sneak above Accrington into the third and final automatic promotion place, consigning Accrington to the play-offs. Hughes featured in both of the play-off semi final matches as Accrington lost 3–2 on aggregate to AFC Wimbledon. Hughes was a part of the Accrington side that won the 2017–18 League Two title, featuring in all 46 league matches. Promotion to the third tier for the first time in the club's history was confirmed on 17 April 2018 when a double from Billy Kee saw Accrington defeat Yeovil Town. The title was confirmed on the penultimate day of the season with a 1–0 victory over Lincoln City. Hughes was rewarded for his efforts over the season with a place in the PFA League Two Team of the Year, along with two of his teammates, Sean McConville and Billy Kee. At the end of the season the club exercised a contractual option to retain him. In July 2019, Hughes signed a new one-year contract extension with the club having the option for a second year to keep him until the end of the 2020–21 season. On 27 March 2021, Hughes was forced off through injury in the 31' minute of what turned out to be his final appearance in an Accrington shirt, a 7–0 defeat to Peterborough United. Until this injury, Hughes had played every minute of the season. Hughes was offered a new contract with the club at the end of the 2020–21 season. Bristol Rovers On 26 May 2021, Hughes signed a one-year deal with League Two side Bristol Rovers, the side that had narrowly beaten Accrington to promotion five years previously. He opted against signing the contract extension. Hughes made his debut for the club on the opening day of the 2021–22 season, giving away a 96th-minute penalty for a foul on Oliver Hawkins that was converted by Danny Johnson to give Mansfield Town a 2–1 victory. Hughes picked up an Achilles injury in September 2021 in training that saw him out of action for the remainder of his time with the club, taking up a coaching role at times. Coaching career Plymouth Argyle On 6 January 2022, Hughes joined the backroom staff of former Everton teammate Steven Schumacher by in the role of First Team Coach at Plymouth Argyle. Hughes became assistant manager in May 2022 following the departure of Keith Downing. Career statistics Honours Accrington Stanley League Two title: