Signed from Thurrock after a brief loan stint at  |in early 2007, Mark Hughes had also once been on the books at Tottenham Hotspur, Hughes was a committed central midfielder, but couldn’t command a regular place at Broadhall Way. As such, he moved on in summer 2007; joining Chester City and featuring more than 40 times during the 2007-8 campaign. He also clocked up four goals along the way at the Deva Stadium.