Mark Hughes Carries Son Alex's Coffin as Football Unites in Prestbury

Mark Hughes carried the coffin of his son Alex into St Peter's Church in Prestbury on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, as hundreds gathered to mourn the 38-year-old football recruitment specialist. Sir Alex Ferguson and a long list of figures from British football joined Alex's family, while tributes focused on the warmth, loyalty and love he brought to those around him.

The Full Story

Alex Hughes died suddenly and unexpectedly on 19 June. On Tuesday, his father, former Manchester United striker Mark Hughes, carried his coffin into the church alongside family members including Alex's brother Curtis and his father-in-law, David Pollock.

Walking close behind were Alex's wife Jess, his childhood sweetheart since they met at school 21 years ago, and their two young sons, Sebastian and Leonardo. The couple had married in the same church where family and friends gathered to say goodbye.

The service brought together football people from several generations. Sir Alex Ferguson, Mike Phelan, Martin Edwards, Bryan Robson and Ryan Giggs were among those present, while Martin Keown and Jon Walters also attended. Grimsby Town manager David Artell led a delegation from the club where Alex had been working as player recruitment lead.

Family tributes made the day intensely personal. Curtis recalled how the brothers had been best men at each other's weddings and said, “Being best man wasn't something Alex did for a day; it was who he was.” David Pollock spoke about Alex's pride in his sons, who have begun pointing to the sky after scoring goals.

The Main Players

Mark Hughes was at the centre of the farewell as a father rather than as the former player and manager known across British football. His wife Jill's message, read during the service, thanked Alex for “every smile, every laugh, every hug, every precious memory” and called him their “perfect son”.

Alex's own career also stayed close to the game. After brief spells as a player with Stockport and Wrexham, he began working with his father at Blackburn as a performance analyst in 2007. He later became player recruitment lead at Grimsby Town, where colleagues were already preparing for the season ahead.

His brother Curtis and father-in-law David Pollock gave the main family tributes. Alex's wife Jess and sons Sebastian and Leonardo were also central to the service, with both boys' messages to their father read aloud.

Key Statistics

Alex Hughes was 38 when he died on 19 June 2026. He and Jess had known each other for 21 years, having first met at school. Hundreds of mourners filled St Peter's Church, and the football delegation included senior figures linked with Manchester United, Arsenal, Stoke City and Grimsby Town.

Those numbers explain the scale of the gathering, but the service repeatedly returned to one point: Alex's life connected family, friendship and football. His career had developed from playing and analysis into recruitment, while his relationships reached far beyond a single club.

What This Means

The turnout showed how closely connected British football remains across clubs and generations. Former Manchester United leaders stood alongside current Grimsby staff and players from other parts of the game, reflecting the different circles Alex had moved through during his life and career.

For supporters in Britain, the story is also a reminder that football careers are often built away from the touchline spotlight. Alex moved from brief playing spells into analysis and recruitment, work that shapes clubs without attracting the attention given to managers and players. Grimsby's presence at the funeral reflected the value of that contribution.

What to Expect

Grimsby Town will dedicate their first game of the season to Alex. The source reports that he had been excited about the club's new players before his death, making the dedication a direct link to the work he was doing at the time.

No further public events were confirmed in the provided reports. The clearest next tribute will come from Grimsby when that opening fixture is played in Alex's memory.