Stephen Hughes started his career in 1995 by playing for arsenal where he made 72 appearances (42 were substitute) before leaving the team in 2000. In 1999 he played 4 games on loan to Fullham. On March 7 2000 he was sold to Everton (after returning to Arsenal) for 3 million. In his time at Everton he played 33 games until July 4 2001 when he was released on a free transfer. That same month Hughes moved across to Watford, but in 2 seasons played pnly 17 games due to an injury. In August 2003 Hughes was on another free transfer to Charlton Athletic but left after making no appearances.