HUGHES IS A BIG FAN ALREADY

MARK HUGHES says that playing against Accrington Stanley earlier in the season convinced him the Wham Stadium was the place to be after becoming the club’s latest addition.

The 29-year-old centreback became available after leaving Stevenage this week – and Stanley boss John Coleman was quick to snap him up.

Hughes had a spell on loan with the Reds back in 2013 but claims the club is a completely different place now, though it has the same feel about it.

“There’s a homely feeling,” he said. “It’ll be nice to be part of a team that is flying, too.

“Accrington are probably the best side I’ve played this season.

“If I can be involved and do what I can to push the club on, that will be great.”

While Coleman is delighted to have Hughes on board, he acknowledges there was an element of need to complete the deal.

He said:“The reason behind bringing in Mark is we’ve lost Dean Winnard for three months to injury.”