Tributes paid to Wales manager Gary Speed, who has died at 42

Sports — 28 November 2011

Leeds United have expressed their “deepest sadness” at the death of the Wales manager Gary Speed. Speed, who played at Elland Road between 1988 and 1996, was found dead on Sunday morning.

“We are stunned to learn this news. The club expresses its deepest sadness,” said a Leeds spokesman. “Gary was very well thought-of throughout the game. He was a very likeable and popular man.”

Speed finished playing and began his managerial career at Sheffield United. A statement from the club read: “Everybody at Sheffield United is extremely shocked and saddened to learn of the death of former player and manager Gary Speed. Thoughts are with Gary’s family and friends at this distressing time.”

Players, managers and administrators also paid tribute:

Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal player and Wales captain

On Twitter: “I was given the tragic news this morning. To say I am devastated is an understatement. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary’s family and friends. Today the world has lost a great football manager but even more sadly a great man. He will be missed by all.”

Dean Saunders, former Wales player

“He was so fit – he was one of those players who would stay behind all day in training. I can’t believe what’s happened.”

Steven Taylor, Newcastle player

“It is a sad, sad day. I played with him when I came through the ranks. He helped me through, he was an absolute machine – the best professional in football. He had that aura about him. He always had time for the young lads and helped them feel good about themselves.”

Robbie Savage, former Wales player

On Twitter: “The world has lost a great man in Gary Speed. I’m devastated spoke to him yesterday morning why! Why. Why. … he loved life he loved his family. Devastated. He was upbeat on phone yesterday we were laughing together, talking football and dancing. He was a great team-mate and a great friend.”

Tony Dorigo, former Leeds player

On Twitter: “I’m completely shocked and saddened. A great guy and a better team-mate you couldn’t wish for. Speedo, RIP mate.”

Michael Owen, neighbour, nr Chester

On Twitter: “Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary Speed. We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at school. I’m numb. He has died aged 42. So sad. He lived local to me and we knew his family. He leaves behind 2 sons. Tragic.”

Stewart Regan, SFA chief executive

“I am speechless at the news of Gary Speed’s death. Craig Levein and I had lunch with him on Wednesday in Brussels. He was a talented young manager. So sad.”

Jonathan Ford, FAW chief executive

“I, and all of the football family of Wales, am devastated by the news of Gary’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family at this difficult time.”

Phil Pritchard, FAW president

“I am completely shocked by this terrible news and my thoughts are with his family. We will do whatever we can as an association to help them in this difficult time.”

Howard Wilkinson, former Leeds manager

“He was a star in the true sense. For him – at 42 – to leave us is such a tragic loss. He had a life of success to look forward to I’m sure. It’s unbelievable, I’m still struggling to get my head around it. I’ve known Gary since 1988 when I joined Leeds and I’ve rarely come across a better-balanced, lovely, genuine person. He was a terrific player.”

Bobby Gould, former Wales manager

“He was a great pro. He would play anywhere for you – left-back, left wing, centre of midfield, wide left. It’s such a tragedy.

“People are just stunned. I saw John Hartson earlier and I said, ‘Have you heard about Gary?’ The big man just cried and cried. We cuddled each other. Gary was the ultimate professional.”

Phil Gartside, Bolton chairman

“We are all stunned at the news of Gary. Not only was he a top-class professional but was a wonderful person who is very fondly remembered by all of us and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family at this time.”

Robert Elstone, Everton chief executive

“Gary was a popular player during his time here at Goodison Park and on behalf of the Board of Directors, management, players, staff and fans of Everton I would like to extend our sympathies to his family at this extremely difficult time.”

GARY Speed was found dead on Sunday.

Cheshire police in north-west England, where Speed lived, said in a statement that a 42-year-old man had been found hanged at his home and that there were no suspicious circumstances.

The FAW said in a statement: “That this tragedy should have overtaken someone so young and talented is a huge loss not only for his family and friends but a nation as a whole.

“We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy at this very sad time.”

Speed, who was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for services to football last year, leaves a wife and two sons.

Wales First Minister Carwyen Jones said the news was devastating and that he was deeply saddened, adding “our thoughts are with his family at what must be a very difficult time for them”.

Speed played for Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United in a playing career that spanned 22 seasons and he became Wales manager last December.

He was a member of the Leeds team that won the last First Division title in 1992, before the start of the Premier League, and he became the first player to make 500 Premier League appearances during his time at Bolton in Dec. 2006. He retired after making 535 appearances in the Premier League.

He also made 85 appearances for Wales between 1990 and 2004, becoming their most capped outfield player and second highest overall behind goalkeeper Neville Southall.

He then turned to management – briefly with Sheffield United as player-manager before taking charge of Wales. Although Wales were eliminated from the race for the Euro 2012 finals, they had won their last three internationals and there were signs of real improvement under Speed’s guidance.

MINUTE’S SILENCE

The news of his death broke a short while before Welsh club Swansea City were due to play Aston Villa in the Premier League at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium and after some debate by the authorities about whether the match would go ahead, the decision was taken that it would.

Four of Speed’s Welsh squad were playing: Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor and Joe Allen of Swansea, with their international team mate James Collins lining up for Villa.

A minute’s silence just before kickoff was broken with the crowd bursting into spontaneous applause in Speed’s memory after a few seconds, and chanting his name.