Hughes disappointed by Villa exit

Jun 28 2007

AARON Hughes admits he was "disappointed" to leave Aston Villa but is excited by the new challenge which lies ahead at Fulham.

The Northern Ireland international joined the Cottagers for £1million yesterday, signing a three-year contract at Craven Cottage.

And despite being quite happy at Villa Park, the versatile defender revealed he is looking forward to the prospect of being reunited with his former international manager Lawrie Sanchez in west London.

He said: "I made some good friends there (Villa) within the football club and out of it too. I am a little disappointed to be leaving but that's football.

"You just have to move on and I think it's the right time for me to try something fresh. I am looking forward to moving to Fulham. I know the manager from the Northern Ireland set-up. I had a good chat with him before I came. I was impressed with what he was saying and when I looked around I was impressed with what I saw.

"It was time for me to move on and have a go at something new hopefully I can go down there and be a part of a successful side."

The 27-year-old skippered Northern Ireland under Sanchez and believes his experience at club and international level was one of the key factors behind the Fulham manager's decision to sign him.

"I guess he has had a good look at me since I was with Northern Ireland," he said. "I have got a lot of experience in the Premier League and in international football and hopefully he sees something in me that can improve the side.

"He has big hopes for Fulham and it is a big compliment that he wants me to join hopefully I can be a part of it."

The Cottagers struggled to 16th last season but Hughes is confident they can finish higher this time around.

He added: "The ambition is to finish higher than last season, they (Fulham) are a bigger club than people perceive. The Premier League is one of the most competitive leagues in the world, certainly we hope we won't be looking over our shoulders and we can finish as high as we can."