Northern Ireland midfielder Mark Hughes signed his new contract at Underhill this afternoon and announced: "I will be trying to re-establish my place in the team this season under the new management team".

Hughes, who made 45 starts and one substitute appearance for the Bees last season, worked under manager Mark Stimson at Stevenage Borough.

Hughes, who has been back in training for more than a week, was one of the few of last season's players offered new deal before the new manager was appointed. He accepted when he returned from holiday.

Not only a new deal - Hughes is also celebrating the birth of a baby boy three weeks ago - his first child, "Sleeps until 6 a.m," he reported.

No excuses for being late for training then!

Footnote: Newcomers Jordan Parkes (ex-Watford) and Charlie Stimson (Gillingham) completed the paperwork of their new contracts by signing this afternoon.

Dennis Signy