Tributes are being paid with Mark Hughes saying he and his family are “heartbroken” after the death of his son Alex aged 38.
Alex was Grimsby Town’s new Player Recruitment Lead, joining David Artell’s backroom staff after departing Morecambe in July 2025.
Hughes played in the reserve sides of Stockport County and Wrexham, before turning his attention to player analysis and recruitment.
He was the the sole Performance Analyst at Blackburn Rovers in 2007, then joined Manchester City in 2008 as a Recruitment Analyst.
In 2010, he went to Fulham, taking up the role of Head of Analysis then worked in Portugal for a private Academy system for three years.
He was also a player agent, dealt with player negotiations, and was a Director of Football for AFC Fylde.
Grimsby Town FC player recruitment lead, Alex Hughes, has died suddenly.
His father, Mark Hughes, has issued statement below. #gtfc pic.twitter.com/sOv5SZASmT— Marc Webber (@marcwebber) June 20, 2026
Everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club is devastated to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of our Player Recruitment Lead, Alex Hughes.
Rest in peace, Alex. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner.#GTFC
— Grimsby Town F.C. (@officialgtfc) June 21, 2026
The LMA released the following statement on behalf of LMA Member Mark Hughes OBE and his family:
“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 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.
“The Hughes family.”
The LMA send its deepest condolences to all of Alex’s family and friends.
A club statement read: “Everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club is devastated to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of our Player Recruitment Lead, Alex Hughes.
“Alex was a devoted husband, proud father, beloved son, brother and friend, and a highly valued member of the Grimsby Town family.
“Alex 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.
“Prior to joining Grimsby Town, Alex built an extensive career in football spanning performance analysis, recruitment and player representation. His experience included roles with Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, AFC Fylde and Morecambe, earning a reputation as a dedicated professional with an outstanding knowledge of the game.
“Beyond his professional achievements, Alex was deeply valued by those who knew him. His warmth, professionalism and positive personality made a lasting impression throughout the football club and the wider football community.”
Chairman Andrew Pettit 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. 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.”
The thoughts and heartfelt condolences of everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club are with Alex’s wife Jessica, his children Sebastian and Leonardo, his parents Mark and Jill, his brother Curtis, his sister Xenna, and all of his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
The Club respectfully asks that the privacy of Alex’s family is respected as they come to terms with their loss.
Rest in peace, Alex. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner.
UTM
Everyone at Morecambe Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of former Head of Scouting, Alex Hughes.
Our thoughts are with Alex’s family, friends and all those who knew him at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/DaL1oGyL7e
— Morecambe FC (@MorecambeFC) June 21, 2026
Thinking of Mark Hughes and his family at this very sad time. My sincere condolences to all who knew and loved Alex. ⚽️
— Charlie Adam (@Charlie26Adam) June 21, 2026
Tributes continue to be paid with Mark Hughes “heartbroken” after the death of his son Alex aged 38…
@gijane09: RIP Alex sending my condolences to Alex’s family and friends.
@JE_2279: Terrible news, rest in peace Alex.
@MattBarker91: Terrible news. Rest in peace Alex and thoughts with his family
@AEcelson: Absolutely tragic. R.I.P Alex. Deepest sympathy to family and friends.
@billericaybaggy: Incredibly sad announcement, especially on the eve of Father’s Day. Sending sincere condolences to the Hughes family. @LondonBaggies
@noreengill1928: Thinking of Mark Hughes and his family after the tragic loss of son Alex at just 38. RIP. #GGMU
@MufcWonItAll2: Sad news about Mark Hughes son Alex who passed away at just 38 years old. ♥️
@ASRobbo7: Shit that’s awful news about Alex Hughes. Poor Sparky. 😔
@chefskigtfc: So incredibly sad, Such a nice dedicated guy rip Alex, thoughts and prayers to the hughes’ family 🖤🤍
@RossiGTFC: RIP Alex Hughes! A short time with the mariners as Recruitment Lead! Can’t imagine what your family is going through! Once a Mariner Always a Mariner! ⚪️⚫️ #GTFC
@redfrosty7: Thoughts with Mark Hughes and his family after the loss of his son, Alex, 38 🕊️🙏🏼❤️
@matthewknapton1: RIP Alex Hughes. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner. 🖤🤍 #GTFC
@GTFC_Exiles: Awful news breaking tonight that son, husband and father of two, Alex Hughes, GTFC recruitment analyst has died suddenly aged just 38. Absolutely devastating for his family and the GTFC family too. #gtfc
@JarlySmyth7: Our sincere sympathies go to Sparky, family and friends following the untimely passing of Alex Hughes. May cherished memories bring comfort in the days ahead. Rest in peace, Alex. Also thinking of all connected with @officialgtfc
