:Lee Hughes
{{Short description|English footballer (born 1976)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Lee Hughes
| image = Lee Hughes 1.png
| caption = Hughes playing for Kidderminster Harriers in 2009
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1976|5|22|df=y}}
| birth_place = Smethwick, England
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=0}}{{cite web|title=Lee Hughes' profile at Notts County FC |url=http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10426~8454,00.html |publisher=Notts County F.C. |access-date=6 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726050851/http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0%2C%2C10426~8454%2C00.html |archive-date=26 July 2009 |url-status=dead }}
| position = Striker
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = 1987–1991
| youthclubs1 = West Bromwich Albion
| youthyears2 = 1991–1994
| youthclubs2 = Kidderminster Harriers
| years1 = 1994–1997
| clubs1 = Kidderminster Harriers
| caps1 = 139
| goals1 = 70
| years2 = 1997–2001
| clubs2 = West Bromwich Albion
| caps2 = 156
| goals2 = 79
| years3 = 2001–2002
| clubs3 = Coventry City
| caps3 = 42
| goals3 = 15
| years4 = 2002–2004
| clubs4 = West Bromwich Albion
| caps4 = 55
| goals4 = 11
| years5 = 2007–2009
| clubs5 = Oldham Athletic
| caps5 = 55
| goals5 = 25
| years6 = 2009
| clubs6 = → Blackpool (loan)
| caps6 = 3
| goals6 = 1
| years7 = 2009–2013
| clubs7 = Notts County
| caps7 = 128
| goals7 = 59
| years8 = 2013–2014
| clubs8 = Port Vale
| caps8 = 31
| goals8 = 13
| years9 = 2014–2015
| clubs9 = Forest Green Rovers
| caps9 = 42
| goals9 = 15
| years10 = 2015
| clubs10 = Kidderminster Harriers
| caps10 = 13
| goals10 = 3
| years11 = 2015
| clubs11 = Ilkeston
| caps11 =
| goals11 =
| years12 = 2015–2017
| clubs12 = Worcester City
| caps12 = 48
| goals12 = 28
| years13 = 2017
| clubs13 = AFC Telford United
| caps13 = 13
| goals13 = 4
| years14 = 2017–2018
| clubs14 = Worcester City
| caps14 = 13
| goals14 = 10
| years15 = 2018–2019
| clubs15 = Halesowen Town
| caps15 =
| goals15 =
| years16 = 2019–2020
| clubs16 = Mickleover Sports
| caps16 = 19
| goals16 = 6
| years17 = 2020
| clubs17 = Grantham Town
| caps17 = 6
| goals17 = 1
| years18 = 2020
| clubs18 = Nuneaton Borough
| caps18 = 0
| goals18 = 0
| years19 = 2021
| clubs19 = Cradley Town
| caps19 = 1
| goals19 = 1
| years20 = 2021–2022
| clubs20 = Stourport Swifts
| caps20 = 19
| goals20 = 4
| totalcaps = 782
| totalgoals = 347
| nationalyears1 = 1996
| nationalteam1 = England Semi-Pro
| nationalcaps1 = 1
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| manageryears1 = 2017–2018
| managerclubs1 = Worcester City
| manageryears2 = 2019
| managerclubs2 = Halesowen Town (caretaker)
}}
Lee Hughes (born 22 May 1976) is an English former professional footballer. A strong striker with excellent finishing abilities, Hughes represented the England semi-professional team once in 1996. After being released as a youth team footballer, Hughes worked as a roofer alongside his father. He started his career in the Conference with Kidderminster Harriers before winning a £380,000 move to boyhood club West Bromwich Albion in August 1997. He finished as the club's top-scorer for four seasons running, earning a place on the PFA Team of the Year in 1998–99 after finishing as the highest scorer in the top four divisions of English football. He was sold to Coventry City for £5 million in August 2001 before returning to West Brom for half of that figure twelve months later. He failed to impress in the Premier League as Albion suffered relegation but helped the club to make an immediate return to the top flight as runners-up in the First Division in 2003–04.
In August 2004, he was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for causing death by dangerous driving following a fatal crash on 23 November 2003. Following his release from prison in 2007, he returned to the professional game with Oldham Athletic of League One. He signed for Notts County in July 2009 and was named on the PFA Team of the Year after scoring 30 league goals as the club won the League Two title in 2009–10. He left Notts County to sign for Port Vale in January 2013 and helped the club to secure promotion out of League Two in 2012–13. In January 2014, he signed for Forest Green Rovers on an 18-month deal. In January 2015, he returned to Kidderminster Harriers and moved on to Ilkeston and then Worcester City in the summer. He became a prolific goalscorer into his 40s and signed with AFC Telford United in February 2017. He began his management career as joint-manager of Worcester City, alongside John Snape, in May 2017. In March 2018, he joined Halesowen Town as a player, where he remained until moving on to Mickleover Sports in August 2019. He later played for Grantham Town, Nuneaton Borough, Cradley Town and Stourport Swifts.
Club career
=Kidderminster Harriers=
Hughes spent four years at West Bromwich Albion as a schoolboy from ages 11 to 15, though he was not offered a youth team contract.{{cite news|last=Tanner|first=Richard|title=HUGHES; A HAPPY BOY!|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/HUGHES%3b+A+HAPPY+BOY!-a061061804|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Daily Mirror|date=18 August 1997}} He then had unsuccessful trials at numerous clubs, though came close to being offered a contract by Swansea City.{{cite web |title=Grassroots Gossip: Episode 1 - Lee Hughes - Grassroots Gossip Podcast |url=https://www.buzzsprout.com/253473/944411-grassroots-gossip-episode-1-lee-hughes |website=Grassroots Gossip |access-date=2 May 2019}} He instead started his career playing semi-professionally for Conference club Kidderminster Harriers, whilst holding down a part-time job as a roofer. Although Hughes scored 34 goals in the 1996–97 season, Kidderminster failed to gain promotion to the Football League after finishing five points behind champions Macclesfield Town.Glenda Rollin (ed.), Jack Rollin (exec. ed.), Rothmans Football Yearbook 1997–98. Headline, 1997. At this point in his career Hughes was regarded as one of England's finest semi-professionals and was called up to the England national football C team.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefa.com/England/NationalGameXI/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2002/05/11630.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20040115075706/http://www.thefa.com/England/NationalGameXI/NewsAndFeatures/Postings/2002/05/11630.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 January 2004 |title=England's finest semi-professionals |publisher=The Football Association |date=16 May 2002 |access-date=2 September 2008 }} In total, Hughes scored 70 goals in 139 games for Kidderminster in all competitions.{{cite web|title=Lee Hughes|url=http://www.kidderminsterharriers.com/harriers/player.php?Player=239|work=kidderminsterharriers.com|access-date=25 November 2012}} He also played for amateur touring side Middlesex Wanderers during their tour of Vietnam whilst he was aged 19.{{cite web |title=Grassroots Gossip: Episode 1 - Lee Hughes - Grassroots Gossip Podcast |url=https://www.buzzsprout.com/253473/944411-grassroots-gossip-episode-1-lee-hughes |website=buzzsprout.com |access-date=21 September 2020}}
=West Bromwich Albion=
Hughes was sold to West Bromwich Albion for an initial £200,000 – incentives later took the final sum up to £380,000 – in August 1997.{{cite news|title=Fan Allner casts admiring glances at Albion's pounds 4m snip; Michael Ward finds Lee Hughes' former boss happy to sing the praises of one that got away.|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Fan+Allner+casts+admiring+glances+at+Albion%27s+pounds+4m+snip%3b+Michael...-a060694535|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=7 October 1998}} He said "It was a dream to join the team I have supported all my life".{{cite news|last=Dunn|first=Andy|title=Lee's Dream is in the Bag|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/LEE%27S+DREAM+IS+IN+THE+BAG.-a061112678|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=The People|date=17 August 1997}} The Daily Mirror printed that "Hughes has red hair, tattoos of a Tasmanian devil and a British bulldog on his forearms, dynamite in his boots and Albion in his blood." Fans affectionately nicknamed him the "Ginger Ninja".{{cite news|title=Colourful life of Ginger Ninja|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Colourful+life+of+Ginger+Ninja.-a0110452146|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=24 November 2003}}
He made his debut at The Hawthorns as a substitute in a 2–1 win over Tranmere Rovers on 9 August 1997.{{cite book | last = Matthews | first = Tony | title = The Who's Who of West Bromwich Albion | publisher = Breedon Books | location = Derby | year = 2005 | isbn = 1-85983-474-4 | page = 119}} Seven days later he scored two goals from the bench in a 3–2 win over Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road. Though signed by Ray Harford, he came to the fore under new boss Denis Smith.{{cite news|title=Local lad Hughes gets due reward from Smith|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Local+lad+Hughes+gets+due+reward+from+Smith.-a060778331|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=9 May 1998}} Smith handed Hughes his first start on 28 December, in a 1–1 home draw with Stoke City. He finished his debut season as the club's top-scorer with 14 goals in 41 appearances and was rewarded with a new four-year contract.
