Aaron Hughes arrives in Melbourne after a long career playing across a range of clubs in England and will team up with fellow recruit Ivan Franjic in Melbourne City’s defence, helping to address what was a key issue with the club in their debut season.
While Hughes’ career has proved to be a long and fruitful one, most City fans, and Australians in general would not be familiar with the 35 year-old Northern Irishman. Outside90’s Anthony Geppa provides a crash course on the highlights of Hughes’ movements across England, and gives an insight into what City can expect from their new import.
Hughes began his professional career as an 18-year-old at the famous Newcastle United in the Premier League, going on to make 279 appearances across all English competitions. After leaving the Magpies, he had a short stint with fellow EPL outfit Aston Villa. His time there lasted two seasons, making a total of just 54 appearances for the Birmingham based club.
Perhaps Hughes’ most successful stint as a player was during his time with London based club Fulham. Having arrived from Aston Villa in 2007, he quickly established himself as a first team regular for the Cottagers. He made 196 appearances for Fulham, and played a large role in leading them to the UEFA Europa League final in 2010.
Hughes made such an impact at Fulham, the fans voted him into their best XI from 2001-2012, alongside stars such as Edwin van der Sar, Brede Hangeland, Steve Finnan, Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey.
In 2014, with Fulham relegated to the Championship, Hughes joined longtime admirer Harry Redknapp at Queen’s Park Rangers. He made 11 appearances for the Rangers, helping them to secure promotion back into the Premier League before leaving the club.
In late 2014, he joined the Sami Hyypia coached Brighton & Hove Albion, becoming the former Liverpool defender’s first signing for the club. Having just managed 13 appearances across all competitions for Brighton, Hughes was released by the club at the end of the campaign, making him a fee agent.
Having made over 450 Premier League appearances across his career, Hughes has played the second most Premier League games without getting a red card. He has made over 650 appearances across all English competitions in total.
Along with a successful club career in England, Hughes has had a long and illustrious affiliation with his national team, Northern Ireland. Having debuted against Slovakia in 1998 as a 19-year-old, Hughes has recorded 96 appearances for his country, becoming the second most capped Northern Irishman of all time. Not only is he the most capped outfield player in the Green and White Army’s history, Hughes captained the country from 2003 until 2011, where he briefly retired from international football.
Having joined his new teammates on Monday, Hughes brings a wealth of experience to the Melbourne City lineup. Together with Patrick Kisnorbo and Connor Chapman, he will form a strong City defence whilst helping the young Chapman to develop. The addition of Hughes will not only help City on the field, but his professionalism will be a big boost to a club still looking to hit their stride.
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