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.
13. LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 05: Sunderland player Billy Hughes skips past Leeds fullback Paul Reaney (l) during the 1973 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on May 5, 1973 in London, England. (Photo by Don Morley/Allsport/Getty Images)
r Billy Hughes skips past Leeds fullback Paul Reaney during the 1973 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
14. 1973
Almost another goal for Sunderland as Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Corrigan is beaten by a back header from Billy Hughes. | JPIMedia Photo: Sunderland Echo
15. 1972
Washington Youth International Football Festival. Pictured Johnny Vincent (second left) after beating Brian Chamber (right) in the final of The Echo Table Tennis Trophy. Billy Hughes (left) was beaten by Dennis Tueart (second right) in the playoff for third and fourth place. | JPIMedia Photo: Sunderland Echo
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16. 1987
Bobby Kerr manager of new pub Park Lane. Pictured with left to right, Bobby Kerr, Jimmy McNab, Jeff Clarke, Billy Hughes, Ron Guthrie and Mick Horswill. | JPIMedia Photo: JPIMedia