[1] He was educated at Witton Grammar School (now Sir John Deane's College) and became an auctioneers' clerk aged 15, later founding his own business as Charles J. Hughes and Son.

Soon after this he rose to prominence in his home town as a member of the Northwich and District Urban Council and honourable auditor for several local infirmaries.

[4] He appeared in Northwich Victoria's first ever recorded Association Football game in 1874 against Stedman College in the village of Comberbach, Cheshire.

[5] His playing career unfortunately ended when his ankle was broken by an opposition player on 15 November 1877, during a football match at the Drill Field, Northwich, against Hanley Rangers .

In 1907 and 1908, he was often in charge of selecting the squad for the England national football team for international matches, making him the de facto manager.