Ex-Man Utd star Mark Hughes left heartbroken by sudden death of son aged 38

Mark Hughes has confirmed that his son Alex has passed away with tributes having since poured in from across the footballing landscape following the heart-breaking news

Former Manchester United forward Mark Hughes has been left ‘totally heartbroken’ by the death of his son, Alex, at the age of 38.

A statement released by the League Managers Association on behalf of the former Blackburn, Manchester City and Stoke manager Hughes reads: “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.”

Alex Hughes had been working most recently within Grimsby Town’s player recruitment department at the time of his death.

He was born in 1987 while dad Mark was contracted to Barcelona. He had a brief football career in Wales before moving into football administration.

He started as a match analyst at Blackburn before moving to Manchester City as a scout.

He then held roles with Fulham, 1860 Munich and Reading. Hughes took took over as director of football at AFC Fylde before switches to Morecambe and Grimsby.

In the meantime, his Dad has enjoyed a storied career within football, having initially started his career with Man United ahead of stints with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn Rovers.

Hughes senior then moved into management and has had stints in charge of Wales, Blackburn, Man City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke, Southampton and Bradford. His most recent role came with Carlisle United but he left the club earlier this year after just over a year at the helm.

Carlisle chairman Tom Piatak said at the time: “Mark has conducted himself with real professionalism throughout his time at Carlisle United.

“We are grateful for the work he has done, the standards he brought, and the progress made during the season. Following open and respectful discussions, both parties agreed this was the right time for the club to move in a different direction.

“Mark leaves with our thanks and best wishes, and he will always be welcome at Brunton Park.”

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