Dennis Wise
Hughes moved to Leeds United on a two-year deal on 9 August 2007 for an undisclosed fee. Hughes joined Leeds the same day that the club was docked 15 points in League 1. In an interview, Hughes explained his reasons for leaving Norwich: "Dennis Wise told me the challenge and the position the club was in. He wants fighters and I felt the challenge of playing for Leeds United and Dennis Wise was too good to turn down ... The manager at Norwich told me he didn't want me to leave, but I didn't want to stay and be a squad player."