Grimsby Town head coach David Artell has opened up on the tragic sudden death of Alex Hughes – son of Manchester United legend Mark – following his passing in June.
Hughes, 38, worked as player recruitment lead at the League Two side, with his shock passing leaving an enormous loss among players and staff in Lincolnshire.
Speaking to BBC Humberside, Artell appeared close to tears as he shared a poignant tribute to his late colleague.
‘He was a lovely guy, top guy. He was good at his job, very humble,’ Artell said.
‘In those kind of roles, (people) tend to have a high opinion of themselves, rightly or wrongly. I’m not saying that for every kind of head of recruitment, but they tend to really back their own judgement. He was really happy to listen to everyone in the room.
‘Life can be really cruel. He’s a good guy.
Grimsby Town manager David Artell has opened up on his grief following the shock death of player recruitment lead Alex Hughes (right)
Hughes’ funeral last month saw hundred of mourners pay tribute to the son of the Man United legend after his sudden death
‘It’s not easy,’ Artell admitted when asked how he was feeling, and the impact of his grief in recent weeks. ‘It’s not easy. You have to pull your big boy pants on and get on with it.
‘You have to understand that whatever I’m feeling, the family’s going through it 1000 times worse.
‘I still miss him, obviously. It’s just sad. Really sad.’
Sir Alex Ferguson was among the hundreds of mourners who turned out for Hughes’ funeral in Prestbury last month, alongside other former Man United figures such as Mike Phelan, Martin Edwards, Bryan Robson and Ryan Giggs.
The League Managers Association (LMA) had announced Alex’s death in June, releasing a statement on behalf of former Man City and Wales boss Hughes.
‘Jill and I are totally heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of our beloved son Alex,’ the statement read.
‘Alex was a wonderful son, brother to Curtis and Xenna, devoted husband and father to Jessica and their two beautiful children Sebastian and Leonardo.
‘Alex was Player Recruitment Lead at Grimsby Town FC, and had many good friends and colleagues. He will be so deeply missed by us all.
‘We ask for privacy during this sad time as we come to terms with our family’s loss. The Hughes family.’
After a brief playing career in Wales, Hughes became a licensed agent, and went on to work with his father as an analyst at clubs he managed including Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Fulham.
Hughes later served as director of football at AFC Fylde before joining Grimsby Town.
