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, who served as player recruitment lead at the League Two club, died unexpectedly, leaving the club and his family heartbroken.
Family and club express grief
The Hughes family released a statement via the League Managers Association, describing themselves as “heartbroken” at the “sudden and unexpected loss” of Alex. They said he would be “deeply missed” by all who knew him.
Grimsby Town expressed their condolences, stating: “Alex was a devoted husband, proud father, beloved son, brother and friend, and a highly valued member of the Grimsby family. He 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.”
Professional background
Before joining Grimsby in 2025, Hughes held roles at Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, Fylde and Morecambe. He had a brief playing career with Stockport and Wrexham before transitioning into analysis. He began working as a performance analyst at Blackburn in 2007 during his father’s tenure as manager, then followed Mark to Manchester City in 2008 and later to Fulham, before forging his own path abroad.
Tributes from CEO
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.”
The thoughts 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 his family and friends during this difficult time.
