Hughes made his Sunderland debut in 1967 at the age of 18-years-old and went on to net 81 goals in 335 appearances during 11 years with the North East club.
He also scored four times in the famous 1973 FA Cup – including the winner in the semi-final against Arsenal. Here, we take a look at some photos of the Hughes during his playing days.
Scroll down and click through the pages to view them.
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9. 1968
Billy Hughes, Jimmy Montgomery, Brian Heslop, George Kinnell, Colin Todd, Ian Porterfield, Neil Martin | JPIMedia Photo: Sunderland Echo
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10. 1976
In 1976 Sunderland were again promoted to the First Division, as Division Two champions. | JPIMedia Photo: Sunderland Echo
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11. 1968
Sunderland football team leave Roker Park by coach. Players include George Kinnell, Cecil Irwin, Ian Porterfield, Billy Hughes, Martin Harvey, Jim Montgomery, Colin Todd, Neil Martin, Len Ashurst in doorway right, Ralph Brand. | JPIMedia Photo: Sunderland Echo
12. 1975
Back, from left: Roy Greenwood, Billy Hughes, Bob Moncur, Jimmy Montgomery, Trevor Swinburne, Dick Malone, Jackie Ashurst, Mel Holden; Middle: Jeff Clarke, Tommy Gibb, Mick Henderson, Dennis Longhorn, Ian Porterfield, Joe Bolton, Vic Halom; front: Bobby Kerr, Ray Train, Bobby Mitchell, Tony Towers, Tom Finney, Bryan "Pop" Robson. | JPIMedia Photo: Sunderland Echo