Kiernan Hughes-Mason

**Last statistical update: 03:05, 11 February 2023 (UTC)**

**Kiernan Hughes-Mason** is a footballer who played for **Hashtag United** (men).

## Career

### As a Player

#### Pre-HTU

Youth
After one match at junior level, Hughes-Mason joined the Arsenal academy at the age of 7 - playing alongside future HTU teammate Sam Byles. He remained with *The Gunners* for around 8 years, before being released after being told he was "too short". Hughes-Mason then headed across North London to rivals Tottenham Hotspur soon after. He was released after just over a year, with the club withdrawing the prospect of a scholarship. His last match for them was against Millwall, with one of their staff enquiring to Spurs about him - which led to his subsequent move there.

Milwall
After "a year or so" with Tottenham Hotspur, a spell within the youth ranks of Millwall followed. He was promoted into the first-team at the beginning of 2009–10, making his senior debut under manager Kenny Jackett on 28 August 2009 in a League One match at home to Brighton & Hove Albion; replacing Ali Fuseini with 7 minutes left of an eventual 1–1 draw. The team won promotion at the end of the campaign, though he wouldn't appear again in a first-team matchday squad until the following season, in November 2010, as he made the substitute's bench for Championship fixtures with Doncaster Rovers, Norwich City and Sheffield United; coming on in the latter in place of Chris Hackett after 78 minutes of a defeat to *The Blades* at The Den.

Hughes-Mason was released by Millwall in 2011, having had four loan stints away between debuting and departing.

Cheltenham Town (loan)
On 25 March 2010, on loan transfer deadline day, Hughes-Mason sealed a loan move to League Two with Cheltenham Town. However, the forward wouldn't appear competitively for *The Robins* as they avoided the drop into non-league by four points.

Tooting & Mitcham United (loans)
In 2010–11, Hughes-Mason had two loan spells with Tooting & Mitcham United of the Isthmian League - Premier Division. In the second, the forward scored 3 goals for *The Terrors* before returning to his parent club in January 2011.

Chelmsford City (loan)
Hughes-Mason joined Conference South team Chelmsford City on loan in February 2011. He debuted on 26 February in a home defeat to Ebbsfleet United, prior to further substitute showings across the next few weeks against Braintree Town and Eastleigh. His first start then arrived on 8 March in an away fixture with Hampton & Richmond Borough, with two more games as a starter coming later that month versus Lewes and Dover Athletic.

Trials
After leaving Millwall permanently in mid-2011, Hughes-Mason had unsuccessful trials with Yeovil Town (League One), Burton Albion (League Two) and Grimsby Town (Conference Premier); despite doing "well" at Yeovil. Back in July 2010, the forward had a trial with Swindon Town of League One; featuring in a friendly with Swindon Supermarine on 14 July.

Tooting & Mitcham United (return)
Having left Millwall, Hughes-Mason sealed a full-time return to the Isthmian League - Premier Division with Tooting & Mitcham United for the 2011–12 season. He signed on non-contract terms, with an agreement in place to leave for a higher ranked club - which he did so in early October 2011, as Conference Premier side Kettering Town came calling.

Kettering Town
Kettering Town became a new club of Hughes-Mason's at the start of October 2011. His first appearance came as a starter in a loss at home to Kidderminster Harriers on 1 October, which was one of four appearances he made for them in that month. On 5 November, Hughes-Mason netted his first Conference Premier goal during a 3–2 defeat on home soil against Southport. He made a total of 13 appearances for the club, appearing for the last time on New Year's Day 2012 in a five-goal loss at Nene Park to Luton Town.

Grimsby Town
In January 2012, after trialing with them back in the embryonic stages of 2011–12, Hughes-Mason switched Kettering Town for Grimsby Town in the Conference Premier. After making his bow on 7 January as *The Mariners* beat Alfreton Town 5–2 on the road, the forward scored his first goal for the club on 21 January as Grimsby put six unanswered goals past Bath City at Blundell Park. His next strike came in March at Kenilworth Road versus Luton Town, which arrived in the midst of 11 overall appearances as they placed 11th.

