Grieving football legend Mark Hughes carried his son's coffin into St Peter's Church in Prestbury, Cheshire, following the sudden and unexpected death of Alex Hughes at the age of 38 on June 19. The former Wales manager, 62, bore the coffin alongside family members including Alex's brother Curtis and father-in-law David Pollock.
Football Icons Pay Respects
Iconic figures from the sport, including former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, gathered to pay their respects. Hundreds of mourners filled the church, among them Mike Phelan, Martin Edwards, Bryan Robson, Ryan Giggs, Martin Keown, and Jon Walters. Grimsby Town manager David Artell led a contingent from the Mariners, where Alex had been serving as player recruitment lead.
Walking closely behind the coffin was Alex's wife Jess, his childhood sweetheart whom he had known since they met at school 21 years ago, accompanied by their two young sons, Sebastian and Leonardo.
Heartbreaking Eulogy
David Pollock delivered a deeply moving eulogy, speaking of how immensely proud Alex was of his boys, who have begun pointing to the skies after scoring goals. 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."
Brother's Tribute
Earlier in the service, Alex's brother Curtis, wearing sunglasses in a bid to hold back his tears, delivered a heartfelt tribute, recalling how the pair had served 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 [Alex and Curtis's sister] 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 another time."
Football Career
Alex had brief stints as a footballer with Stockport and Wrexham before forging a career within the game, starting out alongside his father at Blackburn as a performance analyst in 2007. 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."
David added: "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 his true love, Manchester United no, he always said the same thing, 'I support my dad'."
Parents' Tribute
A heartfelt tribute from his father Mark and 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."
