Royals agree fee with Norwich for Hughes

NORWICH SET TO SIGN HUGHESY

Reading Football Club have today agreed an undisclosed fee for the sale of 27 year old midfielder Andy Hughes to fellow Championship side Norwich City.

The popular midfielder has been at the club for the past 4 seasons now after signing for the Royals in the summer of 2001 for a fee of £250,000 set by an independent tribunal after a disagreement with his former side Notts County.

The player only had a year left to run on his deal at the Madejski Stadium, and it appeared the player wasn't be to be offered a new contract until the new year at the earliest.

He leaves after a fantastic spell in which Hughesy became a hero on and off the pitch for supporters and his fellow professionals.

He was a key member of the squad which gained promotion back to the old Division 1 in 2002 after featuring regularly during the course of the season.

But the Manchester born midfielder came into his own during the club's 1st season back in Division 1.He was a key member of the side that finished 4th in the league, only to lose in the Playoffs to eventual winners Wolverhampton Wanderers. He was extremely successful in "that" famous 4-5-1 formation where his goals and performances earned the player rave reviews by fellow professionals, Manager and pundits alike.

He was famous for his goal celebrations in which saw Reading fans wondering what would be next. The most memorable celebration for me anyway was the Elvis celebration at Walsall in August 2002 in aim at his former team mate Martin Butler. 

He endured a mix spell with Reading supporters. 99% of them will remember him as their Mr Versatile player after his ability to play in many different positions and also for the hugely impressive work he did off the field in terms of charity work in the local community.

But sadly there was a small minority who felt the need to boo Hughesy during his spell, especially in a meaningless Carling Cup defeat to Watford last season.

The probable switch to Norfolk looked to be on the cards after Nigel Worthington publicly declared his interest in bring Hughes to Carrow Road only weeks ago.

Then it was only last week where the Canaries sold Swedish winger Mattias Jonsson to Djurgarden for a fee of £700,000.

Hughesy leaves having played a total of 182 games for Reading, scoring 18 goals in the process.

1871Royals would like to wish the legend that is Andy Hughes the best of luck at Norwich City. Your efforts were always appreciated by the majority of Reading supporters and you go with our best wishes for the rest of your career.

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