Profile

Fellow Welshman and Liverpool player Maurice Parry recommended John "Geezer" Hughes for a trial at Liverpool and he must have impressed.

Hughes played in Liverpool's defence, usually as a half-back, for most of the 1903-04 season. It was an unsuccessful campaign that ended with relegation, the club finishing in 17th place just a single point behind Stoke City and therefore being consigned to the dreaded 'drop' along with West Bromwich Albion.

Hughes only missed three of the 34 league matches and scored twice - at home to Notts County and away at West Brom. He also played in the Reds' only FA cup tie that season, a first round defeat by Blackburn Rovers. He only played 15 games in the next five seasons.

A report in 1904 commented: "Hughes is about the hardest working player at present figuring in league football. He never tires and is seldom beaten. One thing he lacks, however is judgement and a little more of this and Hughes could be classed among the best 'middies' in the country."

Other clubs:
New Brighton Tower (2nd division), Aberdare (Wales-amateur), Plymouth Argyle (Southern league)