Ex-Toon Defender 'We Are NOT Relegation Certs'

Last Updated : 26-Jul-2007 by
Aaron Hughes made 278 appearances for Newcastle between 1997 and 2005 scoring 6 goals.

He was born in Magherafell and is a Northern Ireland international who captains his country. Signed from Irish BB, made his Newcastle debut at Nou Camp Barcelona and joined Aston Villa in a shock move in 2005.

Hughes is confident Fulham can avoid another season competing at the wrong end of the Premier League table, despite the bookies having them in the running for another difficult campaign.

Hughes is one of seven new players signed by manager Lawrie Sanchez over the summer as the former Northern Ireland boss attempts to stave off the relegation battles of previous years.

Hughes: "The manager's talked of a top-10 position and when you look at the players at the club I think that's a realistic target.

"There's a really good atmosphere among the lads and the level of competitiveness in training is great.

"I'm impressed with the squad Lawrie has created here at Fulham in such a short space of time and I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve next season.

"We've also got Jimmy Bullard to come back and when he returns it will be like signing a new player."