Hughes Happy With Pittodrie Deal

 The 29-year-old former Rangers, Leicester City and Norwich City player had been training at Pittodrie after Motherwell, for whom he had played four games, decided not to offer him a contract. “It’s been pretty difficult for me since I left Norwich last September,” said Hughes, “and while I had a spell at Motherwell, nothing materialised so I was delighted to get fixed up at Aberdeen.”

Craig Brown, the Aberdeen manager, whose midfield has been decimated by the loss through injury of Isaac Osbourne, Rob Milsom, Peter Pawlett and Yohan Folly, and with Kari Arnason’s future unclear, had felt the need to bolster that area of the pitch.

Hughes added. “There are a few experienced players who were like me, out of the game, and it’s hard.

“It’s just the way the game is just now with finances dictating, and I’m happy to get a deal at such a big club.”

Meanwhile, Dunfermline midfielder Mark Kerr recalls being hailed as a hero at Aberdeen for helping guide the club to European football – but is desperate to become the Pittodrie villain today.

Kerr inspired Aberdeen to fourth in the SPL but wasn’t able to replicate that feat as captain during the following campaign as the team were knocked out of the Europa League at the first hurdle.

Kerr, who signed for Dunfermline earlier this month following a spell with Greek top-flight outfit Asteras Tripolis, said: “I had a great first year when I was at Aberdeen, although the second season was a bit up and down when I was the captain.

“Obviously, when you go back somewhere, you hope the fans aren’t too harsh. To be honest, I don’t know what to expect. So it might be a mixed reception but I can deal with that and it isn’t a problem.”

©2012 The Herald