He started the 1998–99 season in fine form, and claimed his first ever hat-trick in a 3–0 win over Port Vale at Vale Park on 22 August.{{cite news|last=Sullivan|first=Denzil|title=Lee's hat trick of the trade; Port Vale 0 West Brom 3|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Lee%27s+hat+trick+of+the+trade%3b+Port+Vale+0+West+Brom+3.-a060635822|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=The People|date=23 August 1998}} Despite having recently signed a long-term contract, his form and goal record led to constant rumours of a big money move to a host of Premier League clubs.{{cite news|title=Hawthorns 'hands off' warning on ace Hughes|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Hawthorns+%27hands+off%27+warning+on+ace+Hughes.-a061437957|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=The Birmingham Post|date=15 September 1998}}{{cite news|title=Stumbling Albion fear Hughes exit|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Stumbling+Albion+fear+Hughes+exit.-a060695590|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=20 October 1998}} West Brom eventually issued a "hands-off" warning to other clubs.{{cite news|title=Albion losing patience as Hughes transfer talk reaches fever pitch|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Albion+losing+patience+as+Hughes+transfer+talk+reaches+fever+pitch.-a060710361|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=25 November 1998}} He claimed further hat-tricks against Crystal Palace and Huddersfield Town, and finished the season with 32 goals in 45 games.{{cite news|last=West|first=Lee|title=Desperate Dan Warns: Hands Off £5 million Hughes.|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/FOOTBALL%3a+DESPERATE+DEN+WARNS%3a+HANDS+OFF+pounds+5m+HUGHES.-a060612305|access-date=24 February 2013|date=5 November 1998}}{{cite news|title=Hot-shot Lee cracks hat-trick as Albion fire on all cylinders|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Hot-shot+Lee+cracks+hat-trick+as+Albion+fire+on+all+cylinders%3b+Albion...-a060743384|access-date=24 February 2013|newspaper=Sunday Mercury|date=15 November 1998}} This tally left him as the country's top-scorer.{{cite news|last=Ward|first=Michael|title=Albion planning crisis talks with want-away strike king Hughes|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Albion+planning+crisis+talks+with+want-away+strike+king+Hughes.-a060536966|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=3 May 1999}} He was named on the PFA Team of the Year for the First Division.{{Cite book | editor-last = Hugman | editor-first = Barry J. | title = The 1999–2000 Official PFA Footballers Factfile | year = 1999 | publisher = AFS | location = Hertfordshire | isbn = 1-85291-607-9 | page = 352 }} He then submitted a written transfer request, and his spokesman told the press that there have "been a number of things going on behind the scenes which have unsettled him recently".{{cite news|last=Howell|first=Bill|title=Hitman Hughes – 'I want to go'.|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/HITMAN+HUGHES+-+%27I+WANT+TO+GO%27.-a060199106|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Sunday Mercury|date=2 May 1999}} In particular, his £1,400 a week salary was compared with the £5,000 a week salary of under-performing teammate Fabian de Freitas.{{cite news|last=Ward|first=Michael|title=Football: Albion see chink of light in Hughes transfer gloom|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3a+Albion+see+chink+of+light+in+Hughes+transfer+gloom.-a060536213|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=7 May 1999}}
He remained at the club for the 1999–2000 season and scored 17 goals in 43 appearances. Albion struggled in the First Division under new manager Brian Little, though improved after Gary Megson replaced Little as manager in March and avoided relegation despite Hughes missing the final five matches of the season due to a knee injury.{{cite news|last=Ward|first=Michael|title=Hughes out of Albion's struggle to stay afloat|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Hughes+out+of+Albion%27s+struggle+to+stay+afloat.-a061485651|access-date=24 February 2013|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=14 April 2000}}
He was partnered with Jason Roberts for the 2000–01 season; the pair went on to score 40 goals between them to help secure the "Baggies" a play-off place.{{cite news|last=Connor|first=Neil|title=Lee Hughes: Profile: Spectacular rise and fall of Ginger Ninja; The jailing yesterday of Lee Hughes for causing death by dangerous driving has brought the curtain crashing down on the fairytale of the fan who turned his dreams of playing for his favourite team into reality. Neil Connor takes a look at the highs and lows of the forward nicknamed the Ginger Ninja|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Lee+Hughes%3a+Profile%3a+Spectacular+rise+and+fall+of+Ginger+Ninja%3b+The...-a0120383901|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=10 August 2004}} With 23 goals to his name, he again attracted interest from other clubs.{{cite news|last=Entwhistle|first=Peter|title=West Brom to cash in on hitman Lee|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/FOOTBALL%3a+West+Brom+to+cash+in+on+hitman+Lee.-a076835136|access-date=24 February 2013|newspaper=Coventry Evening Telegraph|date=28 July 2001}} He claimed two hat-tricks in seven days against Gillingham and Preston North End. Hughes converted a penalty in a 2–2 draw with Bolton Wanderers in the first leg of the play-off semi-final before a 3–0 defeat at the Reebok Stadium ended Albion's play-off hopes.{{cite news|title=Bolton battle back at West Brom|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1325158.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=13 May 2001}}{{cite news|title=Bolton breeze past Baggies|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/1334714.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=17 May 2001}} He refused to sign a new contract in July 2001, and was placed on the transfer list.{{cite news|title=Hughes, are you Kidding?|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3a+Hughes%2c+are+you+Kidding%3f%3b+FOOTBALL+ROUND-UP.-a076831399|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=The People|date=29 July 2001}}
=Coventry City=
Hughes was sold to Gordon Strachan's Coventry City for a club record transfer fee of £5,000,001 (the unusual figure was because any offer exceeding £5 million would trigger an escape clause in his West Brom contract) in August 2001.{{cite news|title=Sky Blues' pounds 5,000,0001 swoop for Baggies hero|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/FOOTBALL%3a+HIT-MAN+LEE%27S+ON+HIS+WAY%3b+Sky+Blues%27+pounds+5%2c000%2c0001...-a077064265|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Coventry Evening Telegraph|date=8 August 2001}}{{cite news|date=8 August 2001|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/coventry_city/1478115.stm|title=Coventry seal Hughes deal|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 April 2007}} His wages at Highfield Road were reported to be £15,000 a week.{{cite news|title=Baggies expect long haul over Hughes' wages|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/FOOTBALL%3a+LEE+IN+LIMBO%3b+Baggies+expect+long+haul+over+Hughes%27+wages.-a090782630|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Coventry Evening Telegraph|date=24 August 2002}} Hughes scored 14 goals in 40 games, including a hat-trick in a 6–1 win at Crewe Alexandra, and finished the 2001–02 season as the club's top-scorer.{{cite news|title=Hughes in Sky Blue Murder|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Football%3a+HUGHES+IN+SKY+BLUE+MURDER%3b+Crewe+1+Coventry+6+Lee%27s+glee+at...-a082720848|access-date=24 February 2013|newspaper=The People|date=10 February 2002}} Coventry rejected a loan offer from West Bromwich Albion in March 2002, and ended the season outside the play-offs.{{cite news|title=Coventry reject Hughes loan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/coventry_city/1853919.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=4 March 2002}}
=Return to West Bromwich Albion=
