Hughes signs on

Fulham defender Aaron Hughes has signed a contract extension with the club, agreeing a deal that will see him stay at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2014.

His previous deal, signed in December of 2009, tied him down until 2013 but Martin Jol was eager to see the Northern Ireland international commit his long term future to the club.

This is in spite of the fact that, at the beginning of Jol's reign at Fulham, Hughes was considered somewhat out of favour by his manager. Jol seemed to prefer former Arsenal man Phillippe Senderos but, after proving himself consistently and further establishing his strong partnership with Brede Hangeland, Hughes has regained his first team spot and doesn't look like letting it go.

Speaking to fulhamfc.com, the 31 year-old spoke of his delight at the new extension:

"I'm obviously delighted as I've enjoyed my time here so far and to know that I'll be around for another couple of years is a nice thing for me," Hughes said.

"I've had a lot of good experiences so far and hopefully I'll have more between now and 2014."