JOHN Hughes has returned to Great Harwood with a mission to save them from relegation.

Hughes helped the Robins secure promotion to the NWCL Division One last season but left to link up with his former club Chorley in the UniBond League.

However it didn't work out and, after Dave Sharples resigned last week, chairman Bill Holden has moved swiftly to bring Hughes back to Harwood.

"It is good to be back," said Hughes. "I was going to have a rest from football but Bill spoke to me, said they were struggling and we still have a chance to avoid relegation."

Harwood are rock bottom of the league but have been boosted by two recent results.

They drew 0-0 with promotion chasing Ramsbottom on Good Friday and then chalked up only their fourth league win of the season on Monday with a 3-1 victory over Nantwich. Graham Price, Ged Walsh and Mike Young were on target - that was Hughes' first game in charge.

"It was a start," admitted Hughes although his side were gutted to learn that the team just above them, Formby, had defeated top of the table Fleetwood. The bottom two are set to be relegated although there is a chance just one will go down depending on who comes up.

"We have four games in hand on Formby and trail them by seven points so we need to pick up about five wins from our final nine games," continued Hughes. "It is a mission - although we may need a miracle!"

The Robins face Congleton at Darwen FC on Saturday (ko 3pm) before they take on Squires Gate at Accrington Stanley FC on Monday (ko 7.45pm).

Chairman Bill Holden said: "It is good to have John back as it brings some stability back to the club.

"He did well with us before and got promotion and brought some decent players to the club."

Hughes was hoping to bring in five new players ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline day - left back Ryan Dervish, from Chorley, was his first signing.