WALSALL Football Club can today announce that Mark Hughes will join Australian outfit, North Queensland Fury.

The 23 year-old signed Contract Acceptance Forms with The Saddlers last week before receiving an offer from the Hyundai A-League outfit. Following discussions between the player and Saddlers' boss, Chris Hutchings, it was agreed that a move away from the Banks's Stadium would be in the best interest of both club and player.

"Mark contacted me late last week regarding an offer he had received from Australia," explained Hutchings. "We spoke at length about the move and agreed to go our separate ways. Mark feels that this is an opportunity he wants to pursue and we will not stand in his way."

Hughes arrived at the Banks's Stadium last summer from Northampton Town and made 28 appearances last term. As the young defender had signed Contract Acceptance Forms, the club will retain his registration, meaning he will be unable to join another English-based club for a period of 12 months.

"The offer came a little bit out of the blue," explained the departing Hughes. "It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and if I don't go for it I think I'll always be thinking 'what if'.

"I have no ties to this country. I'm not in a relationship and I don't have any children, so this is the perfect time to try something completely new.

"These opportunities don't come round very often and, after much deliberation, I want to give it a go.

"It's not a decision I've taken lightly. I've really enjoyed my time at Walsall and will miss the players, staff and fans. It's a good club and I wish them well."