With the London restaurant owner returning to the professional game, Richard Hughes is being tipped for great things by manager Paul Groves, being quoted in the Bournemouth Evening Echo as saying: "I think Richard has a real calming influence on the team and he makes the team play. Nearly all the players have remarked on the composure and level of experience Richard has brought. Richard really adds a lot of different aspects to the team. His level of experience is beyond the group in terms of where he has played and what he has done. His knowledge of football on the pitch is invaluable. When you look at the appearances and starts people have had in the Football League, that is a good indicator of the experience they have got. Richard would be an example of having good experience but also bringing it to the pitch. He helps the team and also helps the individuals alongside him. It goes beyond that as well because he helps individuals on the training pitch. Richard brings a lot to this group of players".