Anthony Johnson insists that Matty Hughes won't be leaving Chester FC and that a permanent deal will be signed as and when circumstances allow.
Hughes, 27, made his first start since October last year on Saturday, starring in a 4-0 home win over Gloucester City in the National League North, impressing with his guile in the final third.
The former Fleetwood Town striker, who missed much of last season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury against Hereford, looked back to his old self before being subbed in the second half. A first start in 10 months understandably leading to some cramp late on.
Hughes was invited back for pre-season training to win a deal, needing to prove his fitness.
His performance on Saturday saw Blues fans clamour to make sure the striker put pen to paper on a deal, but Blues joint-manager Johnson stressed that Hughes would not be leaving the football club and that he has been a fully paid member of the first team squad since the first day they returned for pre-season training.
"I don't see the big thing about this with Matty," said Johnson.
"We've done nine weeks and of that nine weeks he has missed three with injury. We are still paying him as a football club, so whether he is contracted or non-contracted all it means is if he decides he has had enough of it here and wants to go somewhere else then nobody has to pay a fee or we don't have to pay him up.
"But the lad has been brilliant, his money won't change, nothing changes for Matty. Me and Bernard, we are loyal people and Matty Hughes is a loyal lad so if we can get something tied up and the budget allows us then we'll get him on a contract.
"He won't be leaving the club, he will not be leaving this club whether he is on a contract or not on a contract. He will never not get paid.
"We're committed to Matty, Matty is committed to us and if we can get something done in terms of the paper then we will. He's a star for us and when he plays it gives is a different dimension."
Hughes made way on 66 minutes for another striker who has had injury woes and a point to prove, Akwasi Asante .
The Dutchman looked sharper than he had done for some time, battling well and always looking to get a shot away and was able to get himself on the scoresheet in injury time for the second time in a week, tucking home a penalty after Danny Elliott had been fouled.
Johnson was pleased with his cameo.
"He looked a powerhouse," said the Blues co-boss.
"What I loved about him when he came on was that he was trying to find a yard to get his shot off, he was looking to beat a man, and not just looking, he was doing it.
"He got his shots off, got his penalty, he was fast and sharp."
