Mark Hughes is looking to rediscover his love of football at Walsall following the pain of relegation last season.

The centre-back became Chris Hutchings’ first signing of the summer after penning a one-year deal yesterday following his departure from Northampton Town.

He suffered relegation with the Cobblers on the final day of last season and admits he fell out of love with football because of their Sixfields struggles.

But he is ready to forget his past pain and focus on his Saddlers duties.

“I stopped enjoying my football in the last six months and I was looking to get out for many reasons, maybe because the results weren’t going our way, so I’m looking to play as high as possible and do a good job,” he said.

“I’ve had that relegation feeling and it’s something I never want to happen again. It’s not a nice feeling whatsoever.

“For whatever reason we went down, we had a good goal difference and I don’t think a lot of people expected us to go down but the league didn’t lie in the end and it’s not a nice feeling.

“I’m not even thinking about being relegated or even being near the bottom next season.”

The 22-year-old skippered the Cobblers and made 47 appearances last season, scoring once, before rejecting a two-year deal.

Boss Hutchings swooped at the start of the week and, once he has registered an interest, there was only one place for Hughes.

“I was trying to push it through myself because I wanted to come,” said Hughes, who played with the departed Anthony Gerrard at Everton.

“I’ve had my first day and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s a good set up and a good set of lads who want to do well.

“There were a few clubs, a few deals fell through but as soon as the manager phoned I came down straight away and signed. I’m looking forward to it.”

And Hughes admits he will be demanding on his new team-mates as he tries to lead from the front.