Welling United
In May 2012, ahead of 2012–13, Hughes-Mason penned terms with Conference South outfit Welling United. After featuring in league matches with ex-club Chelmsford City, Tonbridge Angels and Sutton United in August, the forward opened September with 2 goals in 3 games against Eastbourne Borough and Farnborough. Further goals arrived versus Billericay Town (27 November) and Eastleigh (1 December). Hughes-Mason netted braces in consecutive Conference South matches as he scored twice in three-goal victories over future team Hayes & Yeading United and AFC Hornchurch in December. Across the first part of 2013, the forward netted against Boreham Wood, Chelmsford City and Eastbourne Borough as *The Wings* won the title to secure promotion to tier five.

In the Conference Premier, Hughes-Mason would be selected as a starter just twice - in the FA Cup versus Brislington on 26 October and in the league on 2 November against Lincoln City - across 16 appearances between August and November in 2013–14. He subsequently spent much of the rest of the season out on loan, though did return momentarily in January 2014 to appear in two competitive league fixtures; versus Hyde and Woking respectively.

University of East London
Whilst attending the University of East London, Hughes-Mason played for their football team (scoring twice) across 2012–13; despite being unable to do so earlier in the campaign due to commitments with Welling United, who he would eventually concurrently feature for.

Concord Rangers (loan)
2 December 2013 saw Hughes-Mason join Concord Rangers on a one-month's loan from Welling United. He made it a goalscoring debut on 10 December as his new side drew at home to Eastbourne Borough. He participated in further Conference North fixtures with Gosport Borough, Dorchester Town and Boreham Wood before heading back to his parent club.

Hayes & Yeading United (loan)
In February 2014, Hughes-Mason was loaned out by Welling United for a second time as headed to another Conference North side in Hayes & Yeading United. He scored one goal - against Farnborough on 25 February - in his time with *United*, which was sandwiched in between his first (versus Bath City) and final (versus Havant & Waterlooville) appearance for the club.

Maidstone United
On 14 March 2014, Hughes-Mason signed with Maidstone United of the Isthmian League - Premier Division. He debuted a day later in a seven-goal thriller with Dulwich Hamlet, appearing for 72 minutes before being replaced by Rory Hill in the home victory. Maidstone ended the campaign in 7th, as the forward featured 8 times in total.

Leatherhead
In mid-2014, Hughes-Mason went to newly-promoted Isthmian League - Premier Division outfit Leatherhead. He netted 3 goals in 3 games to start life there, converting in August fixtures with Peacehaven & Telscombe, Bognor Regis Town and future club Grays Athletic. He ended the month with a strike against the Metropolitan Police on 30 August. September saw goals against Tonbridge Angels and Hampton & Richmond Borough (and a red card versus Hendon), which preceded an October goal in a loss to Witham Town. Hughes-Mason opened November up with a cup brace against Canvey Island on 5 November. He followed that with November and December goals versus Whyteleafe, Peacehaven & Telscombe, Kingstonian, Grays Athletic and Leiston.

On 7 January 2015, Hughes-Mason took his tally for the season to 16 goals after netting a double in a 4–3 victory over Bognor Regis Town. He'd score another brace on 25 February against Bury Town, which occurred after singular strikes across the previous month or so against Ashford Town and Witham Town. On 28 February, the forward scored his 21st and final goal of the campaign in a home win over East Thurrock United. His second red card of 2014–15 arrived on 14 March as they lost away to Enfield Town, in a season that Leatherhead concluded in 10th. They followed that up with 11th and 13th place finishes across the next two campaigns, as Hughes-Mason took his tally to 31 goals in 112 matches. However, he did leave within the first few months of 2016–17.

Walton Casuals
During the early months of 2016–17, Hughes-Mason headed away from Leatherhead and to Walton Casuals. His debut for the Isthmian League - Division One South team arrived on 26 October 2016, as he scored in a 3–2 victory at home to Hastings United - a team he would depart for in the succeeding November, having made 4 appearances overall for *The Stags*.

Hastings United
On 19 November 2016, Hughes-Mason was snapped up by fellow Isthmian League - Division One South side Hastings United - who he had scored against almost a month prior whilst with Walton Casuals. Like with his former team, the forward netted on his debut for Hastings as they won by seven goals on the road to Chatham Town on the day of his arrival. He scored again next time out versus Greenwich Borough on 22 November. Hughes-Mason notched a brace on New Year's Eve 2016 against Sittingbourne, with his first goal of 2017 arriving on 10 January versus Three Bridges. In February, the player scored doubles in back-to-back league fixtures as *The U's* defeated Whyteleafe and Three Bridges by four goals to nil.

