Stephen Hughes moves on as Motherwell deal ends

Stephen Hughes has left Motherwell for a second time after his short-term deal expired.The midfielder rejoined his hometown club in November on a six-week pay-as-you-play contract after securing his exit from Norwich.

The 29-year-old made four appearances, starting the last two games in place of the suspended Steve Jennings, but with Motherwell manager Stuart McCall having a number of options in midfield, both parties agreed not to extend the deal.

McCall told www.motherwellfc.co.uk: “Stephen and I had a good chat today and came to the agreement that he would go and try to find regular first-team action elsewhere.

“He has played a handful here but he wants to play regularly week in and week out and we can’t guarantee him that.

“He has missed a fair bit of football during 2011 and what he needs now is somewhere he can get a regular spot, build his fitness and get back to his best.

“He was terrific whilst he was here. His attitude was always spot-on and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Hughes began his career at Rangers and was capped for Scotland in 2009, when he made an appearance from the bench against Japan.