Newcastle United: 1997-2005 League Appearances: 205 League Goals: 4 Why, oh why, did Newcastle United allow Aaron Hughes to leave for Aston Villa for just £1 million in 2005? The versatile defender - who usually played at right-back for Newcastle, but went on to regularly perform as a centre-back for Fulham later in his career - made 205 appearances for the Magpies and was a member of Sir Bobby Robson's side who qualified for the Champions League two years running. Although at six-feet tall he was hardly the biggest defender in the world, the 95-cap Northern Ireland international was never bullied and he performed tirelessly and without complaint for the team. A calming influence who always spoke well during interviews, Newcastle struggled to replace him for years after he departed. At just 25 years of age when he left, Hughes still had time to mature further - and his best years could have been spent on Tyneside, rather than in west London. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
