As playing stocks reach critical levels, the Rams have once again dipped into the loan market. Proven Championship player Bryan Hughes was out of favor with Phil Brown at Hull City but as Brown is out of favor in Derby, it may be the perfect fit!
The deal is for an initial one month loan that could be extended and even become permanent when the window re-opens in January, should the club and player agree.
At 33 years of age Hughes has been frozen out of the Hull line up and until now had not even been issued with a squad number for the tigers.
When speaking to the therams.co.uk he was upbeat about the prospect of first team football:
“I can’t wait to pull on a Derby shirt. I got a call on Wednesday night to say Derby was interested in taking me on loan and I didn’t have to think twice about coming here”.
“I’ve not been involved at Hull all this season so I’ve been looking to get out on loan and I believe this is a great opportunity to get out and play some football. I’ve missed it this year, especially working hard all week and, when it comes to a match day, not being involved".
“I can’t wait to play at Pride Park on Saturday and, hopefully, I can play a part in Derby climbing the table. The Championship is an exciting division and I am sure the game against QPR will be a good one, especially in front of the cameras.”
Manager Nigel Clough seemed happy with his latest loan when speaking to the official site:
"I'm delighted we have been able to secure Bryan's services, he is player who brings vast experience to our squad".
“Everyone knows about our injury situation and when we looked at the list of available players Bryan's name stood out”.
Born in Liverpool, Hughes began his career at Wrexham and after some brilliant performances in their fantastic 96 / 97 FA Cup run, he attracted the interest of Birmingham City.
Trevor Francis acted on that interest when he paid just short of a million pounds for the goal scoring midfielder who went on to make a total of 291 appearances for the club, scoring 42 goals.
After Steve Bruce took the reigns from Francis, Hughes played a major part of helping the Blues achieve promotion via the play-offs, becoming a regular member of their squad during their first two years in the top flight.
After contract talks broke down with Birmingham over a new three year deal, he signed one for the same length of time for Charlton in 2004
Hughes only managed 10 starts in his first season but in 2005–06 eventually secured a regular spot under Alan Curbishley. He managed to play in all but five games of the season, passing 50 games for the club and found his way onto the score sheet five times.
His next season with the club was not as productive and found himself back in the Championship with Hull City. Hughes signed a three year deal on a free transfer. With his new home came a change of position at left wing although he was returned to his preferred central midfield role for their successful play-off campaign.
Since their promotion Hughes has found his services slowly become surplus to requirements and will no doubt relish the chance to prove himself again at a level he knows only too well.
No one will be expecting him to come in and change the Rams season single handedly but his experience and attacking mentality could be a huge asset for the club.
He may not be a big name signing that will send shockwaves through fandom although it will be hoped he can, at very worst, provide some much needed creativity to the Derby midfield.