Football pays tribute to ex-AFC Fylde employee Alex Hughes, 38, after Mark Hughes' son's sudden death

The football community has paid tribute to former AFC Fylde recruitment lead Alex Hughes following his sudden and unexpected death at the age of 38.

Hughes, the son of ex-Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes, most recently served as player recruitment lead at Grimsby Town and had built a respected career in football recruitment and analysis. This included a spell with AFC Fylde, where he was highly regarded for his work in player identification and recruitment.

News of Alex’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the game, with clubs and colleagues remembering his contribution to football and the impact he had on those around him.

In a statement released through the League Managers Association, his father, former Manchester United, Wales and Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes, said he and his family were “heartbroken” by the loss of his son.

Grimsby Town paid tribute to Hughes in a statement published on the club’s website. It read: “Everyone at Grimsby is devastated to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of our player recruitment lead, Alex Hughes. Alex was a devoted husband, proud father, beloved son, brother and friend, and a highly valued member of the Grimsby family.

“Alex joined the Mariners in 2025 and quickly became a valued and highly respected member of the football club. Working closely with head coach David Artell and the football department, he played an important role in shaping the club’s recruitment strategy and supporting the continued development of the men’s first-team squad.

“The thoughts and heartfelt condolences of everyone at Grimsby are with Alex’s wife Jessica, his children Sebastian and Leonardo, his parents Mark and Jill, his brother Curtis, his sister Xenna, and all of his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

“The club respectfully asks that the privacy of Alex’s family is respected as they come to terms with their loss.”

Before joining Grimsby in 2025, Hughes held roles with Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, AFC Fylde and Morecambe. He also had a brief playing career with Stockport County and Wrexham before moving into football operations and performance analysis.

Blackburn Rovers also paid tribute, posting: “Everyone at Blackburn sends our condolences to former player and manager Mark Hughes and the Hughes family at this incredibly sad time following the sudden passing of his son, Alex.

“Alex previously worked for Rovers during his father’s spell as manager, and our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him.”