Carl McHugh

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.[3]

Carl McHugh
Personal information
Full name Carl Gerard McHugh[1]
Date of birth (1993-02-05) 5 February 1993
Place of birth Lettermacaward, Ireland
Height 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)[2]
Position(s) Defensive midfielder, centre-back, left-back
Team information
Current team
 Goa
Number 4
Youth career
2009–2011 Reading
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2011–2012 Reading 0 (0)
2011 → Swindon Supermarine (loan) 7 (2)
2011 → Dundalk (loan) 12 (0)
2012–2014 Bradford City 30 (2)
2014–2016 Plymouth Argyle 81 (5)
2016–2019 Motherwell 82 (3)
2019–2020 ATK 6 (1)
2020–2023 ATK Mohun Bagan 60 (3)
2023– Goa 3 (0)
International career‡
2009–2010 Republic of Ireland U17 7 (0)
2010–2011 Republic of Ireland U19 5 (0)
2013 Republic of Ireland U21 2 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14:23, 21 October 2023 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 13:49, 27 March 2013 (UTC)

Club career

Early career

Born in Lettermacaward, County Donegal, McHugh signed a scholarship with English club Reading at the age of 16.[4] He spent loan spells at Swindon Supermarine and Dundalk.[5][6][7] He spent one year as a professional at Reading before being released in the summer of 2012.[8]

Bradford City

McHugh signed for Bradford City in August 2012.[9] He made his professional debut for Bradford City on 28 August 2012, in a League Cup match against Watford.[10] 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.[8]

In November, he starred and scored an equalising header for Bradford City in their FA Cup victory over Northampton Town.[11] Earlier that month, McHugh had been praised by his manager for his performance against Wigan Athletic in the League Cup,[12] and he later commented that his recent spell of first-team games had been a "huge learning curve" for him.[13] McHugh's performances were praised by teammate Rory McArdle.[14]

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."[15] 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.[16] In the latter stages of the 2012–13 season, he began to be played more as a left-back.[17] In June 2013, McHugh was praised by former Bradford City left-back Wayne Jacobs.[18] In July 2013, McHugh signed a new one-year contract with Bradford City,[19] and later that month he spoke about his fight to become a first-team member in the forthcoming season.[20]

In November 2013, McHugh publicly spoke about his lack of first-team football.[21] 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.[22]

Plymouth Argyle

On 16 June 2014, McHugh signed a two-year contract with Plymouth Argyle.[23][24] He played 50 games for Plymouth in his first season at the club, mainly at centre-back alongside Peter Hartley and Curtis Nelson.[25] During the 2014–15 season Plymouth had one of the best defensive records in the league.[26]

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.[27][28]

Motherwell

On 5 July 2016, McHugh signed a two-year contract with Motherwell.[29] 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.[30] 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.[31] He made his comeback on 28 December 2016, away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.[32] On 4 February 2017, McHugh was sent off during a Scottish Premiership match with Hearts following a challenge on Don Cowie.[33] Motherwell went on to lose the game 3–0, with Mark McGhee blaming the McHugh red card for losing the game.[34] On 4 March 2017, he scored his first Motherwell goal in a 2–1 win away to Kilmarnock.[35] In June 2017 it was announced that McHugh would be Motherwell's new captain,[36] before signing a new two-year contract with the club on 27 July 2017.[37]

Ahead of the 2018–19 season McHugh gave up his role as captain, saying it was best for both himself and the club.[38]

ATK

In May 2019 McHugh signed for Indian club ATK.[39][40] He scored on his debut.[41] He said he chose to play in India because of its improving standards.[42] McHugh's debut season with ATK ended early for him due to injury,[43] although the club secured the ISL championship title.[44]

He joined ATK Mohun Bagan after ATK merged with Mohun Bagan in 2020.[45] 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.[46]

Goa

On 28 July 2023, McHugh signed for Goa after he mutually parted ways with Mohun Bagan.[47]

International career

Having previously played for them at under-17 and under-19 levels,[48][49] McHugh was called up to the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad in January 2013.[50][51] 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.[52] McHugh was recalled to the Irish under-21 squad in March 2013,[53] and he earned a second cap for the under-21s on 25 March 2013.[54] He was re-called to the under-21 squad in October 2013 for two Euro Championship qualifiers.[55]

Personal life

McHugh played Gaelic football for Na Rossa, where he was coached by All-Ireland winner Declan Bonner.[56] He is a close friend of Donegal Gaelic footballer Patrick McBrearty.[56][57] McHugh's footballing hero is Shay Given, who also comes from Donegal.[8][58]

