Mark Hughes, the former Manchester United and Wales striker, carried the coffin of his son Alex Hughes into St Peter's Church in Prestbury, Cheshire, on Tuesday, as footballing legends including Sir Alex Ferguson gathered to pay their respects. Alex Hughes died suddenly and unexpectedly last month at the age of 38.
Funeral Procession and Attendees
Hughes, 62, carried the coffin alongside other family members, including Alex's brother Curtis and his father-in-law David Pollock. Walking close behind was Alex's wife, Jess, his childhood sweetheart since they met at school 21 years ago, accompanied by their two young children, Sebastian and Leonardo. Hundreds of mourners filled the church, including former Manchester United figures Mike Phelan, Martin Edwards, Bryan Robson, and Ryan Giggs. Sir Alex Ferguson, who managed Hughes at United, was also in attendance. Other footballing attendees included former Arsenal striker Martin Keown and ex-Stoke City forward Jon Walters.
Eulogies and Tributes
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."
Alex's brother Curtis, wearing sunglasses as he struggled to hold back his tears, delivered a heartfelt tribute to his sibling, recounting how they had each served as best man at one another'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."
Alex Hughes' Career and Legacy
Alex had brief stints as a footballer with Stockport and Wrexham, before forging a career within the sport, starting alongside his father at Blackburn as a performance analyst in 2007. At the time of his death, he was serving as player recruitment lead for Grimsby Town. Grimsby manager David Artell led a contingent from the Mariners at the funeral. The service was a poignant tribute to a man remembered for his warmth, loyalty, and dedication to his family and football.
