Teddy Sheringham has praised Mark Hughes during a ‘tough time’ at Boro following the defender’s move from Morecambe last summer.

Hughes was Sheringham’s first signing following his appointment as Boro’s new manager, and the centre-half played over 20 times for the club before leaving to join Accrington Stanley this week.

Sheringham held his hands up by saying that Hughes and other defenders may have ‘suffered’ earlier in the season as the Boro boss got to grips with life as a manager, and added that the 29-year-old had been ‘professional’ throughout his time at the club.

Hughes was a first-team regular during the first three months of the season but had struggled since the turn of the year to get a regular starting place in the side. He was one of two defenders to leave this week, with the other being Jamie McCombe.

“It hasn’t been easy for Hughesy since coming in, what with me having my first managerial job,” Sheringham says.

“I don’t think our organisation was as good as it could have been. I think our defenders suffered because of that, and I think Hughesy did because of that.

“Once you get supporters on your back a little bit it is hard to turn it around.

“To be fair to Hughesy he was the best professional throughout his six months here. No qualms about him. I think he’s a fantastic man.

“He held himself very well and even when he was having a tough time he was still there to help others. I really admire that.

“The situation arose about him moving on. Because of the manner and the way he’s held himself since he’s been here I was able to help. It suited all parties.”