Mark Hughes, the legendary figure of Welsh football, has expressed his profound heartbreak following the passing of his son Alex at the age of 38.
Alex Hughes had played for Stockport County and Wrexham before shifting his focus to player analysis and recruitment after his playing days.
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He contributed to clubs including Blackburn, Manchester City, and Fulham, all of which were managed by his father, before establishing a private academy in Portugal.
Subsequently, he transitioned to becoming a player agent and, in recent years, worked with non-league teams AFC Fylde and Morecambe before taking on the role of player recruitment lead at Grimsby Town in League Two last July.
Former Manchester United, Chelsea, and Wales striker Hughes shared a heartfelt tribute to his son in a statement released through the League Managers Association.
“Jill and I are absolutely devastated by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex,” said the 62-year-old, who served as the national team’s manager from 1999 to 2004.
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“Alex was a wonderful son, a loving brother to Curtis and Xenna, and a dedicated husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children, Sebastian and Leonardo. He had countless good friends and colleagues, and we will all miss him dearly.”
A statement from Grimsby Town read: “Everyone at Grimsby Town Football Club is heartbroken by the shocking news of our player recruitment lead, Alex Hughes, passing away.”
“Rest in peace, Alex. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner.”