Aaron Hughes has been appointed as technical director for the Irish Football Association. A Northern Ireland veteran, the former Newcastle United defender earned 112 caps for his country - placing him third on the all-time list.
His new role means he will oversee the development of elite men’s and women’s football in Northern Ireland. As a player, Hughes’ long career at international level saw him awarded an MBE for services to football in 2020.
The 42-year-old - who emerged through the youth ranks on Tyneside in the late 90s - now holds one of the most important positions in British football. Speaking to the IFA website, Hughes insisted he is relishing the chance to represent his nation again.
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“This is an exciting time for the Irish FA and I am eager to get started in playing a key role in all areas of our operation,” he said. “People often underestimate the reach of the Irish FA.
“We are central, along with our partners and stakeholders, to shaping people’s lives through football and I am looking forward to making a positive contribution at every level of the footballing pyramid.”
Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson also outlined why he believes Hughes is the right man for the job. He added: “Aaron has demonstrated his considerable talents to the organisation since he joined us as a consultant last year.
“His relentless drive to push for high standards across the entire performance pathway, rooted in his deep experience gained at the top end of the professional game, will help the organisation flourish even further. He will be a key contributor to a range of major developments set out in our current strategy, A Roadmap for Football.”
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