Across his next 13 appearances to end his sole season with Hastings, Hughes-Mason netted goals against Carshalton Athletic, Corinthian-Casuals and Lewes before securing his third brace of the season over Chipstead on 22 April as they secured a spot in the promotion play-offs; where they would lose at the first hurdle to Dorking Wanderers.

Grays Athletic
On 1 June 2017, Hughes-Mason sealed a move to the Isthmian League - North Division with Grays Athletic. Seven days after a pre-season strike against Sittingbourne, the forward made his league bow for *The Blues* on 12 August in a narrow road victory at Tilbury; a team that he would later play for. In his last appearance of the month, on 28 August, Hughes-Mason scored his only Grays goal in a 4–2 victory over Aveley. His final showing came on 23 September against Hertford Town at Hertingfordbury Park.

Barking
On 2 October 2017, Hughes-Mason departed Grays Athletic in favour of a trip to fellow Isthmian League - North Division club Barking. His first goal for *The Blues* came during his fifth appearance on 24 October versus Aveley, a team he would net against for the third time in 2017–18 (including with his former team) as he scored the sole goal in an away day win on 13 November; which came two days following a goal in a victory over Cheshunt. Across November and December, Hughes-Mason netted 3 goals in 4 games as the club went unbeaten in fixtures with Romford, Brentwood Town and Maldon & Tiptree. He'd play 19 more times in 2017–18, adding to his goalscoring tally with ones in matches with Hertford Town, Cheshunt and Norwich United (a brace) in 2018.

North Wellington
In July 2018, Hughes-Mason headed abroad for the first time as he joined Capital Premier team North Wellington in New Zealand. The team would go on to win the title during his time there, doing so by going undefeated.

Tasman United
Towards the end of 2018, Hughes-Mason completed a move across New Zealand to top-flight team Tasman United. He noted after joining that he wished to hit "double figures in terms of goals" during the upcoming season with Tasman. After appearing in defeats with Auckland City, Hamilton Wanderers, Team Wellington and Waitakere United, Hughes-Mason scored in consecutive November encounters with Wellington Phoenix Reserves and Southern United. His third goal arrived on 16 December versus Auckland City, with his fourth and final strike coming in his final match on 3 February 2019 against Wellington Phoenix Reserves.

Barking (return)
On 31 August 2019, having returned to England, Hughes-Mason rejoined Barking in the Isthmian League - South Central Division. He netted on debut against ex-club Grays Athletic as his new team beat them in a Velocity Sports Trophy group match-up on 3 September. He featured in an FA Cup first qualiying round game with Kings Langley four days later, before making his league bow for them on 14 September during a draw away at Ashford Town. Those would be the only matches of his second spell with *The Blues*.

Hythe Town
Hythe Town revealed the arrival of Hughes-Mason on 17 September 2019. He remained until the following November, making his first and last appearances in defeats to Sevenoaks Town (on 17 September) and Three Bridges (on 23 November). During his time with *The Cannons*, the forward did score one goal - on 29 October in a Kent Senior Cup first round tie with Folkestone Invicta.

Woodford Town
By the conclusion of 2019–20, which occurred earlier than expected around March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hughes-Mason was plying his trade in the Essex Senior League with Woodford Town. He made his first appearance on 24 January, as *The Woods* lost in a home match with HTU. He scored next time out in a Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy defeat on home turf versus Clapton on 7 February. By the season's end, he had announcement his retirement.

Antigua & Barbuda (youth)
Two months after signing with Welling United in mid-2012, the forward received an under-20 international call-up from Antigua & Barbuda in July ahead of the 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championship qualifiers in early August. However, despite making the trip over to the Caribbean nation, the player was later deemed too old to feature for *The Benna Boys*. He had previously denied a call-up in mid-2011 due to his focus being on finding a club after departing Millwall. Hughes-Mason stated around mid-2013 that they were still "in touch" with him, though no further call-up was forthcoming.

#### HTU

2020–21
Despite joining *The Tags* following retirement and as reserves manager in June 2020, Hughes-Mason would make the step up as a player in October due to an injury crisis. He was selected on the bench for an Essex Senior League fixture with Clapton on 19 October, subsequently coming off the bench to replace George Smith and scoring the final goal of a 3–0 victory at the Len Salmon Stadium. The season was soon curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic again just short of the midway point in 2020–21, by which point Hughes-Mason had featured in further matches with Hoddesdon Town (assisting Ryan O'Rawe's late winner) and Coggeshall United. HTU ended up with promotion to the Isthmian League - North Division in the subsequent off-season.

