October 17 2003

Michael Hughes

MICHAEL HUGHES has finally received compensation from Birmingham City following a dispute with the Midlanders.

Blues were accused of reneging on signing the Northern Ireland international from Wimbledon which meant HUGHES missed all of last season while not getting paid by either club.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor acted for HUGHES and said: "A satisfactory settlement has been mutually agreed. We're satisfied."

HUGHES could now take legal action against Wimbledon.

A Birmingham statement said: "It was decided that in the best interests of both parties a suitable agreement was reached swiftly and privately.

"This has now happened and as a condition of the settlement, both parties have agreed to be bound by a confidentiality clause.

"Birmingham City is pleased this situation has now been fully resolved."