Grimsby Town recruitment lead Alex Hughes dies at 38, club devastated by sudden loss
Alex Hughes, player recruitment lead at Grimsby Town and son of former Wales manager Mark Hughes, has died suddenly at 38. The club said it was devastated by the unexpected loss.
Sudden passing
Alex Hughes, the 38-year-old player recruitment lead at League Two side Grimsby Town, has died unexpectedly. The news was confirmed on 20 June 2026 by the club and by his father, former Manchester United and Wales striker Mark Hughes. No cause of death has been made public.
The club described Hughes as a "highly valued member of the Grimsby Town family" and said 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 the club was "shocked and saddened".
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.
Career in football analysis
Hughes had a short playing career at Stockport County and Wrexham reserves before moving into player analysis. His first role was as a performance analyst at Blackburn Rovers, where his father was then manager. He later worked for Manchester City and Fulham, both also managed by Mark Hughes, as well as German side 1860 Munich, before leading a private academy in Portugal and working as a player agent.
In recent years, Hughes held roles at non-league clubs AFC Fylde and Morecambe. He was appointed Grimsby Town's player recruitment lead in July 2025 after manager David Artell said more than 100 candidates were interviewed and Hughes was the "standout applicant".
Family statement
Mark Hughes, 62, released a tribute through the League Managers Association. He said he and his wife Jill were "totally heartbroken" by the loss.
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.
Club reaction
Grimsby Town's statement concluded with "Rest in peace, Alex. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner." The club asked that the Hughes family's privacy be respected during this difficult time. Hughes is survived by his wife and two children.
