Fulham have today confirmed that Aaron Hughes has become the first signing for the club this summer in a £1million deal.
The 27 year old defender links up with former Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez on a deal that sees the right-back commit the next 3 years to the club. Former Newcastle defender Hughes was signed by Villa in 2005, becoming regular first choice defender following Mark Delaney`s long term absence. With the loan signing of Manchester United`s Phil Bardsley coming in January, it appeared that under the Randy Lerner revolution that Aaron`s days at Villa Park were numbered.
Hughes told the official Fulham website: “I`m delighted to be joining Fulham and am looking forward to working with Lawrie Sanchez at club level. I enjoyed my time at Aston Villa but when this opportunity presented itself I had no hesitation in coming to discuss the Manager`s ambitions for the Club, which obviously were of great interest to me.”
Hughes` new boss Sanchez had similar words of delight to tell the visitors to fulhamfc.com: “I am delighted that we have been able to bring Aaron to Fulham. As my Captain whilst I was Manager at Northern Ireland, I saw his obvious leadership skills and his qualities as a player which is widely recognised, so I`m delighted that he becomes my first signing of the summer.”
Vital Villa wishes Aaron all the best in the future, and thanks him for his time at Aston Villa.
Murph