Carl McHugh explained

Carl McHugh
Fullname:Carl Gerard McHugh[1]
Birth Date:5 February 1993
Birth Place:Lettermacaward, Ireland
Height:1.82 m
Currentclub:Goa
Clubnumber:4
Youthyears1:2009–2011
Youthclubs1:Reading
Years1:2011–2012
Clubs1:Reading
Caps1:0
Goals1:0
Years2:2011
Clubs2:Swindon Supermarine (loan)
Caps2:7
Goals2:2
Years3:2011
Clubs3:Dundalk (loan)
Caps3:12
Goals3:0
Years4:2012–2014
Clubs4:Bradford City
Caps4:30
Goals4:2
Years5:2014–2016
Clubs5:Plymouth Argyle
Caps5:81
Goals5:5
Years6:2016–2019
Clubs6:Motherwell
Caps6:82
Goals6:3
Years7:2019–2020
Clubs7:ATK
Caps7:6
Goals7:1
Years8:2020–2023
Clubs8:ATK Mohun Bagan
Caps8:60
Goals8:3
Years9:2023–
Clubs9:Goa
Caps9:23
Goals9:1
Nationalyears1:2009–2010
Nationalteam1:Republic of Ireland U17
Nationalcaps1:7
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2010–2011
Nationalteam2:Republic of Ireland U19
Nationalcaps2:5
Nationalgoals2:0
Nationalyears3:2013
Nationalteam3:Republic of Ireland U21
Nationalcaps3:2
Nationalgoals3:0
Club-Update:03:06, 1 May 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:13:49, 27 March 2013 (UTC)

Carl Gerard McHugh (born 5 February 1993) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Indian Super League club Goa. He can also play as a centre-back or left-back.[2]

Club career

Early career

Born in Lettermacaward, County Donegal, McHugh signed a scholarship with English club Reading at the age of 16.[3] He spent loan spells at Swindon Supermarine and Dundalk.[4] [5] He spent one year as a professional at Reading before being released in the summer of 2012.[6]

Bradford City

McHugh signed for Bradford City in August 2012.[7] He made his professional debut for Bradford City on 28 August 2012, in a League Cup match against Watford.[8] He made his debut in The Football League on 27 October 2012, coming on as a substitute in the 1–0 defeat away at Burton Albion.[6]

In November, he starred and scored an equalising header for Bradford City in their FA Cup victory over Northampton Town.[9] Earlier that month, McHugh had been praised by his manager for his performance against Wigan Athletic in the League Cup,[10] and he later commented that his recent spell of first-team games had been a "huge learning curve" for him.[11] McHugh's performances were praised by teammate Rory McArdle.[12]

Following Bradford City's elimination of Aston Villa in the League Cup semi-final, McHugh was photographed waving the flag of his native county on the pitch at Villa Park. He later said, "That was the highlight of the night for me. Back in Bradford they might have thought it was the Irish flag, but they know now that it is the Donegal flag."[13] In the run-up to the 2013 Football League Cup Final, which McHugh played in, he was cited as an "unsung hero" of the Bradford City team.[14] In the latter stages of the 2012–13 season, he began to be played more as a left-back.[15] In June 2013, McHugh was praised by former Bradford City left-back Wayne Jacobs.[16] In July 2013, McHugh signed a new one-year contract with Bradford City,[17] and later that month he spoke about his fight to become a first-team member in the forthcoming season.[18]

In November 2013, McHugh publicly spoke about his lack of first-team football.[19] By 17 January 2014, however, he had played three of the club's last four games, and he credited a sports psychologist for helping him regain his first-team spot.[20]

Plymouth Argyle

On 16 June 2014, McHugh signed a two-year contract with Plymouth Argyle.[21] [22] He played 50 games for Plymouth in his first season at the club, mainly at centre-back alongside Peter Hartley and Curtis Nelson. During the 2014–15 season Plymouth had one of the best defensive records in the league.[23]

Following the arrival of new Plymouth manager Derek Adams in the summer of 2015, McHugh was moved further up the field into a midfield role. He played all season in midfield, earning a lot of praise for his performances throughout the season.[24] [25]

