Liverpool and Newcastle are reportedly battling to appoint Richard Hughes, a former Director of Football candidate at Celtic. Hughes was a candidate for the discussed DoF role in 2021 before Eddie Howe’s move collapsed and Ange Postecoglou took control of the football club. Whilst the Australian handled a lot of his own recruitment, the club never pressed on with bringing a DoF in and Hughes remained in Bournemouth.
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are looking at Hughes but so too are Newcastle, who are set to lose Dan Ashworth to Manchester United. With a lot of high rollers moving in the summer, there could be opportunities for candidates.
A report linked Hughes to Paradise in April 2021 when it seemed set that Howe would replace Neil Lennon as the permanent manager following the failed 10IAR bid. Now, he could link up with Howe at Newcastle United or prepare for the arrival of Jurgen Klopp’s replacement.
Celtic could very well be looking to revamp the recruitment side of the club after a disappointing couple of transfer windows. Brendan has said that he wants to bring quality into the club. The move for Hughes quietly went away as it was revealed Celtic were content with Ange at the helm.
From a 2009 interview, Hughes admitted his love for Celtic, having grown up in Glasgow.
“I was born on the green side of Glasgow. As soon as my mum and I were fit enough to fly, we returned to Milan – where my dad and brother were.
“You don’t get a say in which team you support.You are born and, before you know it, you get a Celtic shirt and scarf and go to your first Old Firm game.”
Hughes scored against Celtic in a pre-season game back in 2002, he said it was special to play against his boyhood club, especially as his hero, Paul Lambert, was playing.
“It was brilliant to play against Celtic. Paul Lambert was my hero and I managed to play against him, so it was a special evening.”
