CCFC Player of the Year 2004–05
CCFC Players' Player of the Year 2004–05
A product of Arsenal’s youth scheme the midfielder made 79 appearances for the Gunners between 1995 and 2000 but could never hold down a first team place with players like Patrick Vieira and Emmanuael Petit in front of him. After a brief loan at Fulham, Stepehn joined Everton for £500,000 in 2000 but despite starting well the eight times capped England under 21 international struggled to impress Everton boss Walter Smith and in 2001 moved on a free transfer to Watford. Injuries restricted his appearances with the Hornets and a move to Charlton did not improve his luck and he went two seasons without appearing in a first team game. Peter Reid gave ‘Hughesy’ a short term contract in 2004 and he shone out, albeit in a poor team. In his first season he looked the top-class midfield player City had been searching for and took over the captaincy when Tim Sherwood was injured. In early 2005 he became the first City outfield player to go into goal after Ian Bennett was sent off against Stoke and there was no substitute goalkeeper on the bench.Â
Free kick goals (2)
2007-08
22 September 2007 v Ipswich Town A, Championship
26 January 2008 v Millwall H, FA Cup 4th Round
Clean sheets (1)
2004-05
26 February 2005 v Stoke City H, Championship, went in goal for 49 minutes whaen Ian Bennett was sent off and did not concede
Premier League winner 1997–98 with Arsenal
FA Charity Shield winner 1998 with Arsenal
8 England U21 caps
4 England U18 caps, 1 goal
all before joining City


