Heartbroken football legend Mark Hughes carried his son's coffin into church as family, friends and figures from across the football world gathered to say a final farewell following his death at the age of just 38.
Funeral at St Peter's Church
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was among those paying their respects to Alex Hughes, who died suddenly and unexpectedly on June 19. The funeral was held at St Peter's Church in Prestbury, Cheshire.
Former United striker Hughes, 62, helped bear the coffin alongside close family members, including Alex's brother Curtis and his father-in-law, David Pollock, who delivered a moving eulogy. Walking behind the coffin were Alex's wife Jess, his childhood sweetheart after the pair met at school more than two decades ago, and their two young sons, Sebastian and Leonardo.
Eulogy and Tributes
During his tribute, David spoke of Alex's pride in his boys, revealing they have begun pointing to the sky after scoring goals in memory of their dad. He told them: "He's so proud of your determination, he's so proud of your passion. He will always be watching you in spirit, watching you score goals, watching you make tackles with every game. And when you look up and do your celebrations, which I know you've been doing already, he'll be watching over you, high in the sky."
Hundreds of mourners filled the church, including Mike Phelan, Martin Edwards, Bryan Robson and Ryan Giggs. Grimsby Town manager David Artell led a delegation from the Mariners, where Alex had been serving as head of player recruitment before his death. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown and ex-Republic of Ireland striker Jon Walters were also among those in attendance.
Brother's Heartfelt Tribute
Earlier in the service, Alex's brother Curtis, fighting back emotion, paid a heartfelt tribute as he reflected on their close bond and the role they had played as best men at each other's weddings. He said: "Being best man wasn't something Alex did for a day; it was who he was. Some people fill a room with noise, Alex filled it with warmth, loyalty and kindness. To Xenna and me, he was our annoying older brother.
"People often look for signs when they lose someone, something to tell them they're still around. I was lucky enough to have mine. Just two days after we said goodbye to Alex, I was trying to distract myself with work when a bee decided to fly straight into me. In that moment, I just knew it was Alex doing his best to annoy me just one more time."
Alex's Football Career
Alex enjoyed spells as a player with Stockport and Wrexham before forging a successful career behind the scenes in football, beginning as a performance analyst at Blackburn Rovers in 2007, where he worked alongside his father.
Speaking about Alex's lifelong love of the game, David said: "His true sporting passion, as we all well know, was football. He loved everything football. A lifetime of football. As a toddler, he'd go to sleep holding his football.
"He loved playing football, he loved talking football, he loved coaching football. His knowledge and understanding of football was amazing. He loved working in football. He loved how his career was developing. He loved all the clubs he represented, and it's nice to see so many of you here today.
"He loved his time at Grimsby. Alex was excited about all the new players that had come for the season ahead. Grimsby are dedicating their first game of the season to Alex. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner.
"He and the boys have shirts from every club that Alex and Mark represented. Alex particularly loved working with his dad. When people asked Alex who he supported, expecting him to say Manchester United, he always gave the same answer: 'I support my dad.'"
Final Tribute from Parents
A final tribute from Mark Hughes and his wife Jill read: "Alex, thank you for giving us the privilege of being your mum and dad. Thank you for every smile, every laugh, every hug, every precious memory. You were, and always will be, our perfect son. We love you beyond words. We always have and we always will. Mum and Dad."
