Mark Hughes is a former Welsh professional footballer and current manager of Premier League football team, Stoke City FC. Throughout his playing career, Hughes was most noted for two spells at Manchester United, as well as playing for European giants Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Hughes also played for famous English teams, Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn Rovers.
Hughes joined Manchester United after leaving school in the summer of 1980, having been spotted by the team’s North Wales talent scout Hugh Roberts. Upon his arrival Hughes was faced with a tall order to break into a prolific Manchester United however his sheer will, determination and skill meant he was selected for the side. An FA Cup victory was followed up by a career high goal season goal scoring tally of 17 goals. A surprising transfer to Barcelona was followed by a loan move to German club, Bayern Munich before Hughes once again returned to Old Trafford.
Mark Hughes proved to be a dynamic goalscorer and became an integral part of the United team for the next seven seasons. Hughes’ time at United yielded an impressive 11 trophies including 2 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups and a UEFA Super Cup. His prolific individual performances did not go unnoticed, Hughes was awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year, the first player ever to receive the PFA Players’ Player of the Yearaward on two occasions as well as being the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year during his time at Manchester United.
Mark Hughes’ wonderful experiences at Manchester United are eloquently discussed when he performs as a football speaker, Hughes has a remarkable ability to harness and identify the key areas that led to success and his consistency making for a thoroughly insightful and informative performance at any event.
Hughes left Old Trafford for the second and final time in June 1995 when he was sold to Chelsea for £1 million. Once again he enjoyed a successful time as his time with the club saw Hughes and the team win the FA Cup, League Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, again Hughes’ phenomenal performances saw him named the Chelsea FC Player of the Year. After brief spells with Southampton, Everton and Blackburn Roversbefore he embarked upon a managerial career.
Following the 17 International Caps Hughes received from the country, he also had a reign as Wales manager, this was his first managerial post and he was appointed this position in 1999 remaining in the role until 2004. During his five years in charge of Wales, results significantly improved and Hughes came extremely close to securing a European Championship qualification in 2004.
Shortly after this, Hughes turned his attention to domestic management and spent four years in charge of former club, Blackburn Rovers, guiding them to a sixth place finish in the 2005/06 season. Hughes’ performance as manager as Blackburn was noticed and this in turn led to his appointment as manager of world-recognised Premier League side, Manchester City. After a brief spell at Manchester City, Hughes spent the 2010/11 season at Fulham before his services were once again in high demand.
Hughes joined Queens Park Rangers in January of 2012 and was instrumental in helping them retain their Premier League status in the 2011/12 season. Despite some high-profile signings in the summer of 2012, Queens Park Rangers began the season in very poor form and Hughes left the club in late 2012.
Hughes was then appointed manager of Stoke City in May of 2013 and still remains in charge at the club. During his time at Stoke, Mark Hughes has transformed the club into a real force within the Premier Leagueand they have become a team that is feared. His wonderful reputation within the game and the tremendous respect he has from peers and players allowed Hughes and Stoke to attract high profile players and investment which in turn led to thoroughly improved performances on the pitch.
A football personality who has achieved so much in the game both as a player and manager, Mark Hughes has a wealth of knowledge about the game and has accumulated a host entertaining tales and anecdotes during his illustrious and distinguished career within football. An incredibly impressive individual who has the unique ability to motivate and inspire his guests while providing many teachings, Mark Hughes is certain to be the perfect addition to any event as a football speaker.
