Grimsby have paid tribute to Alex Hughes after his death at the age of 38. Hughes, the son of the former Manchester United and Wales striker Mark Hughes, was player recruitment lead at the League Two club.

The Hughes family said in a statement released via the League Managers Association that they were “heartbroken” at the “sudden and unexpected loss” of Alex and that he would be “deeply missed”.

Before joining Grimsby in 2025 Hughes had worked in roles with Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, Fylde and Morecambe. Grimsby said: “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.”

Grimsby’s chief executive officer, Polly Bancroft, said: “Alex was a much-loved and highly respected member of the Grimsby family. His professionalism, dedication and warmth made a lasting impact on everyone who worked with him.

“I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Alex and will remember him not only as an outstanding colleague, but as a genuinely kind person who had a positive effect on those around him. He will be greatly missed across the club and beyond.”

Hughes had a brief playing career with Stockport and Wrexham before joining Blackburn in 2007, working as a performance analyst during his father’s time as manager. He followed Mark to Manchester City in 2008 and worked with him again at Fulham before forging his own path abroad.