Motherwell

On 5 July 2016, McHugh signed a two-year contract with Motherwell.[26] His signing was met with much controversy, signing for Motherwell despite previously agreeing terms to extend his contract with previous club Plymouth Argyle in writing.[27] McHugh suffered a serious head injury – a two inch deep gash above his right eye – on the opening day of the season against Kilmarnock on 6 August 2016. Motherwell manager Mark McGhee later said that the nature of the injury meant the club could not put a timescale on McHugh's return.[28] He made his comeback on 28 December 2016, away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.[29] On 4 February 2017, McHugh was sent off during a Scottish Premiership match with Hearts following a challenge on Don Cowie.[30] Motherwell went on to lose the game 3–0, with Mark McGhee blaming the McHugh red card for losing the game.[31] On 4 March 2017, he scored his first Motherwell goal in a 2–1 win away to Kilmarnock.[32] In June 2017 it was announced that McHugh would be Motherwell's new captain,[33] before signing a new two-year contract with the club on 27 July 2017.[34]

Ahead of the 2018–19 season McHugh gave up his role as captain, saying it was best for both himself and the club.[35]

ATK

In May 2019 McHugh signed for Indian club ATK.[36] [37] He scored on his debut.[38] He said he chose to play in India because of its improving standards.[39] McHugh's debut season with ATK ended early for him due to injury,[40] although the club secured the ISL championship title.[41]

He joined ATK Mohun Bagan after ATK merged with Mohun Bagan in 2020.[42] With the club, he began 2022–23 season on 20 August 2022 against Rajasthan United at the 131st edition of Durand Cup as his team lost the match by 3–2.[43]

Goa

On 28 July 2023, McHugh signed for Goa after he mutually parted ways with Mohun Bagan.[44]

International career

Having previously played for them at under-17 and under-19 levels,[45] McHugh was called up to the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad in January 2013.[46] [47] He made his debut for the under-21 on 6 February 2013, appearing as a second-half substitute in a 3–0 victory over the Netherlands.[48] McHugh was recalled to the Irish under-21 squad in March 2013,[49] and he earned a second cap for the under-21s on 25 March 2013.[50] He was re-called to the under-21 squad in October 2013 for two Euro Championship qualifiers.[51]

Personal life

McHugh played Gaelic football for Na Rossa, where he was coached by All-Ireland winner Declan Bonner.[52] He is a close friend of Donegal Gaelic footballer Patrick McBrearty.[52] [53] McHugh's footballing hero is Shay Given, who also comes from Donegal.[6] [54]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
ReadingChampionship0000000000
2011–12Championship0000000000
Total0000000000
Swindon Supermarine (loan)2010–11Southern League Premier Division7200000072
Dundalk (loan)2011League of Ireland Premier Division120400000160
Bradford City2012–13League Two161316130283
2013–14League One141001010161
Total302317140444
Plymouth Argyle2014–15League Two44210114[55] 0503
2015–16League Two37310105[56] 1444
Total815202191947
Motherwell2016–17Scottish Premiership192102000222
2017–18Scottish Premiership350418000471
2018–19Scottish Premiership281106000341
Total82361160001044
ATK2019–20Indian Super League6161
ATK Mohun Bagan2020–21Indian Super League210210
2021–22Indian Super League18061241
2022–23Indian Super League213303020293
Total603303081744
Goa2023–24Indian Super League0000
Career total2781618228221234522

