ACCRINGTON Stanley's latest addition Mark Hughes said it was great to be back with the Reds after signing until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old centre half became available earlier this week after leaving Stanley's fellow League Two side Stevenage, where he had made 22 appearances since joining in the summer.

The Kirkby-born defender has known Stanley boss John Coleman since he was young, and had a spell on loan with the Reds in 2013 under Leam Richardson.

"I played against Accrington last month and they were probably the best side I’ve played against this season so if I can be involved and do what I can to push the club on that will be great,” the former Everton trainee said.

Of his return to the Wham Stadium, Hughes added: "Believe it or not, things have actually changed quite a lot right down to the management.

"Personnel changes but the place has the same feel about it, there’s a homely feeling about the club and it’s nice to come back home to the north west. It’ll be nice to be part of a team that is flying at the minute too."

Hughes is Coleman's second signing of the week, having added midfielder Scott Brown to the ranks as well, and he was pleased to have secured defensive reinforcement.

"I haven’t worked with Mark but I’ve known him since he was a kid and he’ll be a really good addition," said the Reds chief.

"The reason behind bringing Mark in is because we’ve lost Dean Winnard for three months to injury. I’ve been pleased with Matty Pearson playing at centre back because I saw him predominantly as a full back but he’s done really well. With him, Tom Davies, Joe Wright and now Mark I think we’ve got adequate cover for all eventualities.

"My recruitment policy is designed on hunger and Mark and (fellow recent signing) Scott (Brown) have possibly been written off by the clubs they have left. I think they’ll both be determined to prove a point."

Hughes will wear the number 24 shirt at the Wham Stadium and is set to be available for tomorrow's clash with Bristol Rovers.