Lee Hughes, the former West Bromwich Albion striker, has been released from jail after serving half of his six-year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving.

Hughes, 31, is expected to join Coca-Cola League One side Oldham Athletic after being freed from Featherstone Prison near Wolverhampton.

Hughes was jailed in August 2004 after crashing his £100,000 Mercedes sports car into another vehicle, killing a father of four and severely injuring two others.

His contract with West Brom was terminated after his conviction at Coventry Crown Court. Hughes was driving home from a post-match drinking session when the accident happened. He fled and was arrested 36 hours later after handing himself in.

"We have every sympathy for the families concerned but we are hopeful now he can get on with the job he knows best," said Oldham director Barry Owen.

Hughes signed for the League One club earlier this year and is likely to be unveiled next week.

"There are certain family priorities initially, and he's got to get used to being out of prison," Owen said.

"We anticipate his fitness will be assessed by the club when he arrives, and it will be then up to the management to decide on a plan of attack."

Owen also asked fans to go easy on Hughes when he resumes his playing career.

"Any signing in football is a gamble," he added. "I'm not prepared to think about the moral aspects, I think he's entitled to pick up his job.

"I don't think Lee Hughes will have it easy. Fans will remind him of the past when he's playing football. But one would expect them to conduct themselves in a football ground as they would do in the street."