Ian Hughes (footballer, born 1974)

Ian Hughes (born 2 August 1974) is a Wales former professional footballer. He played as a defender and was a Welsh under-21 international.

Ian Hughes
Personal information
Date of birth (1974-08-02) 2 August 1974 (age 50)
Place of birth Bangor, Wales
Position(s) Defender
Youth career
Bury
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1991–1997 Bury 160 (1)
1997–2003 Blackpool 160 (4)
2003–2004 Huddersfield Town 13 (1)
2004–2008 Bacup Borough
International career
Wales U21
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Playing career

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Club career

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Born in Bangor, Gwynedd, Hughes began his career at Bury where he was in the youth team. He played in central defence for the club in six years between 1991 and 1997 making 202 appearances in all competitions for the Shakers and scoring two goals.

In December 1997 he moved to Blackpool for a transfer fee of £200,000. He became the Seasiders' club captain wearing the number 5 shirt[1] making 191 appearances in total, scoring six goals between 1997 and 2003.

In the 2000–01 season he scored in the Third Division Play-Off final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff as the Seasiders beat Leyton Orient to earn promotion.[2] The following season, he helped Blackpool win the Football League Trophy at the same venue, playing as a substitute in the final.[3]

After spending the 2002-03 season struggling with injuries which had seen him out of action for six months from October 2002 to April 2003,[4] he was released at the end of the season,[5]

After a short trial, in July 2003[6] he moved to Huddersfield Town where he stayed for one season.

Hughes signed for North West Counties Football League club Bacup Borough in August 2004 for whom he was club captain.[7]

International career

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Hughes played fifteen games for Wales at under-21 level.

Honours

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Blackpool

References

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  1. ^ "Hughes in fitness race". Blackpool Gazette. 21 November 2002. Retrieved 12 December 2008.
  2. ^ "Skipper steps in and walks tall again". Blackpool Gazette. 13 February 2002. Retrieved 12 December 2008.
  3. ^ "Seasiders relish return to scene of past success". Independent. 25 March 2002. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  4. ^ "Nightmare!". Blackpool Gazette. 16 April 2003. Retrieved 12 December 2008.
  5. ^ "We Speak To Ian Hughes". Blackpool F.C. 6 May 2003. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 12 December 2008.
  6. ^ "Hughes' contract chance". Blackpool Gazette. 10 July 2003. Retrieved 12 December 2008.
  7. ^ "Bacup Borough 0 - 1 Trafford". Bacup Borough F.C. 3 November 2007. Archived from the original on 26 June 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-12.
  8. ^ Fletcher, Paul (24 March 2002). "Blackpool lift LDV Vans Trophy". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
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