University Blues mourn the recent passing of former coach Les Hughson.
Les came from a famous football family with his father and 2 uncles having significant football careers with Fitzroy in the VFL. His uncle, also Fred Hughson, captain-coached Fitzroy to the 1944 VFL premiership.
Born in 1938, Les Jnr was captain of Fitzroy U19s in 1957 and had his first senior game for Fitzroy in 1958. Les wore jumper no 8 playing during his playing career, playing mostly on a half back flank. Les Jnr had an injury plagued VFL career, with a serious knee injury finally curtailed his on-field VFL career in 1962, forced to retire on medical advice.
Les arrived as coach of University Blues in 1967 taking the Blues to a B Grade flag. They finished Third in A Grade in 1968. Les coached again for 1 season in 1973.
Les was a strong leader for the club, always very honest with his players who respected him greatly.