In August 2002, Hughes returned to West Bromwich Albion for a club record £2.5 million – half the fee Albion had received for him a year earlier – and signed a four-year deal with the club.{{cite news|title=Now Hughes is set for heroes welcome|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/FOOTBALL%3a+Now+Hughes+is+set+for+heroes+welcome%3b+STRIKERS+MOVE+FROM...-a090958993|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Coventry Evening Telegraph|date=20 August 2002}}{{cite news|title=Baggies clinch Hughes deal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/2212007.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=29 August 2002}} Despite being a regular in the first-team, Hughes failed to score a single Premier League goal in the 2002–03 season and Albion were relegated in 19th place with just six wins and 26 points from 38 matches.{{cite web|title=England 2002/03|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablese/eng03.html|work=RSSSF|access-date=24 February 2013}} Hughes was criticised by several teammates following the club's 1–0 defeat by Everton at Goodison Park, though was publicly backed by manager Gary Megson.{{cite news|title=Megson backs Hughes|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/2523163.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=28 November 2002}} He told the press that "I want to establish myself in the Premiership and any accusations of me not pulling my weight should be made to my face."{{cite news|title=Hughes hits back|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/2513913.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=26 November 2002}} He put his poor form down to him missing pre-season training with injury problems.{{cite news|title=Hughes aims to bounce back|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/3054242.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=8 July 2003}} He rediscovered his form back in the First Division, scoring 12 goals in 36 games in 2003–04 as West Brom secured promotion with a second-place finish.{{cite news|title=West Brom 2–0 Bradford|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/3634667.stm|access-date=24 February 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=24 April 2004}} His contract at West Bromwich Albion was immediately terminated in August 2004, following his conviction for causing death by dangerous driving. He spent the next three years in prison, serving half his six-year sentence.{{cite news|title=Hughes contract cancelled|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/3549540.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=9 August 2004}}
=Oldham Athletic=
Upon his release from prison on 20 August 2007, Hughes signed a two-year contract with League One club Oldham Athletic;{{cite news|date=30 May 2007|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oldham_athletic/6703663.stm|title=Imprisoned Hughes set for Oldham|work=BBC Sport|access-date=30 May 2007}}{{cite news|date=27 July 2007|url=http://www.expressandstar.co.uk/2007/07/27/ex-albion-stars-jail-release-date/|title=Ex-Albion star's jail release date|newspaper=Express & Star|access-date=27 July 2007}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} the club asked supporters "not to pass moral judgement".{{cite news|title=Imprisoned Hughes set for Oldham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oldham_athletic/6703663.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=30 May 2007}} His reported salary of £1,800-a-week at Boundary Park was less than a tenth of what he earned at the peak of his career with West Bromwich Albion.{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/football_league/article2343738.ece| title=Striker who killed driver pleads for the chance to 'just get on with my life'| newspaper=The Times| last=Kay|first=Oliver| date=29 August 2007| access-date=2 September 2008| location=London}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Hughes made his debut for Oldham in a 4–1 defeat by Hartlepool United at Victoria Park on 1 September 2007.{{cite news|date=1 September 2007|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/6963611.stm|title=Hartlepool 4–1 Oldham|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2 September 2007}} He failed to find the net in his first seven games, and underwent an operation to correct a hernia problem.{{Soccerbase season|3687|2007|access-date=25 November 2012}} He recovered quickly from the procedure and registered his first two goals for the Latics in a 3–0 win over AFC Bournemouth at Dean Court on 25 November,{{cite news|date=24 November 2007|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7099976.stm|title= Bournemouth 0–3 Oldham|work=BBC Sport|access-date=24 November 2007}} before being named in the "League One Team of the Week".{{cite news|url=http://www.football-league.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/3/bc/0,,10794~113667,00.pdf|title=Coca-Cola League 1 Team Of The Week. (25/11/2007)|publisher=English Football League|date=25 November 2007|access-date=29 November 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410092702/http://www.football-league.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/3/bc/0,,10794~113667,00.pdf|archive-date=10 April 2008}} He scored his first hat-trick for the club against Millwall in a 3–2 victory at The Den on 15 December, and again made the "League One Team of the Week".{{cite news|url=http://www.football-league.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/5a/c8/0,,10794~116826,00.pdf|title=Coca-Cola League 1 Team Of The Week. (17/12/2007)|publisher=The Football League|date=17 December 2007|access-date=8 January 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227163857/http://www.football-league.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/5a/c8/0,,10794~116826,00.pdf|archive-date=27 February 2008}} He picked up a groin injury in March 2008, and was sidelined for the rest of the season.{{cite news|title=Oldham suffer Hughes injury blow|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oldham_athletic/7304567.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=19 March 2008}} Hughes had scored eight goals by the end of the 2007–08 season, making him the club's second-highest goalscorer behind Craig Davies.{{cite web|title=Oldham 2007/08|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=1924&teamTabs=stats|work=Soccerbase|access-date=4 March 2013}}
He opened his account for the 2008–09 season with a hat-trick in a 4–0 win over Cheltenham Town on 23 August.{{cite news|title=Oldham 4–0 Cheltenham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7565058.stm|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=4 March 2013}} Stating his future ambitions as playing Championship football with Oldham, he was offered a new deal at the club on 30 December 2008.{{cite news|title=Hughes eyes Championship football|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oldham_athletic/7659803.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=8 October 2008}}{{cite news|title=Hughes offered new deal by Oldham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oldham_athletic/7804510.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=30 December 2008}} He was linked with a move to Doncaster Rovers in January 2009, but stayed put after talks with manager John Sheridan, who insisted Hughes was "very happy" at Oldham.{{cite news|title=No bids for Hughes, says Sheridan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oldham_athletic/7806241.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=31 December 2008}}{{cite news|title=Hughes stays at Oldham – Sheridan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oldham_athletic/7845011.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=22 January 2009}} In March 2009, it was widely reported that Hughes had been involved in a drunken brawl with Sheridan where Hughes was reported to have had him "in a headlock". Sheridan later downplayed the incident as "jovial", saying, "people have made things up".{{cite web |url=http://www.givemefootball.com/league-one/john-sheridan-ex-oldham|title=John Sheridan Interview |publisher=The PFA|date=18 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324081654/http://www.givemefootball.com/league-one/john-sheridan-ex-oldham |archive-date=24 March 2009}} Sheridan was sacked, but insisted that the two incidents were not related, as "it was results that cost me the job".{{cite news|title=Results cost me my job – Sheridan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oldham_athletic/7947299.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=16 March 2009}}
On 26 March 2009, Hughes joined Championship club Blackpool on loan until the end of the season.{{cite news|title=Blackpool seal Hughes loan move|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/blackpool/7966764.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=26 March 2009}} He made his debut in a 1–0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle at Bloomfield Road on 4 April.{{cite news|title=Blackpool 0–1 Plymouth|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7972834.stm|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=4 April 2009}} His first goal for the club came on 18 April against Charlton Athletic at the Valley, when after coming on as an 89th-minute substitute, and with Blackpool 2–1 down, he scored four minutes later to make the score 2–2.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/7990049.stm|title=Charlton 2–2 Blackpool |work=BBC Sport |date=10 April 2009|access-date=3 March 2010}} Hughes ended the campaign as Oldham's highest scorer with 18 goals in 40 appearances.{{cite web|title=Oldham 2008/09|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=1924&teamTabs=stats|work=Soccerbase|access-date=4 March 2013}} However, he was one of several players released by the club's new manager Dave Penney in May 2009,{{cite news|title=Hughes leads Penney's Oldham cull|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oldham_athletic/8048484.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=13 May 2009}} and returned to Kidderminster Harriers for training to keep up his fitness levels whilst searching for a new club.{{cite news|title=Hughes trains with Kidderminster|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/k/kidderminster_harriers/8151050.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=15 July 2009}}
