A heartwarming tale amid the doom and gloom of another Peterborough United defeat
There is a heartwarming tale to tell amid the doom and gloom of another Peterborough United defeat on Saturday.
Experienced centre-back Sam Hughes made his first League One appearance for 548 days as a second half substitute in a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Luton Town.
And it looked like the 29 year-old never been away. He won his headers in both penalty areas and launched himself into trademark defensive blocks, Gaby Zakuani-style.
Hughes was delighted to reach the end of a treacherous road and now his full focus is on helping a talented set of young players climb the League One table.
"Obviously I was delighted to be back out there,” Hughes told the Posh Plus service. “It’s been a long and treacherous road since I last featured so it was a pleasure to be back, apart from the result which is always the most important thing.
"There have been a lot of complications, and ups and downs, since I last played, but I feel good and healthy now and I’m ready to kick on and try and help the lads.
"I have had to find plenty from within to keep pushing myself when I’m still in the gym as the rest of the lads go home. That can be really tough, but I’ve also been lucky to have the most supportive family anyone could wish for as they kept me motivated and they kept reminding me there would be light at the end of the tunnel.
"I’ve also spent a lot of time with Rio Adebisi and we have supported each other massively. I know he will be back one day as well. It’s tough to stay positive, but at the end of the day I had to as it’s my job.
"There is no hiding place on the pitch no matter how many minutes you have played recently. You still have a job to do and my job now is to help this team get some results.
"I am confident the results will spin because there is too much ability in the squad for it not to, but we can’t just keep saying that. We have to get results and that means not feeling sorry for yourself or anyone else. We have to demand more from each other and train harder than we’ve ever trained before. We can’t let conceding goals bother us.
"I have full faith in the squad though. There is no doubt in my mind that we will get it right.”
Posh are 22nd in League One after yesterday’s reverse, a position that could become worse before they play again in League One, at fifth placed Plymouth Argyle on November 21.
Hughes is now expected to start Posh’s first round FA Cup tie at home to Reading next Saturday (November 7, 8pm kick off).