Watford appoint Hughes as youth coach

Watford has this afternoon announced former Aston Villa, Shrewsbury Town and Cardiff City defender David Hughes as their new youth team coach.

Hughes, 33, replaces Joe McBride who left to join Cardiff City and Malky Mackay over the summer.

The UEFA A Licenced coach hung his boots up at 26 after injury forced him to retire prematurely. Hughes coached at Cardiff’s academy as he studied at University before moving to Shrewsbury in 2009.

Welshman Hughes won two Wales U21 caps during his playing days which saw him come through at Villa before moving to Gay Meadow and onto Cardiff for 450k.

Speaking to the Official Site academy manager Nick Cox said:

‘Having the right Youth Team Coach is essential at a club like ours that sees youngsters progress into the first-team on a frequent basis.

‘Not only did we need to find an excellent coach but someone with the skills to support our youngsters make that most important of all transitions.’

Welcome David.