=Notts County=
Hughes signed for League Two team Notts County on a two-year contract on 22 July 2009, on the same day that Sven-Göran Eriksson arrived at the club as director of football.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/notts_county/8136197.stm|title=Hughes signs for Sven's Magpies |date=22 July 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=22 July 2009}} He scored a hat-trick on his debut in a 5–0 victory over Bradford City on the opening day of the season.{{cite news|title=Notts County 5 – 0 Bradford|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8186374.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=8 August 2009}} He then got his second hat-trick against Northampton Town in a 5–2 home win on 12 September. He claimed his third hat-trick of the campaign on 28 December during a 4–1 win over Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8419286.stm | work=BBC News | title=Burton Albion 1–4 Notts County | date=28 December 2009 | access-date=7 May 2010}} However, the club endured a turbulent time, with manager Ian McParland sacked and replaced by Hans Backe, who himself resigned after Qadbak Investments proved unable to fund Backe's wages.{{cite news|title=McParland loses Notts County job|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/notts_county/8303078.stm|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=12 October 2009}}{{cite news|title=Notts County manager Hans Backe resigns from his job|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/notts_county/8413678.stm|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=15 December 2009}} New owner Ray Trew appointed Steve Cotterill as manager. County entered April ten points behind league leaders Rochdale, though Hughes remained confident they could reduce the deficit and win the league.{{cite news|title=Steve Cotterill named Notts County manager|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/notts_county/8530392.stm|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=23 February 2010}}{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes confident Notts County can win League Two|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/notts_county/8596711.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=31 March 2010}} On 17 April, Hughes scored two goals in a 4–1 victory over Morecambe as County won promotion to League One.{{cite news|title=Notts County 4 – 1 Morecambe|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8618004.stm|access-date=4 March 2013|date=17 April 2010}} He was named as League Two's Player of the Month in April.{{cite web|title=Player of the Month Awards 2009/10 – League 2|url=http://www.andysstats.co.uk/pom.asp?division=3&season=200910|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512221410/http://www.andysstats.co.uk/pom.asp?division=3&season=200910|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 May 2014|work=andysstats.co.uk|access-date=25 November 2012}} On 1 May, Hughes added another two goals in County's final home game of the season, making him the first Notts player to score 30 league goals since Tommy Lawton in the 1949–50 season.{{cite news|title=Notts County 5 – 0 Cheltenham|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8630095.stm|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=1 May 2010}}{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes was the Magpies' ace striker and club joker|url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Notts-County-Lee-Hughes-Magpies-ace-striker-club/story-17861790-detail/story.html#axzz2MZiZumbn|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505071453/http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Notts-County-Lee-Hughes-Magpies-ace-striker-club/story-17861790-detail/story.html%23axzz2MZiZumbn|url-status=dead|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=Nottingham Post|date=15 January 2013|archive-date=5 May 2013}} He finished as the division's top-scorer in 2009–10 with 30 league goals in 39 games, and was named on the PFA Team of the Year alongside teammates Kasper Schmeichel and Ben Davies.{{cite news| title = Rooney is PFA player of the year| url = http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/8643305.stm| work = BBC Sport| date = 25 April 2010| access-date = 17 September 2011}} County won the league by a ten-point margin.{{cite web|title=League Tables|url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/DivisionalLeagueTable/0,,10794~200926,00.html|work=football-league.co.uk|access-date=4 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730170034/http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/DivisionalLeagueTable/0,,10794~200926,00.html|archive-date=30 July 2013}} In July 2010, Hughes signed a one-year extension to his contract that would see him at Meadow Lane until the summer of 2012.{{cite news|title=Striker Lee Hughes extends Notts County deal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/notts_county/8780776.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=1 July 2010}}
On 23 September 2010, Hughes revealed a 'Boing, Boing' t-shirt in a League Cup tie with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux – the slogan of Wolves' rivals West Bromwich Albion – and was quizzed by police after angry Wolves fans retaliated to the message by attacking Notts County supporters' coaches. He was reported to be "angry" at being named as a substitute in a league game against Milton Keynes Dons on 11 December, though boss Paul Ince stated that "Hughesy is 34 and cannot play week in week out. But he's never come and said, 'I should be starting'. He's been different class."{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes angered by Notts County substitute role|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/notts_county/9283452.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=13 December 2010}} On 8 January 2011, he was on the scoresheet as County beat Premier League side Sunderland 2–1 in the FA Cup.{{cite news|title=Sunderland 1 – 2 Notts County|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9342009.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=8 January 2011}} Two weeks later he was confirmed to be a target of Sheffield Wednesday.{{cite news|title=Sheffield Wednesday target Hughes, Westcarr and Weston|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sheff_wed/9368636.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=20 January 2011}} He remained with the "Magpies", and ended the 2010–11 season as the club's top-scorer with 16 goals in 37 appearances.{{cite web|title=Notts Co 2010/11|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=1871&teamTabs=stats&season_id=139|work=Soccerbase|access-date=4 March 2013}} The club again went through a succession of managers – Craig Short, Paul Ince and then Martin Allen – and ended the season three points above the relegation zone.{{cite news|title=Notts County confirm Paul Ince as manager|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/notts_county/9132110.stm|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=28 October 2010}}{{cite news|title=Notts County appoint Martin Allen as manager|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13036140|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=11 April 2011}}{{cite web|title=League table|url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/DivisionalLeagueTable/0,,10794~201025,00.html|work=football-league.co.uk|access-date=4 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310093101/http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/DivisionalLeagueTable/0,,10794~201025,00.html|archive-date=10 March 2013}}
On 8 September 2011, he played against Italian club Juventus in the inaugural game of the Juventus Stadium, and scored County's goal in a 1–1 draw; after the game he had a signed shirt from Andrea Pirlo.{{cite news|title=Notts County spoil Juventus party to celebrate new stadium|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/14847404|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=9 September 2011}} The next month he accepted a pay cut to sign a new 18-month contract, and was quoted as saying he never planned to leave the club as "the fans have taken me in and I love it here".{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes never doubted staying at Notts County|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15186426|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=5 October 2011}}{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes signs extended Notts County contract|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/15172963|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=4 October 2011}} He ended the 2011–12 campaign on 11 goals in 44 games.{{cite web|title=Notts Co 2010/11|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=1871&teamTabs=stats&season_id=139|work=Soccerbase|access-date=4 March 2013}} In summer 2012, the club rejected offers for Hughes from Cheltenham Town and former club Oldham Athletic.{{cite news|title=Notts County reject Lee Hughes approaches|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19012708|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=27 July 2012}}
