Farewell Hughsie!

Last updated : 24 April 2004 By Brian Cartlidge

Hughsie will now be available on a free transfer when his present deal at St Andrew's expires at the end of June, a report on the clubs official website has confirmed.

The Liverpool-born midfielder signed for Blues from Wrexham for £700,000 in March 1997 after impressing manager of the time Trevor Francis when the Welsh side defeated Blues in a FA Cup tie at St.Andrews.

During Blues first season back in the top-flight and with many fans expecting Hughsie to be the one player that would shine, he failed to make any real impact and was limited to just 11 first team starts.

He again failed to cement a regular starting place in Steve Bruce's side again at the start of this season but over the last few months he has begun to show just what he is capable of.

News of his decision not to prolongue his stay at St Andrews will disappoint management and fans alike - a three year contract would have seen him into a testimonial year.

Blues have withdrawn their latest offer and manager Steve Bruce has outlined his intentions to look for a replacement for Hughsie.

Bryan Hughes (Birmingham) Information
Date of birth19 June 1976Height5.9
Place of birthLiverpoolWeight10.0
NationalityEnglishPositionMidfield
NicknameHughsieSquad No.10

Recent Career History By Club (1999 onwards)
TeamDebutApps (+ sub)GoalsYellowsReds
Birmingham148 (40)20120
Recent Career History By Season (1999 onwards)
SeasonFirst App.Apps (+ sub)GoalsYellowsReds
2003/200414/10/200320 (6)500
2002/200318/08/200211 (13)230
2001/200219/08/200132 (4)850
2000/200112/08/200044 (13)540
1999/200021/09/199941 (4)000
Appearances 148 (+ 40 as sub); Goals 20; Yellow cards 12; Red cards 0