During that period he has overseen promotion to the Championship and the signings of 78 players, while working with two head of recruitments in Phil Boardman and current incumbent Brad Wall.
To mark Hughes’ Fratton Park anniversary, we have selected his six best Blues signings - and his six worst. In no particular order...
5. Jacob Brown - MISS
Perhaps a little harsh to include Jacob Brown, nonetheless he had been identified as the answer to Pompey’s hugely-worrying goalscoring problems in the January 2026 transfer window - and clearly wasn’t. Recruited on loan from League One Luton on deadline day after other options fell through, the former Stoke man demonstrated excellent work-rate, couldn’t be faulted for effort and also helped translate for Gustavo Caballero. But he was meant to be the centre-forward to score the goals Colby Bishop wasn’t getting. He ended up with one and played in a number of different positions. | Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Photo: Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
6. Callum Lang - HIT
With Pompey seeking to cement their place at the top of League One, they recruited Lang from Wigan in January 2024 - and his impact was immediate. A goal on his debut at Oxford, a goal on his home debut against Northampton, the energetic attacker hit the ground running, while also excelling when they reached the Championship, including four goals in a match against Coventry. Hamstring injuries sadly reduced his involvement, before the player pushed for a move to Preston, earning the Blues a £2.1m fee. In terms of Pompey’s player model, that fee is comfortably the most they have received to date. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
7. Gavin Whyte - MISS
Dropped down from the Championship after being given a free transfer by Cardiff and, unsurprisingly, much was expected of Whyte, particularly from former team-mate John Mousinho. However, the ex-Northern Ireland international hugely struggled, amid being unsettled after his family returned to Belfast, and soon fell behind Abu Kamara and Paddy Lane in the battle for first-team spots. There was an assist against Bolton at home and a helping hand in Kusini Yengi’s Peterborough goal, but that was as good as it got. Although he did start the title-winning game against Barnsley. | Kieran Cleeves/PA Wire Photo: Kieran Cleeves/PA Wire
8. Josh Murphy - HIT
Quite simply, Pompey’s best winger since their Premier League years - and a free agent. Wonderful to watch in full flight on the left flank with his pace, directness, ability to use either foot, and willingness to deliver early balls, as well as getting to the byline. Sadly, injuries have devastated his availability since the start of last season. When he does come back, he will lift the team to another level in attacking terms. | Jeff Mood/ProSportsImages