At the beginning of the 2012–13 season, new manager Keith Curle stated that "we know he is of an age where he won't be playing for 46 games, so he needs to be managed".{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes committed to Notts County – Keith Curle|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19209677|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=10 August 2012}} New signing Yoann Arquin became the county's first choice striker, and Hughes announced his intention to leave the club to find first-team football.{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes tells us why he left Notts County|url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE-Lee-Hughes-tells-left-Notts-County/story-17402673-detail/story.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505094808/http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE-Lee-Hughes-tells-left-Notts-County/story-17402673-detail/story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2013|access-date=26 November 2012|newspaper=Nottingham Post|date=23 November 2012}} He was reported to have joined Port Vale on loan, with a view to a permanent move, on 22 November 2012; though the deal had yet to be ratified by the English Football League.{{cite news|title=Valiants wait on Hughes signing|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Valiants-wait-Hughes-signing/story-17403874-detail/story.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505080139/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Valiants-wait-Hughes-signing/story-17403874-detail/story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2013|access-date=23 November 2012|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=23 November 2012}} However, the next day it was revealed that the loan move would not go through as the relevant paperwork had not been sent in on time.{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes: Port Vale miss out on signing Notts County striker|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20463051|access-date=23 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=23 November 2012}} Three weeks later Hughes provided the club with a sick note, saying that he was unavailable until January.{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes: Notts County seek clarity over striker's illness|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20759811|access-date=17 December 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=17 December 2012}} His contract was terminated by mutual consent on 7 January 2013.{{cite news|title=Hughes Allowed To Leave Meadow Lane|url=http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/article/hughes-allowed-to-leave-meadow-lane-584878.aspx|access-date=7 January 2013|newspaper=nottscountyfc.co.uk|date=7 January 2013}}
=Port Vale=
File:Lee Hughes.png and Northampton Town on 20 April 2013]]
Hughes joined Port Vale the day after securing his exit from Notts County, as the BBC reported that "promotion-chasing boss Micky Adams wants to bring him in to add impetus to a Vale attack who have occasionally misfired this term".{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes: Notts County striker exits Meadow Lane for Port Vale|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20939609|access-date=7 January 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=7 January 2013}} He signed a contract to keep him at Vale Park until the end of the 2012–13 season, at which point his contract would be extended by 12 months if the "Valiants" were promoted.{{cite news|title=Micky Adams to finally get his man as Valiants resurrect Lee Hughes deal|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Micky-Adams-finally-man-Valiants/story-17791183-detail/story.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505070946/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Micky-Adams-finally-man-Valiants/story-17791183-detail/story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2013|access-date=8 January 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=8 January 2013}} However, Hughes later revealed that Adams was against the transfer but had been overruled by chairman Norman Smurthwaite. He marked his debut against the "Gills" with the winning goal that sent Vale to the top of the table.{{cite news|title=Gillingham 1, Port Vale 2|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Match-report-Gillingham-1-Port-Vale-2/story-17839432-detail/story.html|access-date=13 January 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=13 January 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114134212/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Match-report-Gillingham-1-Port-Vale-2/story-17839432-detail/story.html|archive-date=14 January 2013}} Being partnered with the country's leading goalscorer Tom Pope allowed Hughes space in front of goal vacated by opposition defenders attempting to double up on Pope.{{cite news|title=Port Vale: Tom Pope wants double promotion after signing new deal|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21366955|access-date=7 February 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=7 February 2013}} Hughes scored his first hat-trick for the "Valiants" in a 7–1 home victory over Burton Albion on 5 April, with two of his goals coming from the penalty spot as he took over from Jennison Myrie-Williams as the club's penalty taker.{{cite news|title=Port Vale 7 – 1 Burton Albion|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21973198|access-date=6 April 2013|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=5 April 2013}} This performance won him a place on the League Two team of the week.{{cite news|last=Pearson|first=Guy|title=Hughes in team of week|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Hughes-team-week/story-18654259-detail/story.html#axzz2PiaD41PI|access-date=10 April 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=9 April 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412051152/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Hughes-team-week/story-18654259-detail/story.html#axzz2PiaD41PI|archive-date=12 April 2013}} Vale were promoted at the end of the season, with Hughes scoring ten goals in his 18 games, ensuring his contract was extended until summer 2014.{{cite news|last=Pearson|first=Guy|title=Hughes gunning for more glory after agreeing new Vale deal|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Hughes-gunning-glory-agreeing-new-Vale/story-19292428-detail/story.html#axzz2WMoaijcm|access-date=16 June 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=15 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618215051/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Port-Vale-Hughes-gunning-glory-agreeing-new-Vale/story-19292428-detail/story.html#axzz2WMoaijcm|archive-date=18 June 2013}}
He was not a regular starter in the 2013–14 season, especially as Jordan Hugill began to impress from the youth development squad. So he decided to leave the club in the January transfer window.{{cite news|last=Baggaley|first=Mike|title=Lee Hughes leaves for Forest Green Rovers|url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Lee-Hughes-leaves-Port-Vale-Forest-Green-Rovers/story-20396680-detail/story.html|access-date=3 January 2014|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=3 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104155710/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Lee-Hughes-leaves-Port-Vale-Forest-Green-Rovers/story-20396680-detail/story.html|archive-date=4 January 2014}}
=Later career=
On 3 January 2014, he joined Conference Premier side Forest Green Rovers on an 18-month contract.{{Cite web |url=http://www.gloucestercitizen.co.uk/Forest-Green-sign-Port-Vale-striker-Lee-Hughes/story-20396703-detail/story.html |title=Forest Green sign Port Vale striker Lee Hughes |publisher=Gloucester Citizen |date=3 January 2014 |access-date=3 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104011659/http://www.gloucestercitizen.co.uk/Forest-Green-sign-Port-Vale-striker-Lee-Hughes/story-20396703-detail/story.html |archive-date=4 January 2014}} Manager Adrian Pennock stated that "He's come to play football, he's not come for money and I'm chuffed to have him on board. He has the experience we need and I believe he'll score goals."{{cite news|title=Forest Green Rovers: Lee Hughes joins from Port Vale|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25590097|access-date=3 January 2014|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=3 January 2014}} He made his debut six days later in a 1–1 draw with Hereford United at The New Lawn.{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25572671 |title=Forest Green 1–1 Hereford |work=BBC Sport |date=9 January 2014 |access-date=10 January 2014}} On 25 January, he scored his first goals for the club, securing a brace in a 3–0 home win over Chester.{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25790395 |title=Forest Green 3–0 Chester |work=BBC Sport |date=25 January 2014 |access-date=27 January 2014}} He ended the 2013–14 season with eight goals in 21 appearances for Rovers.
