season with him as part of the squad but, in fairness to Ahmed, the interest shown in him from Hednesford was quite sustained and, having discussed it with him and with everything considered, this is the best option for him as a young player.”

In positive news, Harriers added another experienced figure last week with the addition of centre back Kelvin Langmead on a season long loan from Ebbsfleet United.

The 30-year-old spent ten games at Aggborough as a striker in 2004-05 but has since been converted into a centre back.

Meanwhile, the fixtures are set to be released at 1pm on Friday afternoon.

The club also commence their pre-season programme at Romulus on Saturday (3pm ko), before going to Bedworth United in Tuesday night (7.45pm ko).

The club are looking for a new physio after Gavin Crowe joined newly-promoted Bristol Rovers.