Caps Bring Former Hotspur Academy Player On Trial

The Vancouver Whitecaps announced that they have brought in defender Cian Hughton, formerly of Lincoln City, to trial with the club.  Hughton, son of the former Newcastle manager and Tottenham player Chris Hughton, plays the full back position.  Before signing with Lincoln City in 2009 he spent his early days in the Tottenham Academy and making appearances for the Republic of Ireland youth squads.

 

Originally signed to a six month contract at the beginning of the 2009 season, Hughton flourished under manager and former English international Chris Sutton and earned himself an eighteen month extension.  He was rated as one of the better players on the 2009/10 squad, one that included Canadian international Gavin McCallum, scoring four times in 38 appearances.

A month into the 2010/11 season Sutton resigned from his managerial position, due to family reasons, and was replaced Steve Tilson.  The switch seemed to affect the youngsters play as he went from one of the most promising players on the club to barely making an impact.  After making just 25 appearences and with the club being relegated out of League play, Hughton was not resigned.  In fact Lincoln City only kept three players from last year’s roster due to wage issues playing in a lower league.

Hughton is a versatile defender who is capable of playing on either the right or left side of the back line.  He is known to have the ability to move forward and has the height at 6’2” to be a factor in the box either defending or attacking.  Like many young players he will have to work on his defensive skills but by no means can it be considered a major weakness.

The Whitecaps, after waiving Kevin Harmse last week, have room on the roster to add a player and have two available international spots.  With Hughton capable of playing the left side and the lackluster play of Blake Wagner early in the season, the Caps may be looking for coverage behind Alain Rochat.  While the younger Hughton may have received this opportunity through the vast connections of his famous father, he will have to impress the staff in order to earn a contract.