On the opening day of the 2014–15 season, Hughes scored Forest Green's winning goal in a 1–0 away victory at Southport.{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28647263 |title=Southport 0–1 Forest Green |work=BBC Sport |date=9 August 2014 |access-date=10 August 2014}} He then scored his 300th career goal with his second strike of the season in a 2–0 win over Alfreton Town at The New Lawn on 16 August 2014.{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28718459 |title=Forest Green 2–1 Alfreton Town |work=BBC Sport |date=16 August 2014 |access-date=17 August 2014}}
On 30 January 2015, Hughes returned to Conference Premier club Kidderminster Harriers on a deal till the end of the season after having his contract with Forest Green Rovers mutually terminated. On his 'second debut' for Kidderminster, he put his side ahead in a Worcestershire Senior Cup tie against Stourbridge.{{cite news|title=Kidderminster Harriers: Lee Hughes and Dominic Knowles sign|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31062055|access-date=30 January 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=30 January 2015}} He also scored on his league return against Woking at Aggborough, scoring in the 39th minute in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|title=Kidderminster 1 - 1 Woking|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31423739|access-date=15 February 2015|date=14 February 2015}} He was released at the end of the season as manager Gary Whild's playing budget was reduced by half for the 2015–16 campaign.{{cite news|title=Former Forest Green striker Lee Hughes leaves Kidderminster Harriers|url=http://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/sport/13372736.FOOTBALL__Former_Forest_Green_striker_Lee_Hughes_leaves_Kidderminster_Harriers/|access-date=1 September 2015|work=Stroud News and Journal|date=6 July 2015}}
After impressing in pre season, Hughes signed for Northern Premier League Premier Division side Ilkeston, and was sent off on his debut against Skelmersdale United on 15 August 2015.{{cite web|title=Skelmersdale Claim All Three Points on Opening Day|url=http://www.ilkestonfc.co.uk/news/skelmersdale-claim-all-three-points-on-opening-day|website=ilkestonfc.co.uk|access-date=1 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924033656/http://www.ilkestonfc.co.uk/news/skelmersdale-claim-all-three-points-on-opening-day|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=dead}}
In September 2015, Hughes signed for Worcester City on non-contract terms, who played at Aggborough, the home of Kidderminster Harriers, where he started his career.{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes: Former £5m striker signs for non-league Worcester|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34138004|access-date=4 September 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=3 September 2015}} He scored 19 goals in 29 appearances in the 2015–16 campaign. In February 2017, he applied to succeed Carl Heeley as manager.{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes: Former West Brom striker applies to be Worcester City manager|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38904616|access-date=10 February 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=8 February 2017}} However, he instead left the financially troubled club and moved on to National League North rivals AFC Telford United.{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes: AFC Telford United sign veteran striker after Worcester City exit|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38923723|access-date=10 February 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=9 February 2017}}
In March 2018, Hughes signed as a player for Northern Premier League Premier Division side Halesowen Town.{{cite news|title=Former West Brom favourite Lee Hughes has a new club - yes another one!|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-west-brom-favourite-lee-14377236|access-date=7 March 2018|work=Express and Star|date=7 March 2018}} The "Yeltz" ended the 2017–18 season in 23rd-place, before being relegated out of the Southern League Premier Division Central at the end of the 2018–19 campaign. He left Halesowen in August 2019, after losing his place in the starting eleven.{{cite news |url=http://nonleaguedaily.com/lee-hughes-leaves-halesowen-town/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828121941/http://nonleaguedaily.com/lee-hughes-leaves-halesowen-town/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=28 August 2019 |work=Non-league daily |date=28 August 2019 |title=Lee Hughes leaves Halesowen Town}} Later that month he joined league rivals Mickleover Sports,{{cite news |title=Lee Hughes labelled 'murderer' by fans after making impressive signing for Mickleover Sports {{!}} Fan Banter |url=https://fanbanter.co.uk/ex-prem-and-efl-player-labelled-murderer-by-fans-after-making-impressive-signing-for-mickleover-sports/ |access-date=19 October 2019 |work=FAN banter}} where he made nineteen league appearances and scored six goals,{{Cite web|url=https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/mickleover-sports/appearances/2019-2020/lee-hughes/797028|title = Appearances | Lee Hughes | 2019-2020 | Football Web Pages}} and then Grantham Town in January 2020,{{cite web|title=Experience Incoming|url=https://www.granthamtownfc.com/news/experience-incoming-2506134.html|publisher=Grantham Town FC|date=24 January 2020|access-date=2 February 2020}} where he scored once in six league appearances.{{Cite web|url=https://www.granthamtownfc.com/teams/59867/player/lee-hughes-2500543/65833|title = StackPath}}
He was reported to have been a target for Nuneaton Borough just before the 2019–20 season was formally abandoned on 26 March, with all results from the season being expunged, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England.{{cite news |last1=Panter |first1=Matt |title=Former West Brom and Coventry City striker Lee Hughes, 43, targeted for move |url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/former-west-brom-coventry-city-17896573 |access-date=6 April 2020 |work=Coventry Telegraph |date=10 March 2020}}{{cite web |title=Coronavirus: All football below National League to end |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52052351 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=26 March 2020 |date=26 March 2020}} Hughes also ended up signing with Nuneaton in March 2020, before he announced his retirement a month later, at the age of 43.{{cite news |last1=Maher |first1=Matt |title=Lee Hughes hangs up his boots – and aids NHS |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/2020/04/22/lee-hughes-hangs-up-his-boots-and-aids-nhs/ |access-date=26 December 2021 |work=Express and Star |date=22 April 2020 |language=en}} In October 2021, having made one scoring appearance for Cradley Town,{{cite web |title=Lee Hughes - Cradley Town FC Cradley Town |url=https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/cradleytownfc2/teams/216683/player/lee-hughes-2787388 |website=www.pitchero.com |access-date=3 May 2022}} Hughes appeared on the team-list for Stourport Swifts.{{cite news |title=A missed opportunity as Swifts stun high-flying Lye |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/grassroots/2021/10/26/a-missed-opportunity-as-swifts-stun-high-flying-lye/ |access-date=26 December 2021 |work=Express and Star |date=26 October 2021 |language=en}} He remained with the club until the end of the 2021–22 season, scoring four goals in 19 league appearances.{{cite web |title=Lee Hughes player stats {{!}} Midland Football League |url=https://fulltime.thefa.com/statsForPlayer.html?selectedSeasonID=395454298&personID=751309925&selectedStatisticDisplayMode=3&selectedOrgStatRecordingTypeID_ForSort= |website=fulltime.thefa.com |access-date=3 May 2022}}
Managerial career