Honours

Bradford City

2013

ATK Mohun Bagan

2022–23; runner-up: 2020–21

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Professional retain list & free transfers 2012/13. https://web.archive.org/web/20140802074454/http://www.football-league.co.uk/staticFiles/4e/bd/0%2C%2C10794~179534%2C00.pdf. 18 May 2013. 2 August 2014. 4 January 2015. 55. The Football League. dead.
  2. Web site: Plymouth Argyle: Carl McHugh may play in midfield, says Adams. 16 July 2015. 16 July 2015. James Law. BBC Sport.
  3. News: Bradford City defender Carl McHugh a small-town hero with a big future. 4 September 2012. Simon. Parker. Telegraph & Argus. Newsquest.
  4. Web site: Profile. Swindon Supermarine F.C.. 29 August 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20160303210539/http://www.swindonsupermarinefc.com/FORMER%20PLAYERS/carl%20mchugh.HTM. 3 March 2016. dead.
  5. Web site: Profile . Dundalk F.C. . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121102090558/http://www.dundalkfc.com/players/first-team-squad/carl-mchugh/ . 2 November 2012 .
  6. Web site: Capital One Cup final: Defender's journey from despair to Wembley. 22 February 2013. 16 June 2014. Paul Fletcher. BBC Sport.
  7. News: Bradford City: McHugh will come of age at Bantams, says Phil Parkinson. 25 August 2012. Simon. Parker. Telegraph & Argus. Newsquest.
  8. News: Watford 1 – 2 Bradford. 28 August 2012. BBC Sport. BBC.
  9. News: McHugh scores as Bradford City progress to the next round of the FA Cup. 14 November 2012. Donegal Daily. 16 November 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121130081640/http://www.donegaldaily.com/2012/11/14/mchugh-scores-as-bradford-city-progress-to-next-round-of-the-fa-cup/. 30 November 2012. dead.
  10. News: It's been a crazy few days, admits Bradford City's fledgling centre back Carl McHugh. 2 November 2012. Simon. Parker. Telegraph & Argus. Newsquest.
  11. News: Carl McHugh growing up fast in young Bradford City defence. 20 November 2012. Simon. Parker. Telegraph & Argus. Newsquest.
  12. News: Bradford City centre half Rory McArdle predicts big things from fast learner Carl McHugh. 21 January 2013. Simon. Parker. Telegraph & Argus. Newsquest.
  13. News: Peter. Campbell. Alan. Foley. Carl McHugh flies the Donegal flag in Bradford. Donegal Democrat. Johnston Press. 24 January 2013. 24 January 2013.
  14. Web site: Carl McHugh back on a high at Bradford City after Reading release. 23 February 2013. Simon Parker. Telegraph & Argus.
  15. Web site: Carl McHugh getting it right on the left for Bradford City. 8 March 2013. Simon Parker. Telegraph & Argus.
  16. Web site: Bradford City defender Carl McHugh tipped by Wayne Jacobs to make grade at higher level. 14 June 2013. Simon Parker. Telegraph & Argus.
  17. Web site: Bradford City; Carl McHugh signs new one year contract. 3 July 2013. BBC Sport.
  18. Web site: Carl McHugh embraces battle for Bradford City places. 17 July 2013. Simon Parker. Telegraph & Argus.
  19. Web site: You never know when your chance will come, says Carl McHugh as he plays Bantams waiting game. 1 November 2013. 6 November 2013. Simon Parker. Telegraph & Argus.
  20. Web site: Carl McHugh smiling again as Bradford City mind coach gets into his head. 17 January 2014. 17 January 2014. Simon Parker. Telegraph & Argus.
  21. Web site: McHugh's That Man. 16 June 2014. 16 June 2014. Plymouth Argyle F.C..
  22. Web site: Plymouth Argyle sign former Bradford City man Carl McHugh. 16 June 2014. 16 June 2014. BBC Sport.
  23. Web site: John Sheridan says Argyle's outstanding defensive record is down to teamwork. Western Morning News. 19 January 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20150806020240/http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/John-Sheridan-says-Argyle-s-outstanding-defensive/story-26254002-detail/story.html. 6 August 2015. dead.
  24. News: McHugh relishes Argyle midfield role. BBC. 19 January 2016.
  25. Web site: CHRIS ERRINGTON: Indestructible Carl McHugh is Argyle's version of Captain Scarlet. Plymouth Herald. 19 January 2016.
  26. Web site: McHugh is new signing number five. motherwellfc.co.uk. Motherwell FC. 5 July 2016. 5 July 2016.
