Mark Hughes has confirmed the death of his son Alex, with tributes pouring in from across the football world following the heartbreaking news.
Former Manchester United forward Mark Hughes has said he is “completely heartbroken” over the loss of his son Alex, aged 38.
A statement released by the League Managers Association on behalf of former Blackburn, Manchester City and Stoke manager Hughes said:
“Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Zena, and a devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children, Sebastian and Leonardo.
“Alex was Head of Player Recruitment at Grimsby Town FC and had many good friends and colleagues. He will be greatly missed by all of us. We ask for privacy at this sad time as we come to terms with our family’s death.”
Alex Hughes was most recently working in Grimsby Town’s player recruitment department at the time of his death.
He was born in 1987, when his father Mark was contracted to Barcelona. He had a brief football career in Wales before moving into football administration.
He started out as a match analyst at Blackburn before moving to Manchester City as a scout.
He then held positions at Fulham, 1860 Munich and Reading. Hughes became director of football at AFC Fylde before moving to Morecambe and Grimsby.
Meanwhile, his father has enjoyed a storied career in football, starting his career with Man United before spells at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn Rovers.
Hughes then moved on to managerial roles, managing Wales, Blackburn, Man City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke, Southampton and Bradford. His most recent role was at Carlisle United, but he left the club earlier this year after just over a year in charge.
Carlisle chairman Tom Piartak said at the time: “Mark conducted himself with true professionalism during his time at Carlisle United.
“We are grateful for the work he has done, the standards he has brought and the progress he has made over the course of the season. After open and respectful discussions, both parties agreed that now is the right time for the club to move in a different direction.”
“Mark leaves us with our thanks and best wishes. He is always welcome at Brunton Park.”
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