Today, the football world was left in shock after the discovery of Wales manager Gary Speed, who was found hanged at his Cheshire home.
The former star of Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle, and Bolton, who made an appearance on BBC’s Football Focus show just yesterday, was 42 years old.
Authorities have stated that there are no suspicious circumstances regarding his death, which is believed to be a suicide. He is survived by his wife Louise and their two sons.
After the tragic news broke, tributes poured in for the Wales boss, who had just retired from playing last year after earning 85 caps and scoring seven goals for his country.
A minute’s silence was swiftly arranged at the Liberty Stadium during Swansea City’s match against Aston Villa following the announcement of the news.
Shay Given, the former teammate and current goalkeeper for Villa, was seen in tears before the game. The Football Association of Wales confirmed today the passing of their manager.
In their statement, the FAW expressed sadness: ‘The Football Association of Wales is mournful to announce the passing of national team manager Gary Speed.’
‘Our sympathies and condolences go to the family. We kindly urge everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.’
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police mentioned: ‘At 7:08 am today (UK time), Cheshire Police was notified of a sudden death at an address in Huntingdon, Chester.’
‘Officers arrived and discovered a 42-year-old man deceased. The next of kin have been informed and confirmed his identity as Gary Speed.’
‘No suspicious circumstances surround the death, and the family has requested privacy to grieve peacefully.’
‘This matter will now be referred to the coroner.’
Within moments, a flood of condolence messages appeared on Twitter.
Former Wales manager Mark Hughes expressed: ‘I’m heartbroken. It was a privilege to work alongside him and to call him a friend. My thoughts are with his family.’
Bobby Gould, who appointed Mr. Speed as Wales captain, said: ‘I’m shocked and have shed a few tears. It’s utterly tragic.’
‘He was an exceptional professional. He would play anywhere you needed him – left back, left wing, center midfield, wide left. It’s such a tragedy.
‘Everyone is in disbelief. I spoke with John Hartson earlier, and when I asked him if he had heard about Gary, he just broke down in tears. We embraced each other.’
‘He’s left (the Liberty Stadium) in respect for Gary, acknowledging that he couldn’t work this afternoon. Speedo was his dear friend. They were buddies.’
‘Gary embodied professionalism.’
Mr. Speed appeared on the BBC’s Football Focus show on Saturday alongside host Dan Walker.
Earlier today, Mr. Walker tweeted: ‘I’m astonished by the news of Gary Speed’s death.’
‘I spent most of yesterday with him. I truly cannot comprehend it. My thoughts are with his family.’
While on the show, Mr. Speed, who was with Gary McAllister, expressed to Walker that nothing compares to playing football.Today on BBC News, former Wales teammate Robbie Savage remarked: ‘I just can’t believe it. He was my mate and he’s gone.’
‘In the last few years, I’ve grown very close to Gary – he’s a trooper, leaving behind two beautiful kids and a wonderful wife. He had everything, truly everything.’
‘Yesterday, I spoke with him, sharing laughs and jokes – he told me to make sure I don’t get a two from Craig (Revel Horwood, the Strictly Come Dancing judge) tonight, you know. That was Gary – always thinking of others.’
‘When I was a young boy in the squad, he was my captain, and I could approach him with my issues.’
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish stated: ‘Hearing the news made my blood run cold – it’s absolutely horrific.’
‘Gary was excelling with the Welsh team. This news is truly sad.’
Welsh international footballer Simon Church expressed: ‘I can’t believe it. Such a remarkable man and a true Welsh footballing legend, an inspiration for all.’
Osian Roberts, the Wales assistant coach, offered an emotional tribute to Mr. Speed, saying: ‘It’s tragic news, completely unbelievable.’
‘We looked forward to Wales’ camps because he led by example, inspiring hard work, demanding more from everyone.’
‘Everyone aspired to do their best because he was a kind-hearted individual.’
‘I know I represent everyone when I say the entire Welsh camp is devastated.’
Doncaster manager Dean Saunders, a former international teammate of Mr. Speed, told BBC Five Live: ‘He was incredibly fit – a player who would stay behind all day for training. I can’t believe what has happened.’
When asked if the Swansea match against Aston Villa should’ve been postponed, Saunders shared: ‘My heart goes out to his wife and dad; I feel more for them than the football itself.’
Alan Shearer, who played alongside Mr. Speed at Newcastle from 1998 to 2004, formed a close bond with him.
He reflected: ‘Gary was a remarkable person, full of brightness, fun, and a devoted family man – he lit up every room he entered. I am honored to have been his friend and will miss him immensely.’
Newcastle defender Steven Taylor, who joined the first team at St James’s Park while Mr. Speed was a senior player, expressed gratitude for the support he received from the midfielder.
‘It’s a truly sad day. I played alongside him as I progressed through the ranks,’ Mr. Taylor told Radio Five Live. ‘He guided me through; he was an absolute machine – the finest professional in football.’
‘He had a unique presence. He always took time for the younger players and helped them feel confident.’
Stewart Regan, the chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, was taken aback by the news, having met Speed just days earlier.
He remarked: ‘I am at a loss for words regarding Gary Speed’s death. Craig Levein (Scotland boss) and I had lunch with him in Brussels on Wednesday. He was a gifted young manager. Such a tragedy.’
Former Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson characterized Mr. Speed’s passing as a ‘tragic loss’, calling the ex-Wales midfielder a ‘true star’.
However, he noted that Mr. Speed had faced ‘all the stresses and strains as well as the positive experiences that life brings.’
‘The players I worked with embodied every character imaginable, but in Gary’s case, he was a genuine star,’ he stated.
‘For him – atSuch a tragic loss it is to lose him. I’m certain he had a life filled with success to look forward to.’
Praising Mr Speed’s talent on the field, he remarked: ‘It’s unbelievable; I’m still trying to comprehend it. Since I joined Leeds in 1988, I have known Gary, and rarely have I encountered a more balanced, genuine, and wonderful person.
In 1996, Gary Speed wed his wife Louise. The couple is blessed with two children, Tommy and Ed.
As a young boy, Speed was an avid Everton supporter and attended Hawarden High School.
He launched his professional career with Leeds United, debuting at the age of 19 alongside Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister, and David Batty.
In 1996, he transferred to Everton for a fee of £3.5 million, where he served as captain before moving to Newcastle in 1998 for £5.5 million.
In 2004, he joined Bolton Wanderers, and in 2006 he made history by becoming the first player to achieve 500 appearances in the Premiership.
He signed with Sheffield United and debuted on New Year’s Day in 2008; however, a back injury in November forced him to retire from playing.
During his international tenure, he played alongside the Welsh icons Ian Rush, Mark Hughes, Neville Southall, and Dean Saunders.
He served as captain of the Wales team until his retirement from international football in 2004. Having been capped 85 times for Wales, he holds the distinction of being the most capped outfield player.
In the 2010 Birthday Honours, he was appointed an MBE.
by Terence Johns
