LIAM HUGHES DEPARTS U'S
Cambridge United have terminated the contract of Liam Hughes by mutual consent who departs the Abbey Stadium after almost eight years.
Hughes arrived in Cambridge aged just 15 years old from Scunthorpe United to become a scholar and during these two years, Liam was a key member of the successful CRC side before graduating into the first team.
Liam made his U's debut against Grimsby Town in November 2010 and registered his first goal later that season in a 2-1 win over York City. Since then, he has gone to make 115 appearances in a Cambridge United shirt.
His most memorable moment occurred at Wembley Stadium, where he netted the opening goal in the U's play-off final victory over Gateshead, which ended the club's nine year absence from the Football League.
However, the midfielder has found his first team opportunities limited in recent months and Hughes has now opted to move his career on.
He said: "I would like to thank everyone associated with Cambridge United for their time, effort and support throughout my years at the football club.
“I’ve had many fond memories during my time and plenty that I will always treasure.
“The fans have been tremendous and I would like to wish the players, staff and everybody involved with the football club the very best for the future.”
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Jez George added: "Liam leaves with everyone's best wishes. He has spent eight years with the club, progressing from his scholarship into a first team player. He was instrumental in helping us survive in the Football Conference in 2011/12 and then gaining promotion back into the Football League in 2013/14.
“With his contract expiring at the end of the season, and Liam not playing football regularly, this is the right time for him to move on.
“We will all have our own memories of Liam at Cambridge United, and I would like to thank him on behalf of the board, staff and every supporter for his contribution to Cambridge United and sincerely wish him well for the future."
Everybody at Cambridge United would echo those thoughts.