Scottish midfielder Stephen Hughes joined Norwich on 22nd July 2009 from Motherwell on a three year contract.

Hughes started his career with Scottish Premier League club Rangers and after making his debut aged 16, went on to make 90 appearances for the Ibrox side. He joined Leicester City in January 2005 for £100,000 and went on to make 91 league appearances for the Foxes scoring 7 goals.

Placed on the transfer list by Leicester manager Martin Allen in June 2007, Hughes attracted bids from both Hearts and Mothewell and chose the latter, his hometown side, on 31st August 2007. He went on to make 66 league appearances for Motherwell.

After weeks of speculation linking Hughes with Norwich, Hearts and Aberdeen, he finally signed for the Canaries on 22nd July 2009.

Hughes made his debut, as substitute, for Norwich in the 4-0 away win over Yeovil on 11 August 2009 in the Carling Cup. He finished the 2009/10 season with 34 appearances and 3 goals as City won the League One title.

Hughes made his international debut for Scotland in the 2-0 defeat in Japan on 10th October 2009

In January 2011, Hughes was linked with a loan move to Scottish sides Aberdeen, Hibs and Motherwell but was loaned to MK Dons on 10th February 2011 until 13th March 2011

Not included in Paul Lambert's pre-season plans in the summer of 2011, Hughes was expected to move on and did so on 31st August 2011 when his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.

In October 2011, Stephen was training with Motherwell to keep his fitness levels up. On 16th November 2011, he signed a contract with Motherwell until 3rd January but may win an extended deal if he performs well. Hughes played four games for Motherwell but was not kept on. Manager Stuart McCall said the club cannot guarantee him regular game time. “Stephen wants to play every week and we can’t guarantee him that. He was terrific while he was here – his attitude was spot on.”.He was linked with a move to Hibs.

On 27th January 2012, he signed a two and a half year deal with Aberdeen.

On 13th May 2013, Hughes was told by Aberdeen manager Derek MacInnes to find a new club (MacInnes had released seven out-of-contract players). Hughes had a year left on his contract. He was released from his contract in June 2013. On 2nd July 2013, he was linked with joining Tommy Wright's St Johnstone on trial

On 11th October 2013, Hughes finalised terms with East Fife.

In early January 2013, Hughes was reported by the media to be wanted by Dundee. This became reality on 13th January 2014, with Hughes signing a contract until the end of the 2013/14 season. Dundee chief executive Scot Gardiner said: "Stephen's experience and creativity will be invaluable." Hughes had played 10 games for East Fife, scoring once.

Hughes returned to East Fife, signing on loan on 25th February 2014 until the end of the 2013/14 season. He was then released by Dundee.