Billy Hughes: 1948-2019

Billy was a strong, speedy and determined forward who also played with great subtlety. He was born in Lanarkshire and came from a footballing family. His brother John ‘Yogi’ Hughes played for Celtic.

He joined Leicester City from Derby County in December 1977. He was signed by manager Frank McLintock at a time when the team were bottom of the First Division.

Billy had made his name at Roker Park, where he spent 12 years between 1965 and 1977.

He played a key role in helping Sunderland win the FA Cup in 1973, scoring four goals in the run to the cup final and taking the corner which led to Ian Porterfield’s decisive goal which defeated Don Revie’s high-flying Leeds United at Wembley. He won a Scotland cap in 1975 and was in the Sunderland team which won the old Second Division title in 1976.

He moved to top-flight Derby County in August 1977, but four months later, he was persuaded by McLintock to come to Filbert Street to help City’s fight against relegation. McLintock’s plan was for Hughes to form a partnership with Roger Davies, who had arrived at Filbert Street from Club Brugge a couple of weeks earlier.

Hughes’ wholehearted performances were respected by the Leicester City fans. He played in most games between his arrival in December and the end of the season, which ended in relegation, and he scored two goals.

The following season, Leicester City’s new manager, Jock Wallace, used Billy’s experience to help his youthful side, which he was developing with a view to returning to the old First Division. He made 19 appearances that season.

In September 1979, Billy went on loan to Carlisle United before briefly joining the NASL side San Jose Earthquakes in April 1980. He later returned to the Midlands to play non league football for Enderby Town and Corby Town before retiring and returning to the North East.

The Club’s thoughts are with Billy’s family and friends at this sad time.