RICHARD Hughes has admitted reuniting with Paul Groves was too good an opportunity to turn down and says he is relishing joining ‘Project AFC Bournemouth’.

Cherries boss Groves has persuaded Hughes to come out of retirement to return to Dean Court following a 10-year absence – and 12 months away from the game.

The 33-year-old, who played for Cherries between 1998 and 2002, brought a share in a London-based restaurant after his contract expired at Portsmouth a year ago.

Midfielder Hughes worked under Groves when he was a coach at Fratton Park and played alongside the 46-year-old when he was player-manager at Grimsby.

Hughes, who has agreed terms on a two-year deal, told the Daily Echo: “It was an easy decision. I spoke to the manager about his vision for the club and want to be part of the project because it is really exciting.

“I know him well, I know his philosophies on the game and I know what he is like as a manager. I always wanted to play again but I wanted to play for the right person. He is a very honest person and a deep thinker. Everything he does is calculated and structured.”

Hughes, who has watched Cherries’ past three friendlies, will not be match fit for the start of the season having last played competitively in December 2010. A contract wrangle at Pompey precluded his involvement for the final six months of his stay.

“I have been very impressed with the way the team has played,” said Hughes.

“I don’t know how long it will take for me to get fully fit but I have already started the hard work and am hoping to join in with the development squad on Friday. My main priorities are to work hard and stay clear of injury.”

Hughes added: “I know it is going to take a lot of hard work to get up to speed.

“I am hoping the attributes I have got as a player aren’t the first ones you lose.

“My game is based on trying to read the play, which is going to get better as you get older. If I can add something to the squad when I am fit, I will be delighted.”

Cherries yesterday completed the signing of defender Jonathan Meades, the 20-year-old penning a two-year contract at Goldsands Stadium.

Meanwhile, Cherries’ development squad went down to a 3-1 defeat at Wimborne last night. Tom Jeffes, John Blake and George Webb netted for Magpies before Brandon Goodship bagged a late consolation.

Cherries: Buchel, Davis, Kay, Cargill, Strugnell, Moth (Goodship, 74), Blackmore, Gilkes (Bussell, h-t), Makoni, Wilson (Chiedozie, 74), Jamal.