Previous club: Tottenham Hotspur.

Signed: July 2009.

Cian Hughton joined Lincoln City on a free transfer in July 2009 after impressing whilst on trial at Sincil Bank.

Although signed as cover for injured Lincoln City right-back Paul Green, Hughton can operate at either right-back or left-back, so should be a vital signing for Lincoln's relatively small 2009/10 squad.

In summer 2005, upon leaving school at sixteen, Hughton signed on full-time at Tottenham Hotspur's academy. He went on to make eighteen appearances for the Spurs' Under-18 team during his first year at the academy. The following season, he impressed sufficiently during his twenty-seven Under-18 appearances to win an elevation into the Tottenham reserve team. That in turn earnt him the reward of a call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-18 international squad.

It seemed that Hughton had a promising future at Tottenham, but in May 2009, he was released by the club. It did not take long for Lincoln manager Peter Jackson to be in touch with Hughton with regard to a trial at City. He was given the opportunity to earn a contract, which he grasped with several competent displays at right-back during Lincoln's pre-season friendlies. So late July 2009, Hughton agreed terms on an initial six-month contract with Lincoln City.

Despite Lincoln City having a poor start to the 2009/10 season, Hughton was one of the bright spots of the opening months with several competent displays at left-back. In fact, his form was so good that he was called up to the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad in October, making his debut on 9th October 2009 at home to Georgia.

Cian Hughton is the son of Tottenham Hotspur legend Chris Hughton.

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