Adelaide United have signed former Drogheda United midfielder Adam Hughes. Hughes has signed a two-year deal with the Reds after stints with Doncaster Rovers in England and Sligo Rovers and Drogheda in Ireland.

Reds coach Aurelio Vidmar says the 26-year old is just what the club is looking for in the wake of their championship loss.

"He's going to bring a lot of aggression and commitment and a good football brain to the team," Vidmar said.

"He'll certainly fit in on the competitive side and bring something extra to our midfield, which is an ability to score goals. He's a great character and he'll certainly be a crowd pleaser for the fans."

Hughes said he was looking forward to joining a successful club.

"It will be a brilliant start to come back to what has been a successful club in such a short period of the A-League. To make the final in a couple of seasons and get to the Asian Champions League Final, you know you're coming to a quality setup," Hughes said.

"Adelaide seems to be doing well consistently and you always want to go to a club that can make finals and be there towards the end of the season."

Adelaide have also signed young local defender Michael Marrone on a one-year deal.