Northern Ireland international Mark Hughes is back in the Barnet fold after accepting a new contract offer to stay on at Underhill.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who made 45 starts and one substitute appearance last season, will report to The Hive on Thursday for the start of pre-season training.

"I have obviously enjoyed my time at Barnet and am looking forward to working with the new management team and trying to re-establish my place in the team when the pre-season friendlies start", he told www.barnetfc.com today.

Hughes is, in fact, renewing acquaintance with new manager Mark Stimson, who signed him for Stevenage Borough.

Hughes, who was Ian Hendon's first signing from Chester City when he took over as manager in January 2009, started his career as a Tottenham Hotspur youth player and reserve.

He has had experience at Northampton Town, Oldham Athletic and Chesterfield before Stevenage and Chester.

Hughes' contract with the Bees expires at the end of this month, but the club made him an offer to stay at the start of the close season before the new manager was appointed. Hughes accepted last week and had talks with Mark Stimson.

Footnote: Kenny Gillet, whose contract expires at the end of this month, has turned down the offer of a new deal.

Dennis Signy