Career statistics

Club
As of 3 May 2023[59]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Reading 2010–11[60] Championship 0000000000
2011–12[61] 0000000000
Total 0000000000
Swindon Supermarine (loan) 2010–11[6] Southern League Premier Division 7200000072
Dundalk (loan) 2011[7][2] League of Ireland Premier Division 120400000160
Bradford City 2012–13[62] League Two 16131613[lower-alpha 1]0283
2013–14[63] League One 14100101[lower-alpha 1]0161
Total 302317140444
Plymouth Argyle 2014–15[64] League Two 44210114[lower-alpha 2]0503
2015–16[65] 37310105[lower-alpha 3]1444
Total 815202191947
Motherwell 2016–17[66] Scottish Premiership 192102000222
2017–18[67] 350418000471
2018–19[68] 281106000341
Total 82361160001044
ATK 2019–20 Indian Super League 61———61
ATK Mohun Bagan 2020–21 210———210
2021–22 180——6[lower-alpha 4]1241
2022–23 2133[lower-alpha 5]03[lower-alpha 6]02[lower-alpha 4][lower-alpha 7]0293
Total 603303081744
Goa 2023–24 Indian Super League 00———00
Career total 2781618228221234522
  1. Appearances in the Football League Trophy
  2. Two appearances in the Football League Trophy and two in the League Two play-offs
  3. Two appearances and one goal in the Football League Trophy; three appearances in the League Two play-offs
  4. Appearance(s) in AFC Cup
  5. Appearance(s) in Super Cup
  6. Appearance(s) in Durand Cup
  7. Appearance(s) in play–offs for AFC Cup

Honours

Bradford City[2]

ATK Mohun Bagan[2]

