Tonbridge Angels are saddened to learn of the passing, at the age of 83, of Brian Hughes, our goalkeeper for three seasons between 1974 and 1977 making 105 appearances and famously scoring against Poole Town in April 1977. 

Brian, came to the club from Dover Athletic, but it was at Margate where he reached legendary status, playing over 400 games and featuring in their famous FA Cup First Round win of 1961 when they beat Football League side, Bournemouth & Boscombe 3-0 at Hartsdown Park.

Brian began his youth career at Arsenal, but moved to his home town club Gillingham to become semi-professional before moving to Margate at the age of 19 where he spent seven seasons.

In a Tonbridge programme article of 1992, a contributor wrote of Brian: “Tonbridge can never have had a braver goalkeeper than Brian Hughes. Brian was particularly outstanding in one-on-one situations because for him there were no lost causes. Nor a more popular one for Brian was a friendly man who always had time for a word with supporters.”

Brian said of his goal against Poole: “I cleared the ball from my hands and it took two bounces, the second one over the head of former Chelsea goalkeeper, Bob Iles.”

Tonbridge Angels send their sincere condolences to the friends and family of Brian.