Stephen Hughes (footballer, born 1976)

Stephen John Hughes (born 18 September 1976) is an English former professional footballer and pundit.

He played as a midfielder, notably in the Premier League for Arsenal, Everton and Charlton Athletic, and in the Football League for Fulham, Watford, Coventry City and Walsall. He was capped at both England U18 and U21 levels.

Club career
Hughes started his career at Arsenal, with whom he won the FA Youth Cup in 1994. He then made 16 first team appearances to earn a winners medal as Arsenal won the 1998 Premier League title. Hughes' highlight for that season was scoring twice as Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2–0 at Highbury. He also made 6 appearances in Arsenal's FA Cup run that season, including the semi-final against Wolves, but was left out of the squad for the 1998 FA Cup final as they clinched the double. Another highlight was a 25-yard last minute equaliser against Leicester City at Filbert Street the following season. Altogether with Arsenal he made 76 senior appearances with 40 of them as a substitute, and scored 7 goals.

Hughes then moved to Everton in March 2000, for a fee of £3 million. He played 33 games for them before being released on a free transfer on 4 July 2001. He then moved on to First Division side Watford that same month, having scored his two Everton goals against them; once in the league and once in the FA Cup. He only managed 17 games in his first season due to injury. His contract was settled early in the 2002–03 season.

He signed for Charlton Athletic in August 2003. but made no appearances that season and subsequently left on a free transfer to join Coventry City in July 2004. He went on to become the club's captain and made over 150 appearances.

Personal life
After his retirement from football, Hughes returned to the Gunners as a commentator and pundit for Arsenal Player.

Career statistics
¹ includes FA Charity Shield and Football League Trophy.

Honours
Arsenal
 * Premier League: 1997–98
 * FA Charity Shield: 1998
 * FA Youth Cup: 1993–94

Individual
 * Coventry City Player of the Year: 2004–05
 * Coventry City Players' Player of the Year: 2004–05