Hughes made his debut for Charlton against Bolton Wanderers on 14 August 2004, when he came on as a substitute for Matt Holland who was injured after twelve minutes. He bagged a brace in a 4–1 FA Cup win over Rochdale at The Valley in January 2005his first goals for the cluband scored for the Addicks in a victory over Yeovil Town in the fourth round. Hughes made 22 appearances for Charlton during the season, and scored his fourth and final goal of the season in the last game against Crystal Palace.