During his career he played as a forward for Sunderland, Derby County, Leicester City, Carlisle United and San Jose Earthquakes, making a total of 349 appearances and scoring 87 goals.
[7] Hughes played a large role in Sunderland's 1972–73 FA Cup run, scoring four goals on the way to the final.
[6] He scored one goal against Manchester City in the fifth round tie at Maine Road,[8] and then another two in the replay at Roker Park.
[10] Leeds United manager Don Revie had tried to prise Hughes away from Sunderland at one point, and spoke positively about the Scotsman saying he "is one of the most exciting players I've seen.
Following his retirement from football, Hughes worked as a licensee in Derby, and later returned to the North East England as clubhouse manager of Stressholme Golf Club in Darlington.