Hughes was serving his National Service at RAF Rufforth and on the books of Newcastle as an amateur when City offered him a professional contract in May 1951. His first appearances for City were later that month when 2 Irish clubs visited Bootham Crescent as part of the Festival Of Britain,

Disillusioned and out of favour, he returned to his native Glasgow in the summer of 1954. Fortunately, his teammates were able to persuade him to return. Making his re-appearance on October 2^nd, he missed just one game during the rest of the season and seemed to get better with age.

In 11 seasons with City, he scored 58 goals in 380 appearances before being released in 1962.

Renowned for his speed and dribbling ability, his touchline hugging runs made him a firm crowd favourite.

He continued to live in the York area, at one time owning DIY shops. Sadly, he died in 2003, aged 74.