NEW SIGNING: Central Defender Matty Hughes

We are delighted to announce that no-nonsense centre half Matty Hughes (aged 25) has joined FC United from Stalybridge Celtic.



We are delighted to announce that no-nonsense centre-half Matty Hughes (aged 25) has joined FC United from Stalybridge Celtic.

Matty Hughes, born 1st April 1992, started his youth career at Rochdale, before being spotted and taken to Glasgow Celtic where he captained their Under 19s side. He was with Celtic for two years before making the switch to Fleetwood Town in 2011, later to join Colwyn Bay on loan.

He then joined AFC Fylde in 2012, and featured in both league matches against FC United in the 2012/13 season. At the start of the following season, he captained the Fylde side that drew 0-0 against FC United at Gigg Lane. Hughes, who played in the same Fylde side as Harry Winter, helped them win promotion to the Conference North, with Hughes voted young player of the year for the 13/14 season.

At the end of 2013/14 Hughes signed for Stalybridge Celtic where he would go onto make 125 appearances over 3 seasons. Hughes was on the score sheet for Stalybridge against FC United in their 4-3 Manchester Cup win in 2015/16; and as Stalybridge’s captain, he played against FC United in the two league matches last season, scoring in the 2-2 draw at Broadhurst Park on 1st April 2017.

His last match for Stalybridge was against Chorley on 17th April, missing the remaining matches of the season through suspension.

Of Hughes, FC United manager Karl Marginson said, "Matty is a player I have been after for a while and at 25 years old is of the right age for us. He has good experience at this level and has excellent leadership and organisational skills that I’m sure will help him be a great addition to the squad."

Delighted to have signed for @FCUnitedMcr can’t wait for the new challenge and successful season at a great club 🔴⚪️⚫️

— Matty Hughes (@MattyHughes92) May 18, 2017

Please Note: Any FC fan wishing to do their own research on our new signing should be aware that there is another Matty Hughes (forward), born in the same year (1992), who also had spells with Fleetwood and Fylde as well.