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.