Club Captain Jeff Hughes puts pen to paper on new contact

Jan 20, 2022 | Archive

We are delighted to announce club captain Jeff Hughes has extended his stay at the club with a one-year extension to his current contract.

The 36-year-old skipper has been an integral part of the club’s journey since returning to the club four years ago, having helped secure Tranmere Rovers return to the Football League at Wembley, in his last outing in the English game.

His influence on an off the pitch at Inver Park will continue after sending an extension to take him through to the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

The new deal will also see Jeff formally be part of the Inver Reds in the Community initiative, working alongside Community Engagement Office Ryan McNickle.

Jeff is also looking to looking ahead to returning to action in February, after period out with a groin injury.

“We’ve been talking about it for a while so I’m delighted to have it all sorted out now and over the moon to know I’ll be here beyond the end of the season,” Jeff said.

“I’ve been out injured for the last number of weeks but I’ve been back able to do more training and I hope to start running on Monday.

“All being well, I’ll be back playing again in another month or six weeks. You feel a bit useless when you can’t play and it was hard missing out on the County Antrim Shield win.

“There is a lot of football left to play though, and I’m really looking forward to getting back and hopefully help the lads in the run-in.”

A significant part of Jeff’s role will be his involvement in the club’s new Community Engagement programme.

He is looking forward to getting involved alongside Ryan McNickle.

“It’s something I feel I do naturally anyway as club captain and a local lad,” Jeff added.

“I try to talk to people outside of match days and help out that way. I’ll now be working with Ryan McNickle with Inver Reds in the Community programme.

“It’s about making sure the club have a great presence in the community again after Covid and for the last two years we know everyone has suffered.

“We want to give a little back and make sure everyone feels included and the club remains at the heart of the community.

“Between Ryan and myself we’ll certainly be open to listen to any ideas people have as well as the plans which are already in place for Community involvement.”

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