2021–22
Hughes-Mason continued his player/reserve manager role into 2021–22. He appeared in 4 of the club's 10 pre-season encounters, notably notching an assist in the finale away at Binfield on 7 August 2021. He scored his second goal for *The Tags* on 30 October during a mid-season friendly match with Hertford Town on 30 October as HTU won 5–1 away. His third strike arrived a week later as the club drew 1–1 in an away Isthmian League - North Division fixture with Hullbridge Sports on 6 November. Across the next month or so, Hughes-Mason claimed assists for winning goals in matches with AFC Sudbury and Dereham Town. His last HTU assist came in a 12 March win at Bury Town in the league.

On 31 May 2022, HTU announced that Hughes-Mason had departed the club - citing family reasons following the birth of one of his children.

#### Post-HTU

Saffron Walden Town
On 6 June 2022, Essex Senior League side Saffron Walden Town signed Hughes-Mason. Having debuted on 30 July against Clapton, the forward featured in all 7 of the club's opening matches in league and cup at the beginning of 2022–23. He scored his one and only goal for *The Bloods* during his third appearance on 16 August as they beat Southend Manor 7–1 at home.

Tower Hamlets
Hughes-Mason, whilst with Saffron Walden Town, appeared once in the Thurlow Nunn League for Tower Hamlets on 20 August 2022, as he started an away day victory in the league at Cannons Wood.

Tilbury
After leaving Saffron Walden Town in September 2022, by October Hughes-Mason had moved back up to the Isthmian League - North Division with Tilbury. His first match for them occurred on 1 October as they lost at home to ex-club Grays Athletic, which was one of 20 appearances that the forward would make for *The Dockers* up until the early days of February 2023.

Tower Hamlets (return)
On 7 February 2023, Tower Hamlets of the Thurlow Nunn League announced that Hughes-Mason had joined the club in a player/joint first-team manager role.

### As a Manager

#### Pre-HTU

Various
Around 2013, Hughes-Mason managed a youth team of the St. Francis' Catholic Primary School's; notably winning a Southend under-10s tournaments. When he was with Leatherhead, he managed their under-18 team. During his time in New Zealand, Hughes-Mason coached whilst still appearing as a player. Prior to moving to HTU, he had also worked on his coaching - including with the Pro Direct Academy.

#### HTU

2020–21
On 1 June 2020, HTU announced that Hughes-Mason had joined the club as their first-ever men's reserves manager. In search of coaching advice, he initially contacted assistant manager Joe Keith, who got him in touch with manager Jay Devereux - with the player/manager later noting it as the "greatest phone call he has ever made".

2021–22
Hughes-Mason left on 31 May 2022, having taken control of the reserves alongside assistant Paul Prosser and guiding them to 15th (curtailed) and 2nd place finishes.

#### Post-HTU

Tower Hamlets
Also signing as a player, Hughes-Mason became joint manager alongside Justin Gardner of Thurlow Nunn League outfit Tower Hamlets on 7 February 2023.

## Personal Life

Hughes-Mason attended Canon Palmer Catholic School, Orpington College (2006–2008) and the University of East London. At the latter, he paused his studies for a degree in sports coaching in mid-2013 to go full-time with Welling United after their promotion in 2012–13. As well as being of Antigua & Barbudan descent, Hughes-Mason also holds heritage from the Dominica and Grenada. His cousin, Eli Benoit, also played for HTU - the two ran a local football set-up, Hughes Academy. Hughes-Mason has a son, Khari (b. 2016), and a daughter, Vienna Rose (b. 2022).

Hughes-Mason is a UEFA licensed coach. In 2013, he established his own under-14s team in East London, Newham Dragons. Hughes-Mason supports Manchester United, though in the past looked up to footballers Jermain Defoe and Ian Wright.

