Having seemingly burned bridges when he left Dean Court back in 2002, Richard Hughes has signed a deal which will see him return to the south coast after an 18-month gap in playing football following his departure from financially stricken Portsmouth.
On his return to Dean Court, Hughes is quoted in the Bournemouth Evening Echo as saying: "It was an easy decision. I spoke to the manager about his vision for the club and want to be part of the project because it is really exciting. I know him well, I know his philosophies on the game and I know what he is like as a manager. I always wanted to play again but I wanted to play for the right person. He is a very honest person and a deep thinker. Everything he does is calculated and structured. I don’t know how long it will take for me to get fully fit but I have already started the hard work and am hoping to join in with the development squad on Friday. My main priorities are to work hard and stay clear of injury. I know it is going to take a lot of hard work to get up to speed. I am hoping the attributes I have got as a player aren’t the first ones you lose. My game is based on trying to read the play, which is going to get better as you get older. If I can add something to the squad when I am fit, I will be delighted".