Hughes rejoined Worcester City as both a player and as joint-manager, alongside John Snape, on 4 May 2017; Worcester had just been relegated out of the National League North.{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes: Worcester City appoint veteran striker as their new joint manager|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39809620|access-date=10 May 2017|work=BBC Sport|date=4 May 2017}} He resigned on 6 March 2018.{{cite news|last1=Mitchell|first1=Andy|title=CONFIRMED: Joint-boss Lee Hughes leaves Worcester City|url=http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/sport/16068768.Worcester_City__Lee_Hughes_understood_to_have_resigned_tonight/|access-date=7 March 2018|work=Worcester News|date=6 March 2018|language=en}} In March 2019, he was appointed caretaker player-manager of Halesowen Town,[https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2019/03/06/former-west-brom-striker-lee-hughes-appointed-player-manager-of-halesowen-town/ Former West Brom striker Lee Hughes appointed player-manager of Halesowen Town] Express and Star, 6 March 2019 remaining in the role until May.[https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/non-league/2019/04/30/halesowen-town-appoint-paul-smith-as-new-manager/ Halesowen Town appoint Paul Smith as new manager] Express and Star, 30 April 2019
Style of play
Describing Hughes's attributes in January 2013, former Notts County coach Dave Kevan said that he was a "fantastic finisher... a clever player whose movement is good, whose intelligence is good, who uses his body well and who uses his strength well... he plays with his brain and he's adapted his game as he has got older... he's also clever enough to create opportunities for others".{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes can prove difference for Port Vale, says Dave Kevan|url=http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/VIDEO-Lee-Hughes-prove-difference-Port-Vale-says/story-17799910-detail/story.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505104901/http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/VIDEO-Lee-Hughes-prove-difference-Port-Vale-says/story-17799910-detail/story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2013|access-date=9 January 2013|newspaper=The Sentinel|date=9 January 2013}} He maintained a "natural goalscoring instinct" throughout his career, and has said "I always fancy myself to stick the ball in the back of the net if I get a chance".{{cite news|title=Hughes – what a scorcher; West Bromwich Albion 3 Gillingham 1|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Hughes+-+what+a+scorcher%3b+West+Bromwich+Albion+3+Gillingham+1.-a067128809|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=20 November 2000}}{{cite news|title=Striker Lee Hughes is aiming high with Notts County|url=http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Striker-Lee-Hughes-aiming-high-Notts-County/story-16865360-detail/story.html#axzz2MZiZumbn|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=Nottingham Post|date=10 September 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003073508/http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Striker-Lee-Hughes-aiming-high-Notts-County/story-16865360-detail/story.html#axzz2MZiZumbn|archive-date=3 October 2012}} His dancing goal celebration originated as a mocking tribute of a friend's bad dancing.
Personal life
The son of Bill and Gail Hughes, older brother to Clint and Brett, Hughes worked with his father as a roofer in his home-town of Smethwick before turning professional.{{cite news|title=Ho-lee-day mad Hughes packs his Baggies for a month of Sun-days|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ho-lee-day+mad+Hughes+packs+his+Baggies+for+a+month+of+Sun-days.-a060747109|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=Sunday Mercury|date=7 June 1998}} In 1999, Sharlene Gillies claimed that she and Hughes had a child together.{{cite news|title=Hughes denies he is father of love-child|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Hughes+denies+he+is+father+of+love-child.-a060484078|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=14 September 1999}} DNA tests later proved that he was not the father, though by this time his engagement to lap dancer Donna Nisbet was called off.{{cite news|title=Soccer star cleared over baby claim|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Soccer+star+cleared+over+baby+claim.-a061571555|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=19 April 2000}} Hughes stated that "I don't think Donna was particularly happy with all the limelight that comes with football", though insisted that barracking from opposition fans only made him more determined to put in a good performance on the pitch.{{cite news|last=Blakemore|first=Sophie|title=Police stop Wolves fans going for a song|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Police+stop+Wolves+fans+going+for+a+song.-a060489779|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=30 October 1999}} Hughes and Jason Roberts were questioned by police over allegations that they assaulted a man outside a pub in Brierley Hill; the case was dropped in September 2000. It was reported that he had converted to Islam during his time in prison, due in part to his friendship with Muslim prisoners and the fact that abuse of alcohol had helped to bring about his downfall – his father said that "this story is not true."{{cite news|title=Hughes Muslim claim is denied; Prison conversion to Islam laughed off|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Hughes+Muslim+claim+is+denied%3b+Prison+conversion+to+Islam+laughed+off.-a0132223422|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=Coventry Evening Telegraph|date=4 May 2005}} In 2005 Hughes was reported to be on suicide watch after learning that his wife had reportedly been seeing a younger man.{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes on suicide watch in prison|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Lee+Hughes+on+suicide+watch+in+prison.-a0137511033|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=Birmingham Mail|date=3 October 2005}}
He married air hostess Anna Kuzmanic in June 2000 in the Croatian town of Trogir.{{cite web|title=Hughesie ties the knot|url=http://www.baggies.com/news/?id=143&pag=4|work=baggies.com|access-date=25 November 2012}} The couple had two children together but split up in 2008; the split was described as "very amicable".{{cite news|last=Aspinall|first=Adam|title=Soccer star splits with wife who stood by him; SHAMED LEE HUGHES LEFT AT CHRISTMAS EXCLUSIVE.|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Soccer+star+splits+with+wife+who+stood+by+him%3B+SHAMED+LEE+HUGHES+LEFT...-a0173338629|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Sunday Mercury|date=13 January 2008}} His eldest, Mia, was born in November 2000.{{cite news|title=Baggies star Lee nets a hat-trick and baby Mia|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Baggies+star+Lee+nets+a+hat-trick+and+baby+Mia.-a067282677|access-date=4 March 2013|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=23 November 2000}} Hughes was declared bankrupt in March 2018.{{cite news|title=Footballer Lee Hughes declared bankrupt|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-43435262|access-date=24 March 2018|work=BBC News|date=16 March 2018}}
=Causing death by dangerous driving conviction=
On 23 November 2003, near his home in the Warwickshire village of Meriden, West Midlands, Hughes lost control of his Mercedes CL55 AMG{{cite news|title=Hughes 'drove like madman' claim |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/3531188.stm |access-date=20 May 2014|newspaper=BBC News|date=3 August 2004}} and went onto the wrong side of the road before colliding with a Renault Scénic.{{cite news|title=Footballer jailed for death crash|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/coventry_warwickshire/3548840.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=9 August 2004}} A passenger in the Renault, Douglas Graham, was killed in the incident, whilst Douglas Graham's wife Maureen and the driver Albert Frisby were severely injured. Hughes and passenger Adrian Smith left the scene before turning themselves into the police 36 hours later. He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.{{cite news|title=Police arrest player in crash inquiry|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/3230716.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=24 November 2003}} He denied the charge,{{cite news|title=Hughes denies road death charge|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/3466041.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=6 February 2004}} though later pleaded guilty to charges of failing to stop and failing to report an accident.{{cite news|title=Player did not stop after crash|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/3527430.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=2 August 2004}}