  27. Web site: English club unhappy as rising Donegal star opts to join Scottish Premier Division side. donegalnow.com. Donegal Now. 9 July 2016. 6 July 2016. 1 September 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190901215204/https://www.donegalnow.com/sport/english-club-unhappy-as-rising-donegal-star-opts-to-join-scottish-premier-division-side/102977. dead.
  28. Web site: Motherwell: Carl McHugh head injury 'grim', says Mark McGhee. 13 October 2016. 11 December 2016. BBC Sport.
  29. Web site: Motherwell stretch Inverness' winless streak to nine games. STV Sport. 28 December 2016. 28 December 2016. 12 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170812213602/https://stv.tv/sport/football/1376803-motherwell-stretch-inverness-winless-streak-to-nine-games/. dead.
  30. Web site: Appealing Carl McHugh's red card would be 'a waste of time and money', say Motherwell. Evening Times. en. 15 February 2017.
  31. News: Motherwell 0–3 Heart of Midlothian. 4 February 2017. BBC Sport. 15 February 2017. en-GB.
  32. Web site: Kilmarnock 1–2 Motherwell. 4 March 2017. 4 March 2017. Motherwell F.C..
  33. Web site: Carl McHugh named as new Motherwell captain following Keith Lasley's retirement. HeraldScotland.
  34. Web site: McHugh pens contract extension. motherwellfc.co.uk. Motherwell F.C.. 27 July 2017. 27 July 2017.
  35. Web site: CARL MCHUGH PASSES ON CAPTAIN'S ARMBAND. 10 July 2018. 17 July 2018.
  36. Web site: ATK sign Irish defender Carl McHugh - Times of India. The Times of India.
  37. Web site: ISL Transfers: ATK sign brothers Soosairaj and Regin, Irish defender Carl McHugh. 28 May 2019. www.sportskeeda.com.
  38. Web site: Watch: Carl McHugh nets stunning goal on Indian Super League debut. Chris. McNulty. 21 October 2019.
  39. Web site: Why Carl McHugh chose to play ISL. www.telegraphindia.com.
  40. Web site: Indian adventure will continue for Donegal native, Carl McHugh. Frank. Craig. The Irish Post.
  41. Web site: Carl McHugh's ATK win Indian Super League. 15 March 2020.
  42. Web site: ISL: Edu Garcia signs two-year contract extension with ATK Mohun Bagan FC | Goal.com. www.goal.com.
  43. Web site: Durand Cup HIGHLIGHTS ATK Mohun Bagan loses 2–3 to Rajasthan United, ATKMB vs RUFC; Mariners lose first match. sportstar.thehindu.com. Sportstar. The Hindu. Kolkata, West Bengal. Neeladri. Bhattacharjee. 20 August 2022. 20 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220820165038/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/durand-cup-atk-mohun-bagan-vs-rajasthan-united-live-streaming-score-atkmb-vs-arft-when-where-to-watch-india-telecast-highlights/article65790319.ece. 20 August 2022.
  44. Web site: McHugh parts ways with Bagan, set to join FC Goa . 28 July 2023 . The Times of India . 28 July 2023.
  45. http://www.soccerscene.ie/ss_gen/player.php?id=224&level=ss19 Republic of Ireland profile
  46. News: Niall . Kelly . Villa killer Carl McHugh called up to Ireland U21 squad . The Score . 25 January 2013 . 25 January 2013 . dead . https://archive.today/20130218040812/http://www.thescore.ie/villa-killer-carl-mchugh-called-up-to-ireland-u21-squad-768724-Jan2013/ . 18 February 2013 .
  47. Web site: International call-up for Bradford City teenager Carl McHugh. Simon Parker. 25 January 2013. Telegraph & Argus.
  48. Web site: McHugh makes Under 21s debut. 7 February 2013. Bradford City A.F.C..
  49. Web site: McHugh's Irish call up. 19 March 2013. Bradford City A.F.C..
  50. Web site: McHugh earns second Irish cap. 25 March 2013. Bradford City A.F.C..
  51. Web site: Bradford City lose another defender to international call. Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  52. News: McBrearty looking for time off. Hogan Stand. 25 January 2013. 25 January 2013.
  53. News: Patrick doesn't give an AFL about Oz. Donegal Now. 20 September 2012. 20 September 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20131220025044/http://www.donegalnow.com/sp/article_manager/detail/patrick_doesnt_give_an_afl_about_oz. 20 December 2013. dead.
  54. News: Bradford City v Aston Villa: Biggest night of McHugh's life? That's a Given!. Simon. Parker. 8 January 2013. Telegraph & Argus. Newsquest.
  55. Two appearances in the Football League Trophy and two in League Two play-offs
  56. Two appearances and one goal in Football League Trophy; three appearances in League Two play-offs
  57. News: Starting Lineups - Bradford vs Swansea . Sky Sports . 24 February 2013 . 24 March 2024.