I lost my second job and extra income after tearing my cruciate... it’s a world away from top-flight riches
of people – at a time when so many bad things are happening.
“It was incredible that the Darlington fans contributed. Another National League North side Southport also helped me out.
“It ’ s br i l li ant how opposition clubs have done their bit for me. It’s very humbling.
‘It’s also good how people realise that we’re not all on £ 100,000- a- week. It’s a different world. There’s certainly not much glamour.
“Like myself the majority of non-league players have other jobs.
“There’s a huge gulf between the haves of the Premier League and the havenots of the non-league.”
Before his injury a typical day for Hughes – and one that is repeated throughout the non-league world – would start at 6am. In addition to matches at Chester we train two evenings a week, which means working throughout the day near my home in Fleetwood labouring and meeting one of the lads halfway down the motorway towards Che st er,” he explained.
“We share the driving. It depends on how long training is as to what time I arrive back home. It can be for around 10.30pm, sometimes even later. There’s just time for a quick shower and straight to bed.
“Then it’s up early again the next day, so you don’t really get that much sleep. But it’s a routine I’ve become used to and one you just have to get through.
“What drives you on is to progress in football and become a full - t i me professional.” CRYSTAL PALACE are looking to sharpen their attack in the New Year – and
Jermain Defoe is in their sights.
The former England international (above) is finding it hard to break into Eddie Howe’s first team on a regular basis.
At 36 he needs games and Roy Hodgson’s mis-firing Eagles desperately need a shot in the arm, via a loan deal.
Were Palace to land Defoe, it could see Connor Wickham make a move to Middlesbrough.