GRIMSBY TOWN have paid tribute to Alex Hughes after his “sudden and unexpected” death.
He was the son of former Manchester United star Mark Hughes, who has been left “heartbroken”.
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Alex Hughes has tragically died at the age of 38 Credit: Grimsby Town FC
He was the son of Man United legend Mark Hughes Credit: Alamy
Alex was just 38 at the time of his death and was working in the top job in the player recruitment department at Grimsby Town.
He joined the Mariners in 2025 but quickly became a valued member of staff at the club.
He worked closely alongside manager David Artell in terms of the recruitment strategy at the club.
Alex had previously worked at other clubs such as Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, AFC Fylde and Morecambe.
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The Mariners have since paid tribute to their employee.
Chairman Andrew Petit issued a statement following the news of Hughes’ passing.
He said: “Everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club is shocked and saddened by the news of Alex’s passing.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
Hughes with wife Jill and Alex as a baby Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Hughes, Jill and Alex in 1990, when United beat Crystal Palace to win the FA Cup Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
“He will always be remembered as a valued member of the Mariners family who contributed so much during his time with us.”
Chief executive officer Polly Bancroft added: “Alex was a much-loved and highly respected member of the Grimsby Town 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.”
Alex’s dad Mark announced the news of his death in an emotional statement with the League Managers Association.
He wrote: “Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex.
“Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo.
Hughes collecting his OBE at Buckingham Palace in 2004 with his mum Jenny Jones, daughter Xenna, wife Jill, Alex and his older brother Curtis Credit: Alamy
Hughes was recently in charge of Carlisle United Credit: Getty
“Alex was Player Recruitment Lead at Grimsby Town FC, and had many good friends and colleagues.
“He will be so deeply missed by us all.
“We ask for privacy during this sad time as we come to terms with our family’s loss.”
Mark, 62, had a distinguished playing career with United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn.
He then became a mainstay in Premier League management after five years in charge of the Welsh national team.
Hughes was most recently in charge of Carlisle United but left last month after suffering defeat in the National League play-off semi-finals.