During his trial at Coventry Crown Court, Hughes was accused of driving too fast in wet conditions and was described as driving "like a madman".{{cite news|title=Hughes 'drove like madman' claim|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/3531188.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=3 August 2004}} He claimed the brakes on his car had locked, though tests showed that the brakes were in perfect working order and had technology installed to prevent the driver from losing control.{{cite news|title=Brakes on Hughes's car 'perfect'|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/3536292.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=4 August 2004}} When asked where he had been in the 36 hours after leaving the scene of the incident Hughes said that "I would rather not say, really", though later admitted he had travelled {{convert|20|mi}} to Smethwick.{{cite news|title=Player 'regrets' fleeing scene|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/3539290.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=5 August 2004}} Prosecutor Melbourne Inman QC told the court Hughes had fled the scene to dodge a breath test.{{cite news|title=Footballer 'avoided breath test'|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/3529270.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=2 August 2004}} On 9 August 2004, Hughes was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, and was sentenced to six years imprisonment. Frisby said that the sentence was not long enough.{{cite news|title=Footballer crash victim may sue|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/coventry_warwickshire/3550898.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=10 August 2004}} Hughes lodged an appeal against the sentence, but not the conviction.{{cite news|title=Death crash footballer to appeal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/3632446.stm|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=6 September 2004}} In January 2005, his appeal for his sentence to be reduced was refused.{{cite news|date=24 January 2005|url=http://iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/tm_objectid=15110193&method=full&siteid=50003&headline=hughes-fails-in-appeal-move-name_page.html|title=Hughes fails in appeal move|publisher=icCoventry.co.uk|access-date=26 April 2007}}
He served in Category C prisons.{{cite news|title=No comment on report that shamed ace failed a drug test|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/No+comment+on+report+that+shamed+ace+failed+a+drug+test.-a0121322158|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=27 August 2004}} During his time in HM Prison Featherstone he played in the Staffordshire County Senior League for the prison football team.{{cite news|title=Hughes finds new goals in jail|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/feb/16/newsstory.sport8|access-date=24 October 2016|work=The Guardian|date=15 February 2005}} He also helped to organise a charity football match which raised £5,000 for a children's hospice.{{cite news| url=http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/coventry-city-fc/coventry-city-fc-news/tm_objectid=15933961&method=full&siteid=50003&headline=jailed-hughes-raises--5-000-for-charity-name_page.html| title=Jailed Hughes raises £5,000 for charity| newspaper=Coventry Telegraph| date=5 September 2005| access-date=2 September 2008}} He was released in August 2007, three years into his six-year sentence.{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes released from jail|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Lee+Hughes+released+from+jail.-a0167797378|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Birmingham Mail|date=20 August 2007}}
{{Blockquote|"After today I do not intend to discuss or make comment about the events which led to my imprisonment. I have made this decision, not out of protection for myself, but with regard to the privacy and respect for the families involved. I made dreadful mistakes and decisions that will live with me for the rest of my life. It also greatly affected my immediate family, including my wife and children, and I will never forgive myself for this."|author=Hughes issued a public apology upon his release from prison, though Albert Frisby stated that "He has no remorse. To me, he is very arrogant and ignorant. I've just got no time for the fellow."{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes makes public apology|url=http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/tm_headline%3Dlee-hughes-makes-public-apology%26method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D19699556%26siteid%3D50002-name_page.html|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Birmingham Post|date=28 August 2007|archive-date=24 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120924140459/http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/tm_headline%3Dlee-hughes-makes-public-apology%26method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D19699556%26siteid%3D50002-name_page.html|url-status=dead}}}}
=Assault conviction=
On 3 December 2011, Hughes was arrested and bailed on charges of sexual assault after an incident in Croydon.{{cite news|title=Notts County striker Lee Hughes charged with sex assault|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-16786117|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=30 January 2012}}{{cite news|title="Sex Assault" quiz for ex-Baggies star|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/%27SEX+ASSAULT%27+QUIZ+FOR+EX+BAGGIES+STAR.-a0274289896|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=Birmingham Mail|date=7 December 2011}} He was then charged with the offence on 30 January 2012.{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-16786117 | work=BBC News | title=Notts County striker Lee Hughes charged with sex assault | date=30 January 2012}} In May 2012, Hughes was found guilty of common assault and fined £500, but the charge of sexual assault was dropped.{{cite news|title=Lee Hughes fined for assaulting woman in Croydon hotel|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-18211423|access-date=25 November 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=25 May 2012}}
Career statistics
{{notelist}}
Honours
Notts County
Individual
- PFA Team of the Year: 1998–99 First Division, 2009–10 League Two
- West Bromwich Albion Player of the Year: 1998–99
- Football League Two Player of the Month: April 2010
References
{{reflist}}
{{Commons category}}
{{Worcester City F.C. managers}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
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| list1 =
{{1998–99 Football League First Division PFA Team of the Year}}
{{2009–10 Football League Two Team of the Year}}
{{Football League Championship top scorers}}
{{Football League Two top scorers}}
{{Football Conference top scorers}}
{{West Bromwich Albion F.C. Player of the Year}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Hughes, Lee}}
Category:Footballers from Smethwick
Category:English men's footballers
Category:England men's semi-pro international footballers
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:Kidderminster Harriers F.C. players
Category:Middlesex Wanderers A.F.C. players
Category:West Bromwich Albion F.C. players
Category:Coventry City F.C. players
Category:Oldham Athletic A.F.C. players
Category:Blackpool F.C. players
Category:Notts County F.C. players
Category:Port Vale F.C. players
Category:Forest Green Rovers F.C. players
Category:Ilkeston F.C. players
Category:Worcester City F.C. players
Category:AFC Telford United players
Category:Halesowen Town F.C. players
Category:Mickleover F.C. players
Category:Grantham Town F.C. players
Category:Nuneaton Town F.C. players
Category:Cradley Town F.C. players
Category:Stourport Swifts F.C. players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Premier League players
Category:Northern Premier League players
Category:Southern Football League players
Category:English prisoners and detainees
Category:Prisoners and detainees of England and Wales
Category:English people convicted of assault
Category:British sportspeople convicted of crimes
Category:Men's association football player-managers
Category:English football managers
Category:Worcester City F.C. managers