A Community in Mourning
Hundreds of mourners, including legendary figures from Manchester United, gathered on July 7, 2026, at St Peter’s Church in Prestbury to pay their final respects to Alex Hughes. The 38-year-old, son of former Manchester United player and manager Mark Hughes, died suddenly on June 19.
The service saw a significant turnout from the football world, reflecting Hughes’s professional impact and personal warmth. Among those in attendance were Sir Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs, Bryan Robson, Mike Phelan, and Martin Edwards. A delegation from Grimsby Town, where Hughes served as player recruitment lead, was led by manager David Artell.
A Legacy of Professionalism and Kindness
During the service, moving tributes highlighted Hughes’s career and character. His brother, Curtis, remembered him as a man who “filled the room with warmth, loyalty and kindness.” Hughes had built a career in football performance analysis, having worked with his father at Blackburn Rovers before his tenure at Grimsby Town.
David Pollock, Hughes’s father-in-law, delivered a poignant eulogy that underscored his dedication to his family. Hughes is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their two sons, Sebastian and Leonardo. The service also included messages from his parents, Mark and Jill, who expressed their profound loss, stating, “You were, and always will be, our perfect son.”
Grimsby Town has announced plans to dedicate their first game of the upcoming season to Hughes, honoring his contributions to the club and his passion for the sport he loved.