Andy Hughes Joins Athletic Bilbao
Former Norwich City midfielder and set-piece coach Andy Hughes has landed a La Liga role as Athletic Bilbao's set-piece specialist, fresh from working with Scotland at the World Cup and exiting Leicester.
The 48-year-old left the King Power Stadium as part of a wider coaching reshuffle upon Russell Martin's appointment and is now joining the Basque club ahead of the new season.
Hughes' Coaching Journey
Hughes has been working as part of the Scotland staff at the World Cup and will now join the coaching staff of former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic, who has taken over after a 12th-placed finish last season.
In a statement released by the club, they announced, "Andrew Hughes will be the set-piece specialist. He will join the team next Monday, having worked in that capacity with Scotland at the World Cup."
Focus on Set-Piece Improvement
Spanish media reports suggest the appointment was driven by a data-led concern from the club's hierarchy after Athletic created set-piece opportunities at a high level last season but struggled to convert them. Hughes becomes the club's first dedicated dead-ball specialist in recent history.
After playing 79 times for the Canaries between 2005 and 2007, Hughes returned to City in 2021 initially as loan manager, before stepping into the coaching set-up under David Wagner.
Norwich appointed Nick Stanley as his successor from Brighton, who has continued in that position under various managers. Despite an improved defensive output, the City boss was still keen for more attacking improvement.
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