Hughes' career had to be put on hold. In October 2003, Hughes signed for Crystal Palace (who shared Selhurst Park with Wimbledon at the time) and an out-of-court settlement was reached with Birmingham. Crystal Palace At Palace, he quickly became a fans' favourite, and, for the 2004–05 season, Hughes was appointed team captain. Following relegation, he was replaced in the role by defender Fitz Hall (a decision, by the Palace management, which proved unpopular). However, after a run of good form, Hughes was re-appointed team captain, in January 2006. He later lost the captaincy again, this time to Carl Fletcher. He was released by Palace in May 2007. Peter Taylor commented on Hughes' Palace future claiming that: "Michael Hughes has basically been released, but his is slightly different because I'm really saying that something could also develop later on." Coventry City On 6 July 2007, Hughes joined his former manager Iain Dowie at Coventry City, signing a one-year contract. On 22 May 2008, Michael Hughes was released by Coventry City following the expiry of his contract, having made 18 first team appearances during the 2007–08 season. Hughes fell out of favour with new Coventry manager Chris Coleman who eventually decided not to renew his contract. St Neots Town In March 2009, Michael joined St Neots Town as player-coach, working alongside former international teammate Steve Lomas. International career Hughes won 71 international caps with the Northern Ireland national team, scoring five times. Managerial career Hughes was appointed caretaker manager of Carrick Rangers after the sacking of Stephen Small. On 23 September 2013, Hughes stepped down as manager and was replaced by Gary Haveron. Hughes retained his position as the club's chief executive and majority shareholder. International goals Scores and results list Northern Ireland's goal tally first. References External links 1971 births Living people People from Larne Association footballers from Northern Ireland Northern Ireland international footballers Northern Ireland under-21 international footballers Association football midfielders Manchester City F.C. players RC Strasbourg Alsace players West Ham United F.C. players Wimbledon F.C. players Birmingham City F.C. players Crystal Palace F.C. players Coventry City F.C. players St Neots Town F.C. players English Football League players Premier League players Ligue 1 players Expatriate footballers in France British football chairmen and investors Carrick Rangers F.C. players Sportspeople from County Antrim Expatriate association footballers from Northern Ireland Expatriate sportspeople from Northern Ireland in France