Former Stoke City coach Mark Hughes has signed with non-league side Clitheroe following his recent departure from the Potters.
Hughes, 37, joins the Northern Premier League outfit on non-contract terms, as confirmed by Clitheroe’s official X account. He left his coaching role at Stoke City last week after parting ways with the club along with manager Steven Schumacher, and has now opted to return to playing in the seventh tier of English football.
Hughes and Schumacher had joined Stoke last December, having previously worked together at Plymouth Argyle. The duo were tasked with keeping the Potters in the Championship, which they achieved last season. However, despite a summer of squad rebuilding, the pair were dismissed just five games into the current campaign. Since their departure, former Huddersfield Town and Norwich City coach Narcis Pelach has taken charge at the Bet365 Stadium.
Now Clitheroe, who play in the Northern Premier League, have had a mixed start to the season, winning two, drawing two and losing two of their opening six fixtures. That leaves them 13th in the table, already eight points behind leaders Bootle.
✍️ BLUES SIGN HUGHES
CFC adds football league experience in centre-back Mark Hughes on non-contract terms, subject to league ratification.
He’s been Assistant Manager at Stoke City & Plymouth. And has played for Bury, @asfcofficial, Morecambe, Stevenage & Bristol Rovers pic.twitter.com/tB9Wkdvud9
— Clitheroe FC (@ClitheroeFC) September 23, 2024
Clitheroe’s signing of Hughes offers him a chance to continue playing while he evaluates his next steps in coaching. However, as a highly trusted member of Schumacher’s coaching team, Hughes is expected to reunite with him once the manager secures his next position.
Hughes began his professional career with Everton, progressing through the youth ranks before making his senior debut. His early career included loan spells at Stockport County and Northampton Town to gain experience. Hughes later played for clubs such as Bury, Morecambe, and Accrington Stanley, where he was part of the squad that won the League Two title in 2018. After a brief stint with Bristol Rovers, he transitioned into coaching, joining Steven Schumacher’s staff at Plymouth Argyle and later following him to Stoke City in 2023.
Writer’s View
From Stoke City’s perspective, Hughes’ decision to return to playing is an intriguing one, particularly given his strong coaching credentials. After a solid stint helping to guide Stoke to safety last season, Hughes and Schumacher seemed poised to continue their project at the club. Their early dismissal this season may have come as a surprise, but it reflects the ruthless nature of modern football management. For Hughes, stepping down to the seventh tier to keep himself sharp, both physically and mentally, is an admirable choice. It allows him to remain involved in the game while keeping his options open in coaching.
Hughes’ move to Clitheroe highlights the unpredictability of a football career. Having started at Everton and gaining significant coaching experience, this chapter as a non-league player keeps him close to the game he loves. While Stoke City has moved on under Narcis Pelach, the club’s faithful will likely keep an eye on Hughes and Schumacher’s next steps, as their coaching experience and bond could prove valuable to another club in the near future.
Editor In Chief
