Hughes still loves being contrary

THERE was not an awful lot to get excited about in Stockport County’s 0-0 draw with Bradford City at Edgeley Park on Tuesday night but Mark Hughes, the Bradford manager, did his best to brighten up the evening.

Hughes was never one to back down either as a player or as a high-profile manager in the Premier League and it seems old habits die hard. Hughes, who engaged in some lively repartee with home fans during the game, was booked in the second half for impeding Kyle Knoyle as the Stockport full-back tried to take a throw in front of the away dug-out, further enraging the crowd.

As the referee ran over, Hughes was busy talking at Knoyle, winding him up, a mischievous smile playing on his face. Hughes is 59. He’s had a brilliant career in football. He could be going through the motions in League Two but to see him as involved, and as contrary, as ever was the best thing about an otherwise ordinary evening.