FOREST Green boss Ady Pennock has paid a heartfelt tribute to veteran striker Lee Hughes following his New Lawn exit.

Hughes,38, is understood to have taken a pay cut to re-sign for his boyhood club Kidderminster Harriers.

Pennock said: “I would like to thank him for what he has done in his year at Forest Green. He brought a professionalism and enthusiasm on and off the pitch.

“This is a fantastic move for Lee and his family and nice for him to go back to the club where his career started.

“I was honest with him and told him he wasn’t going to play regularly because of the form of the strikers ahead of him, but I wish him all the best.”