Grimsby Town has paid tribute to Alex Hughes, the son of former Manchester United and Wales striker Mark Hughes, following his death at the age of 38. Hughes was the player recruitment lead at the League Two club.
Family Statement
The Hughes family, through a statement released via the League Managers Association, expressed their heartbreak at the sudden and unexpected loss. They said Alex would be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Career and Contributions
Before joining Grimsby in 2025, Hughes held roles at Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, Fylde, and Morecambe. He began his career in football as a player with Stockport County and Wrexham before transitioning into analysis and recruitment.
Grimsby described Hughes as a devoted husband, proud father, beloved son, brother, and friend. The club stated: "Alex joined the Mariners in 2025 and quickly became a valued and highly respected member of the football club. Working closely with head coach David Artell and the football department, he played an important role in shaping the club’s recruitment strategy and supporting the continued development of the men’s first-team squad."
Tributes from Colleagues
Grimsby’s chief executive officer, Polly Bancroft, said: "Alex was a much-loved and highly respected member of the Grimsby family. His professionalism, dedication and warmth made a lasting impact on everyone who worked with him. I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Alex and will remember him not only as an outstanding colleague, but as a genuinely kind person who had a positive effect on those around him. He will be greatly missed across the club and beyond."
Family Background
Hughes had a brief playing career with Stockport and Wrexham before joining Blackburn in 2007, working as a performance analyst during his father’s tenure as manager. He followed Mark to Manchester City in 2008 and later worked with him at Fulham before forging his own path abroad.
The thoughts and heartfelt condolences of everyone at Grimsby are with Alex’s wife, Jessica, his children Sebastian and Leonardo, his parents Mark and Jill, his brother Curtis, his sister Xenna, and all of his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
