Hughes: Philip Anthony (Phil)

1983-1985 (Player Details)

Goalkeeper

Born: Manchester: 19-11-1964

Debut: Cardiff City (h): 10-09-1983

5’11” 12st 7lb (1985)

Leeds were quick to move for Hughes when he was released by Manchester United in January 1983, after serving his apprenticeship and being a member of the Manchester United FA Youth Cup Runners-up in 1981-82. A Northern Ireland Youth International, qualifying via parentage, Hughes chose to join Leeds United in January 1983 after serving an apprenticeship with Manchester United believing there was little chance of a first team breakthrough at Old Trafford. At Elland Road too his chances were limited by the presence of Scottish International David Harvey, before the signing of Mervyn Day mid-way through the 1984/85 season ensured that Hughes had no future in Leeds' first-team. Signed by Bury in June 1985 Hughes established himself immediately in the first-team and despite the Shakers finishing twentieth in Division Three (just three points away from relegation), his consistent performances convinced Billy Bingham to select the former Youth international ahead of George Dunlop for the 1986 World Cup Finals squad. With Pat Jennings retiring after the World Cup in Mexico, Hughes was chosen for Northern Ireland's first game without the legendary goalkeeper. The inexperienced team suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of England, as Hughes became the first, and to date only, Bury goalkeeper to earn caps while with the club. Two further caps were added in the draws with Turkey and Israel later that season. A shoulder injury picked up in the second half of the 1986/87 season ruled Hughes out for a lengthy period, and in the meantime his Northern Ireland place was taken by George Dunlop, then Allen McKnight. He never really recovered his form and was allowed to join Wigan Athletic for £35,000, after an initial brief loan, in November 1987. He played eighty League games, nine in the F.A. Cup, nine in the League Cup and five in other games while at Gigg Lane. Although Wigan were firmly a Third Division side at the time, Hughes was given another chance to play at Wembley, in the Mercantile Credit Football League Centenary Tournament, and saved a penalty in one of the tournaments many shoot-outs. After ninety-nine League games, five F.A. Cup, two League Cup and seven other games in four years at Springfield Park, Phil Hughes was allowed to join Rochdale in 1991 on a free transfer, but did not play a game. He joined Scarborough in October 1991, initially on a three month contract, but left the sea-siders in June 1992, after seventeen League, one F.A. Cup, one League Cup and two other games. He later played for Guiseley in the Northen Premier League for a couple of seasons, before moving to Pontefract Colliers and later combined his job as a policeman with coaching youth football.