Football legend Mark Hughes was surrounded by some of the biggest names in the sport as family, friends and former colleagues gathered to say a heartbreaking goodbye to his son, Alex Hughes, following his sudden death at the age of 38.
Alex passed away unexpectedly on June 19, leaving the football world in shock. On Monday, mourners filled St Peter’s Church in Prestbury, Cheshire, to celebrate his life and remember a man widely admired for his warmth, loyalty and passion for football.
Former Manchester United striker Mark Hughes, 62, carried his son’s coffin into the church alongside close family members, including Alex’s brother Curtis and his father-in-law, David Pollock.
Walking closely behind were Alex’s wife, Jess, who had been his childhood sweetheart since they first met at school more than two decades ago, and their two young sons, Sebastian and Leonardo.
Among those paying their respects were legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, along with Mike Phelan, Martin Edwards, Bryan Robson, Ryan Giggs, Martin Keown and Jon Walters.
Grimsby Town manager David Artell also attended with members of the club, where Alex had been serving as head of player recruitment before his death.
During an emotional eulogy, David Pollock spoke movingly about Alex’s devotion to his family, particularly his two young sons.
“He’s so proud of your determination, he’s so proud of your passion. He will always be watching you in spirit, watching you score goals, watching you make tackles with every game.
“And when you look up and do your celebrations, which I know you’ve been doing already, he’ll be watching over you, high in the sky.”
Earlier in the service, Alex’s younger brother Curtis fought back tears as he reflected on the special bond they had shared throughout their lives.
“Being best man wasn’t something Alex did for a day; it was who he was. Some people fill a room with noise, Alex filled it with warmth, loyalty and kindness.
“To Xenna and me, he was our annoying older brother. People often look for signs when they lose someone, something to tell them they’re still around.
“I was lucky enough to have mine. Just two days after we said goodbye to Alex, I was trying to distract myself with work when a bee decided to fly straight into me. In that moment, I just knew it was Alex doing his best to annoy me just another time.”
Although Alex briefly played professionally for Stockport County and Wrexham, he built a respected career behind the scenes in football. He first worked alongside his father as a performance analyst at Blackburn Rovers in 2007 before going on to hold recruitment and scouting roles at several clubs, including Morecambe and most recently Grimsby Town.
David Pollock said football had always been at the centre of Alex’s life.
“His true sporting passion, as we all well know, was football. He loved everything football. A lifetime of football. As a toddler, he’d go to sleep holding his football.
“He loved playing football, he loved talking football, he loved coaching football.
“His knowledge and understanding of football was amazing. He loved working in football. He loved how his career was developing. He loved all the clubs he represented, and it’s nice to see so many of you here today.
“He loved his time at Grimsby. Alex was excited about all the new players that had come for the season ahead. Grimsby are dedicating their first game of the season to Alex. Once a Mariner, always a Mariner.”
He also revealed the special way Alex’s sons continue to honour their father.
“He and the boys have shirts from every club that Alex and Mark represented.
“Alex particularly loved working with his dad. When people asked Alex who he supported, expecting him to say his true love, Manchester United — no, he always said the same thing, ‘I support my dad’.”
The service concluded with a deeply personal tribute from Mark Hughes and his wife, Jill.
“Alex, thank you for giving us the privilege of being your mum and dad. Thank you for every smile, every laugh, every hug, every precious memory.
“You were, and always will be, our perfect son. We love you beyond words. We always have and we always will. Mum and Dad.”
