Background
Hughes was born and raised in Liverpool and joined Liverpool F.C., initially as ground staff, but later earned a playing contract.
Hughes was born and raised in Liverpool and joined Liverpool F.C., initially as ground staff, but later earned a playing contract.
He failed to make an appearance for the first team, and moved to Stockport County where he again failed to make the first team squad. Hughes then joined Sheffield United, making just two appearances. He then had spells with Bradford Park Avenue A.F.C. and Southport F.C.
In 1973 Hughes emigrated to New Zealand and took up the role of head coach of Dunedin City in the Southern League.
Hughes first took charge of the New Zealand side February 1977, winning six, losing five of his 12 games in charge, with one draw. After Hughes stepped down following a tour of New Zealand by England B he coached Blockhouse Bay in the National league.
Hughes also coached New Zealand club sides Auckland City Football Club, East Coast Bays AFC, Auckland University and Manurewa AFC.