I WASN'T really sure what to think when it became obvious Lee Hughes was sat among Albion fans at the Walkers Stadium.

I heard the chanting and cheering of his name. I even saw some clips this morning from fans who had filmed him.

But a quick scan of Twitter and Facebook after the game and today suggested a sense of unease and discomfort, even anger, from some of the fans who party to this. There were suggestions of tension between those who were basking in the adulation of being in Lee's company and those who were not so enamoured with his less-than-low-key presence.

Lee Hughes is 34, he can do as he wants. If he wants to watch his beloved club in action then good luck to him. Bob Taylor frequently does, and does so with grace, humour and dignity. I'm told he even gets the beers in sometimes.

Marek Cech was on his feet boinging at Old Trafford. Good lad.

Lee Hughes is a lad who has always sought and thrived attention, with a strong want for being liked.

I knew him during his time at B71, interviewed him many times and enjoyed his company. Whether he'd just scored a hat-trick or missed a succession of sitters in a defeat, his cheeriness often put more talented, and moody, team-mates to shame. Clearly, his enthusiasm remains.

But we know what happened.

And while Lee has done his time and moved on, his footballing career will always be split in two.

So too will opinion.

Lee's name is frequently cited during radio discussions when there is debate about people being given a 'second chance'. It always will be.

It's pleasing and fortunate for Lee that Oldham and Notts County gave him an opportunity to resume his career following his release from prison. They've given him a chance to rebuild his life and earn a good wage at the same time.

But the landscape has changed for 'Hughesie'. What was once a carefree world was shattered a few years ago.

And that's a concern.

Where once the biggest quandary was whether he was good enough for the Premier League, there is now more heated discussion about something darker - completely unrelated to his strengths or abilities as a footballer.

If people wish to hero-worship Hughes then it's their choice. That's the so-called democracy we live in.

But Lee stopped becoming that conventional 'footballing hero' a few years ago. And many will never feel comfortable about the adulation and fuss.

Personally, I hope that someone, preferably with his best interests at heart, reins him in a little bit.

There is nothing wrong with enthusiasm or enjoying life. Trouble is that, unlike some folks, his conduct will always be scrutinised, no matter where he is. That's something he will live with.

Yet his standing among Albion fans, and even his detractors, will be a lot greater if some dignity and class can be restored to his public behaviour.

Very random thoughts from Old Trafford.

1. The Baggies return to second-half form could be accounted for their increased tempo. But perhaps they were briefed to be more disciplined between the defence and midfield. Albion struggled with Berbatov's control of the game before the break. The Bulgarian can look half-baked on TV but study him live and you see off-the-ball movement and spatial awareness that is difficult to play against. He operated between Albion's backline and midfield, drawing players out of their natural position. His influence waned after the break thanks to Albion's tighter-knit and more organised defensive performance. Whatever was said, or done, at half-time worked. And credit to Albion's coaching staff and players.

2. Albion's game at Old Trafford was broadcast nationally and could be heard on two local radio stations. Life was a bit different when Albion won 5-3 back in 1978. The reporter covering the game for a well-known Black Country station had to give live updates every time a goal went in. Which wouldn't pose too many problems these days but back then the game was scheduled at the same time as a show specialising in female matters. And the woman presenter concerned was none-too-pleased at having to break off every few minutes to 'go back to Old Trafford for news of another goal...'. We're sure the housewives of Dudley and Cradley Heath were delighted.

3. Back to yesterday's match and one Albion player enjoyed himself more than most. Marek Cech joined Albion fans in the away end for yesterday's match. By all accounts he got into the spirit of the occasion - even joining in the Boing Boings at the end of the game. Slovak by birth, Black Country by trade.

4. Albion fans bemoaned the blank 'patch' on the back of replica home shirts over the years. This year's version has no patch, with the red numbers on the back of the stripes. Great for fans, less so for the media who are unfamiliar with Albion players. Not for the first time yesterday journalists were moaning about being unable to tell their Scharners from their Morrisons. The way Albion have started, those names should soon become more familiar...

5. Which fool decided to shut a busy motorway route in and around Manchester on the day the nation's biggest football club - with its legion of long-distance travellers - plays a match against another club who will be using the same road?

6. Sixth place is no fluke. Albion reached seventh in 2002 under Gary Megson after six games. But you knew a dip was inevitable. On Saturday Albion were without their top goalscorer, with two of their most creative midfielders on the bench. Don't be caught up in the 'United were poor' hype - Albion deserved the point and deserve to be where they are. There is no good fortune attached.

7. The only sour fall-out, from Albion's point of view, was seeing Jerome Thomas struggling late on with his calf injury. Hopefully it won't be too serious and won't prevent him facing Fulham on Saturday.