References
  1. "Professional retain list & free transfers 2012/13" (PDF). The Football League. 18 May 2013. p. 55. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 August 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  2. Carl McHugh at Soccerway. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  3. James Law (16 July 2015). "Plymouth Argyle: Carl McHugh may play in midfield, says Adams". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 July 2015.
  4. Parker, Simon (4 September 2012). "Bradford City defender Carl McHugh a small-town hero with a big future". Telegraph & Argus. Newsquest.
  5. Reading and Dundalk at Soccerbase
  6. "Profile". Swindon Supermarine F.C. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
  7. "Profile". Dundalk F.C. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012.
  8. Paul Fletcher (22 February 2013). "Capital One Cup final: Defender's journey from despair to Wembley". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  9. Parker, Simon (25 August 2012). "Bradford City: McHugh will come of age at Bantams, says Phil Parkinson". Telegraph & Argus. Newsquest.
  10. "Watford 1 – 2 Bradford". BBC Sport. BBC. 28 August 2012.
  11. "McHugh scores as Bradford City progress to the next round of the FA Cup". Donegal Daily. 14 November 2012. Archived from the original on 30 November 2012. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
  12. Parker, Simon (2 November 2012). "It's been a crazy few days, admits Bradford City's fledgling centre back Carl McHugh". Telegraph & Argus. Newsquest.
  13. Parker, Simon (20 November 2012). "Carl McHugh growing up fast in young Bradford City defence". Telegraph & Argus. Newsquest.
  14. Parker, Simon (21 January 2013). "Bradford City centre half Rory McArdle predicts big things from fast learner Carl McHugh". Telegraph & Argus. Newsquest.
  15. Campbell, Peter; Foley, Alan (24 January 2013). "Carl McHugh flies the Donegal flag in Bradford". Donegal Democrat. Johnston Press. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
  16. Simon Parker (23 February 2013). "Carl McHugh back on a high at Bradford City after Reading release". Telegraph & Argus.
  17. Simon Parker (8 March 2013). "Carl McHugh getting it right on the left for Bradford City". Telegraph & Argus.
  18. Simon Parker (14 June 2013). "Bradford City defender Carl McHugh tipped by Wayne Jacobs to make grade at higher level". Telegraph & Argus.
  19. "Bradford City; Carl McHugh signs new one year contract". BBC Sport. 3 July 2013.
  20. Simon Parker (17 July 2013). "Carl McHugh embraces battle for Bradford City places". Telegraph & Argus.
  21. Simon Parker (1 November 2013). "You never know when your chance will come, says Carl McHugh as he plays Bantams waiting game". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
  22. Simon Parker (17 January 2014). "Carl McHugh smiling again as Bradford City mind coach gets into his head". Telegraph & Argus. Retrieved 17 January 2014.
  23. "McHugh's That Man". Plymouth Argyle F.C. 16 June 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  24. "Plymouth Argyle sign former Bradford City man Carl McHugh". BBC Sport. 16 June 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
  25. "Games played by Carl McHugh in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  26. "John Sheridan says Argyle's outstanding defensive record is down to teamwork". Western Morning News. Archived from the original on 6 August 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  27. "McHugh relishes Argyle midfield role". BBC. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  28. "CHRIS ERRINGTON: Indestructible Carl McHugh is Argyle's version of Captain Scarlet". Plymouth Herald. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  29. "McHugh is new signing number five". motherwellfc.co.uk. Motherwell FC. 5 July 2016. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
  30. "English club unhappy as rising Donegal star opts to join Scottish Premier Division side". donegalnow.com. Donegal Now. 6 July 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
  31. "Motherwell: Carl McHugh head injury 'grim', says Mark McGhee". BBC Sport. 13 October 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
  32. "Motherwell stretch Inverness' winless streak to nine games". STV Sport. 28 December 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  33. "Appealing Carl McHugh's red card would be 'a waste of time and money', say Motherwell". Evening Times. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
  34. "Motherwell 0–3 Heart of Midlothian". BBC Sport. 4 February 2017. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
  35. "Kilmarnock 1–2 Motherwell". Motherwell F.C. 4 March 2017. Retrieved 4 March 2017.
  36. "Carl McHugh named as new Motherwell captain following Keith Lasley's retirement". HeraldScotland.
  37. "McHugh pens contract extension". motherwellfc.co.uk. Motherwell F.C. 27 July 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  38. "CARL MCHUGH PASSES ON CAPTAIN'S ARMBAND". 10 July 2018. Retrieved 17 July 2018.
  39. "ATK sign Irish defender Carl McHugh - Times of India". The Times of India.
  40. "ISL Transfers: ATK sign brothers Soosairaj and Regin, Irish defender Carl McHugh". www.sportskeeda.com. 28 May 2019.
  41. McNulty, Chris (21 October 2019). "Watch: Carl McHugh nets stunning goal on Indian Super League debut".
  42. "Why Carl McHugh chose to play ISL". www.telegraphindia.com.
  43. Craig, Frank. "Indian adventure will continue for Donegal native, Carl McHugh". The Irish Post.
  44. "Carl McHugh's ATK win Indian Super League". 15 March 2020.
  45. "ISL: Edu Garcia signs two-year contract extension with ATK Mohun Bagan FC | Goal.com". www.goal.com.
  46. Bhattacharjee, Neeladri (20 August 2022). "Durand Cup HIGHLIGHTS ATK Mohun Bagan loses 2–3 to Rajasthan United, ATKMB vs RUFC; Mariners lose first match". sportstar.thehindu.com. Kolkata, West Bengal: Sportstar. The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 August 2022. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  47. "McHugh parts ways with Bagan, set to join FC Goa". The Times of India. 28 July 2023. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
  48. Carl McHugh – UEFA competition record (archive)
  49. Republic of Ireland profile at SoccerScene
  50. Kelly, Niall (25 January 2013). "Villa killer Carl McHugh called up to Ireland U21 squad". The Score. Archived from the original on 18 February 2013. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
  51. Simon Parker (25 January 2013). "International call-up for Bradford City teenager Carl McHugh". Telegraph & Argus.
  52. "McHugh makes Under 21s debut". Bradford City A.F.C. 7 February 2013.
  53. "McHugh's Irish call up". Bradford City A.F.C. 19 March 2013.
  54. "McHugh earns second Irish cap". Bradford City A.F.C. 25 March 2013.
  55. "Bradford City lose another defender to international call". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  56. "McBrearty looking for time off". Hogan Stand. 25 January 2013. Retrieved 25 January 2013.
  57. "Patrick doesn't give an AFL about Oz". Donegal Now. 20 September 2012. Archived from the original on 20 December 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  58. Parker, Simon (8 January 2013). "Bradford City v Aston Villa: Biggest night of McHugh's life? That's a Given!". Telegraph & Argus. Newsquest.
  59. Carl McHugh at Soccerway
  60. "Games played by Carl McHugh in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  61. "Games played by Carl McHugh in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  62. "Games played by Carl McHugh in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  63. "Games played by Carl McHugh in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  64. "Games played by Carl McHugh in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  65. "Games played by Carl McHugh in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  66. "Games played by Carl McHugh in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 July 2016.
  67. "Games played by Carl McHugh in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 15 July 2017.
  68. "Games played by Carl McHugh in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 July 2018.
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