Grimsby Town FC have said they are devastated at the “sudden and unexpected” death of staff member Alex Hughes at the age of 38.
Hughes joined the Mariners in 2025 as the club’s recruitment lead and had played “an important role” in the development of the men’s first-team squad.
In a statement the club said Hughes, the son of former Manchester United, Chelsea and Wales striker Mark Hughes, was a “devoted husband, proud father, beloved son, brother and friend”.
His father, who managed Wales between 1999 and 2004, said he was “totally heartbroken”.
The club statement described Alex as a “highly valued member of the Grimsby Town family”.
“His warmth, professionalism and positive personality made a lasting impression throughout the football club and the wider football community,” the statement said.
Alex had an extensive career in football before joining Grimsby Town.
He had previously worked in roles at Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, AFC Fylde and Morecambe.
The club said their thoughts were with the Hughes family and sent their heartfelt condolences.
Chairman Andrew Pettit said: “Everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club is shocked and saddened by the news of Alex’s passing.
“He will always be remembered as a valued member of the Mariners family who contributed so much during his time with us.”
The club’s statement concluded: “Rest in peace, Alex. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner.”
Mark Hughes paid tribute to his son in a statement released via the League Managers Association.
It read: “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.
“Alex had many good friends and colleagues. He will be so deeply missed by us all.”
Alex played for Stockport County and Wrexham’s reserve teams before beginning his career in player analysis and recruitment.
His first role was as a performance analyst at Blackburn Rovers, and he then joined Manchester City as a recruitment analyst.
He also had a spell working at a private academy in Portugal, and was a player agent for around a decade.
Announcing the appointment of Alex in July 2025, Grimsby Town manager David Artell told fans that more than 100 candidates had been interviewed for the job and that he was the “standout applicant”.
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