The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Hughes defends his record in dugout
Despite taking Raith Rovers into League One and failing to land the Dundee United job, John Hughes has claimed his CV stands up to any other non-Old Firm manager;
The out-of-work former Hibs, Inverness and Falkirk boss has launched an impassioned defence of his record in the dugout.
After recently losing out to Csaba Laszlo for the United vacancy, Hughes insists he is keen to get back on to the training pitch.
He said: “If you look at my CV, outwith anybody that’s managed Rangers and Celtic, I bet you it’s right up there: two teams for the first time in their history, Falkirk and Inverness, into Europe; Hibs into Europe with Celtic and Rangers in the league.
“I left Falkirk. What happens? They got relegated and have never been in the top flight since because of my standards. I also got them to the Scottish Cup final.
“I leave Inverness. What happens? Relegated. I won the Scottish Cup and got them to the League Cup final.
“It’s not bad. There’s success there. And doing it on an attractive brand of football – if I get the time.
“Plus I produce good young players.
“I went in to Raith in February but they had no confidence or momentum. There was nothing.
“Lewis Vaughan is the top scorer in Scotland but he was at Dumbarton on loan. Ross Callachan broke his arm and never played in the last few months.”
Hughes came under attack from former Raith director Val McDermid on Twitter when he was linked with the United post. The crime writer, who stood down from the board last month, said: “Heaven help you if you get Yogi.
“Continually slagging off the players in the media was incredibly destructive. No ability to create team spirit and positive attitude.”
Asked about her comments, Hughes said: “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But if she was on the board, and she’s saying that, then she’s culpable herself isn’t she?”