Gary Speed Found Dead
A sad day for Welsh football fans, as news of the death of Gary Speed has been announced by the Football Association Of Wales (FAW).
Cheshire Police have confirmed that the Welsh football manager was found dead at 07:08 GMT. He was found in his home in Huntington, Chester. It is believed that Speed committed suicide, though police have stated that there were no suspicious circumstances.
In a statement, Cheshire Police stated "At 7.08am on Sunday 27th November Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntington in Chester.
"Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed."
Speed, born in Mancot in Flintshire, was signed by Leeds United in 1988, making his debut at nineteen years of age. During the eight-year period at Elland Road, he saw the club win the First Division Championship in 1992 as well as the League Cup defeat in 1996.
After an eighteen month stay at Everton after a £3.5 million move, his period with Newcastle United from 1998 onwards was where Speed came to his own as a senior player, appearing in over 200 Premier League games and was part of the side that reach the FA Cup Finals in 1998 and the following year.
During his 14-year career at international level, Speed earned 85 caps and scored 44 times. In 2004, he retired from the international game
After his time with Bolton Wanderers (2001-08) and Sheffield United (2008-2010), Speed had his first managerial job with Sheffield United at the start of the 2010-11 season. Four months later, he was linked with the then vacant Wales managerial position, which he was appointed to the position in December of 2010.
During his time of being Wales manager, Speed stated that he was satisfies with the first ten games managing his country. At the time of the 4-1 friendly victory over Norway, Speed said "We've progressed further than I'd have thought in this space of time but we;ve still got a lot of work to do."
First Minister Carwyn Jones called the news "devastating", and said that he was deeply saddened. He continued, saying "Our thoughts are with his family at what must be a very difficult time for them."
Fellow Welsh team mate Robbie Savage tweeted about the news, in which he said that "The world has lost a great man in Gary speed I'm devastated spoke to him yesterday morning why ! Why. Why !! I'll miss him so much x”
Savage also tweeted "He was upbeat on phone yesterday we were laughing together , talking football and dancing he was a great teammate and a great friend"
Ryan Giggs has said the following about Speed: "I'm totally devastated. Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a teammate."
Aaron Ramsey also tweeted regarding Speed's death, where he said that "Today the world has lost a great football manager but even more sadly a great man. He will be missed by all."
The FAW president Phil Pritchard said they would do "whatever we can" to help Speed's family.
Tributes to Gary Speed (via BBC Sport)
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2 Comments – Post a comment
tommy b
Commented 6 months ago - 27th November 2011 - 18:34pm
A sad day indeed- we have lost a true gent of a man who will be hard to replace..thoughts are with family and friends at this awful time.
CLICryan
Commented 6 months ago - 28th November 2011 - 10:42am
Still in shock. Everyone at CLIC's thoughts are also with Gary Speed's family.