Does anyone else find the article on the OS about Andy Hughes's departure a little bit unnecessary? I know he's apparently done a lot behind the scenes but to me he is a no-one. He's contributed remarkably little on the pitch over three seasons and been paid a good wage to do so. This fanfare is pointless. Fair enough he's an 'honest pro' and good luck to him and all that; but he's hardly been a Mat Holland or a Mark Kinsella type (or even a Graham Stuart). For me these paragraphs from the OS article particularly grate: it's a very un-OS piece. ''Hughes joined the Addicks in the summer of 2011 when the club was at a low point. A mid-table finish in League One was followed by a clear-out of the playing squad by manager Chris Powell. The skill in the rebuilding job lay as much in the gathering of personalities as it did talents. Powell recruited good players, but, crucially, equally good people...'' Read more at http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/20140507-andy-hughes-story-1541318.aspx#g8i2F64hxP3GKxMc.99
To be honest I was quite a fan of him, I think his personality makes him more memorable than other players. There's so many players out there who are just dim, but I love nothing better then seeing Mario Balotelli causing mischief or Ian Holloway producing another unique interview. Hughes was the closest to either of them we have had in quite a while.
I think the other players reaction to him at the end of the Watford game tells you everything about his worth to the Club....... Chris said that he signed him as much for his personality in the dressing room as for his performances on the pitch.
Reads like a standard HR email when someone leaves my company. Just needed to add: "Andy will be replaced in his role by Sarah from accounts. Please join me in thanking Andy for his contribution and wishing Sarah well in her new role." Maybe lots of people are leaving my company though ?
Think it's more than his playing contribution, to be frank. It's the right decision to release him, but my understanding is that he's provided a lot of guidance to the youngsters and a centre-point for the team, as evidenced by his involvement in the celebrations. Is he a Charlton legend? No. Does he deserve a decent send-off if he's played a critical part in the dressing room atmosphere leading to our survival? Yes.
When I worked for the NHS there was a lovely man who was **** at his job and was literally counting down the day to his retirement. Everyone loved him though because he'd once been friends with Jeff Beck or Rick Wakeman (possibly both). He was still ****ing useless though and a dreg on resources.
I don't see how that analogy applies to a player who was admired throughout the game and gave advice and guidance to the younger players and coaching including the academy and his record on the pitch was pretty good when he did play. I am glad they gave Hughes a good send-off.
In a squad you need characters, and by all means he seems to have got himself involved with all aspects of the club to make himself useful when injuries restricted his playing time. Some blogs, where they claim he probably has as much love for us as he does Leeds is over the top - but from being on hand to give youngsters advice, to getting members of the first team squad to go and cheer the yoof on - he's shown commitment to the club which very few players can claim to do these days. I can only assume the media team have gone to bat for him because he was always getting involved with them - posting up videos, commentaries on games etc.
Worth noting a lot of our youngsters (inc Poyet) on Twitter are very sad to see him go. Have a feeling he may have helped them a lot more behind the scenes then we'll ever know, which would explain why the club are making a big deal of this on the OS. Can't see the same happening for Green...
A Hughes sounds like an absolute top clubmen, in all aspects. Have no idea how he could or would go unappreciated if all that some have said here is true, thats fantastic. Think of what Andy does for the club and then think of Sordell - WOW ! Mind blowing hey
green went with a bit of dignity though. he even went to the poty meal - sat on a table with a guy who had abused him on twitter, and who he phoned the police on - and took the banter all night. never seen anyone look so uncomfortable. he was good enough to wait around and sign stuff for everyone too. might not have been the best player we've seen, but it makes a huge difference when they leave that it's on good terms.
And me mate as for Green I don't get the abuse players get as in venomous fair enough having opinion but many go way too far
I remember sitting pitch side at Oakwell last season, and appreciating just what a huge role Andy Hughes played for us. He was the proverbial Sergeant Major on the pitch, to every team mate there were constant shouts of 'stand there' or 'don't do that' etc. Maybe that is why the younger players looked up to him. Guaranteed to make a good coach IMO. Green was a waste of rations. Has enough talent to make a career in lower league football, but basically lacks the heart and dedication. Loves the bling, but won't put up with the sting.