## HTU Statistics

Breakdown

'*Other Cups' includes competitions like the FA Trophy, the FA Vase and friendly tournaments. See also: HTUwiki:DataIssues.*

Appearances (49)
* List of appearances of Kiernan Hughes-Mason

Goals (3)
Hashtag United  v  Clapton

Hertford Town  v  Hashtag United

Hullbridge Sports  v  Hashtag United

## External Links

* Soccerbase
* Soccerway
* World Football

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Kiernan Hughes-Mason - Men's Reserves Player/Manager" .
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 "From Arsenal to Tasman" , 3 October 2018.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Welling United interview: Fraser Franks, Ross Lafayette and Kiernan Hughes-Mason talk to Sportsmail" , 26 April 2013.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "HASHTAG UNITED ANNOUNCE FIRST EVER RESERVE TEAM" , 1 June 2020.
5. ↑ "Midfielder Scott Brown makes return to Cheltenham Town" , 25 March 2010.
6. ↑ "Striker signs on for Robins" , 26 March 2010.
7. ↑ "One To Watch: Kiernan Hughes-Mason" (archived) , 17 August 2013.
8. ↑ "Lions youngster considers move" , 7 January 2011.
9. ↑ "Tooting boss happy with progress" , 10 January 2011.
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Mr Agent: Yes, I've got a reputation but I ALWAYS stick to the rules" , 14 July 2011.
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Hughes-Mason to Rejoin Mariners" , 6 January 2012.
12. ↑ "Robins Trial Trio" , 21 July 2010.
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Beard backs Hughes-Mason to shine" , 6 October 2011.
14. ↑ "FOOTBALL: Two strikers in two days for @wellingunited" , 31 May 2012.
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "UEL duo shooting for the top" (archived) , 12 June 2013.
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 "UEL’s Hughes-Mason sets sights high" , 29 June 2013.
17. ↑ "TRANSFER NEWS: The Beachboys have signed @K\_HughesMason on a one-month loan from Skrill Premier side @wellingunited!" , 2 December 2013.
18. ↑ "NEWS: Striker/winger Kiernan Hughes-Mason has joined the Stones from Welling United" , 14 March 2014.
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Maidstone United - Appearances - Kiernan Hughes-Mason - 2013-2014" .
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 20.6 20.7 20.8 "Kiernan Hughes Mason - First Team" (archived) .
21. ↑ "United boss still seeking to strengthen" , 25 November 2016.
22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Walton Casuals - Appearances - Kiernan Hughes-Mason - 2016-2017" .
23. ↑ "Hughes-Mason Joins the U's" (archived) , 19 November 2016.
24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 "Hastings United - Appearances - Kiernan Hughes-Mason - 2016-2017" .
25. ↑ "Kiernan Hughes-Mason signs for the Blues" , 1 June 2017.
26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 "Grays Athletic - Appearances - Kiernan Hughes-Mason - 2017-2018" .
27. ↑ "New signing: Kiernan Hughes-Mason" , 2 October 2017.
28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 "Barking - Appearances - Kiernan Hughes-Mason - 2017-2018" .
29. ↑ "We are delighted to announce the signing of Kiernan Hughes-Mason" , 31 August 2019.
30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Barking - Appearances - Kiernan Hughes-Mason - 2019-2020" .
31. ↑ "Hythe Town are delighted to announce the signing of striker Kieran Hughes-Mason from Barking FC" , 17 September 2019.
32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 "Hythe Town - Appearances - Kiernan Hughes-Mason - 2019-2020" .
33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 33.3 33.4 "Kiernan Peter Hughes-Mason player stats" .
34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Retired??? You're far too young!!!" , 27 May 2020.
35. ↑ "International call up for Wings player" (archived) , 30 July 2012.
36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 "KIERNAN HUGHES-MASON DEPARTS HASHTAG" , 31 May 2022.
37. ↑ "Pleased to announce a massive signing for SWTFC" , 6 June 2022.
38. ↑ "Kiernan Peter Hughes-Mason player stats" .
39. ↑ "HT: @CannonsWoodFC 1 v 2 @TowerHamletsFC" , 20 August 2022.
40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "Tilbury - Appearances - Kiernan Hughes-Mason" .
41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 "Tilbury - Appearances - Keiron Hughes-Mason" .
42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 "We are pleased to announce Kiernan Hughes-Mason has joined Tower Hamlets as a joint manager" , 7 February 2023.
43. ↑ "Kiernan Hughes-Mason" .
44. ↑ "Eli Benoit" .
45. ↑ "Hughes Academy" .
46. ↑ "New Dad Needs New Celebrations!" , 15 August 2016.
47. ↑ "So so happy for you guys" , 15 December 2022.
48. ↑ "Kiernan Hughes-Mason" .