The experienced midfielder won League One promotion with Leeds United in 2009/10.
Former Leeds United fan-favourite Andrew Hughes has secured a role as set-piece coach for Spanish outfit Athletic Club.
Hughes won the hearts of many inside Elland Road during his three-year spell at Leeds between 2007 and 2010. The midfielder played 139 times across all competitions and was part of Simon Grayson’s League One promotion-winning side in 2009/10.
After retiring from playing in 2015, Hughes took on a number of coaching roles across the EFL and was most recently at Leicester City. He left the Foxes to briefly take on a position with Steve Clarke’s Scotland staff for the World Cup.
Andy Hughes was part of the Leeds United team that won League One promotion in 2009/10.placeholder image
Andy Hughes was part of the Leeds United team that won League One promotion in 2009/10. | Getty Images
Earlier this month, Athletic Club confirmed the appointment of Edin Terzic as head coach. Surprisingly, the 43-year-old will have Hughes as part of his staff, the former Leeds utility man arriving as set-piece coach.
A statement from the La Liga club read: “Englishman Andrew Hughes will be the set-piece specialist. He will join the team next Monday, having worked in that capacity with Scotland at the World Cup. The Manchester native has been part of the coaching staff at clubs such as Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, and Bolton Wanderers.”
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According to reports in Spain, the decision to appoint Hughes came after a data review showed Athletic created a lot of set-piece chances but ranked among La Liga’s worst sides for converting them. The Bilbao-based side are also previous employers of another much-loved former Leeds man.
Marcelo Bielsa made a name for himself in Europe during two years with Athletic Club, most memorably leading them to a 3-2 Europa League last-32 first-leg win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. They then won 2-1 at home to knock Sir Alex Ferguson’s side out in impressive fashion.
Athletic endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign, finishing 12th in an incredibly tight La Liga table. While they ended up six places clear of relegated Mallorca, only three points separated the pair.
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