With the world of football still reeling from the news of Gary Speed’s death, the tributes to commemorate the Wales manager’s life came flooding in as thousands remembered an industrious career.
The 42-year-old had clearly meant so much to so many, as his colleagues, friends and the thousands upon thousands of fans whose hearts he had touch mourned the loss of a great player and a greater personality.
As the news broke, the world was left in shock as the Wales manager who had appeared on Football Focus punditry programme only hours before, was found hanged in his £1.5m mansion.
Tributes to Gary Speed
His closest friends were amongst the media tributes. Most fitting was his co-wales midfielder Robbie Savage, who had been captained by Speed in the early days of his international career. Savage, who has been a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, remarked that he had spoken to the 42-year-old on Friday night, where the pair had joked about Savage’s two left feet.
It marked an incredibly sad day, as Cheshire police confirmed that his body had been discovered at 7.08am under unsuspicious circumstances. Later reports confirmed that his death came because he hand hanged himself, confirming the rumours that the Welshman had committed suicide.
The ex-midfielder had played for many clubs and as a result the Welshman had won the hearts of many. Making a name for himself as a player at Leeds United, he won the First Division title with the Yorkshire giants in its last season, before the league got rebranded at as the Premier League.
Speed then went on to play for Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United before starting his managerial career as the Wales International boss.
And 42-year-old managerial career was shaping up in perfect form. Winning his last three games in charge, Speed had won 5 of his ten games in charge.
Speeds’ Family
The Welshman leaves behind two teenage children and his wife Louise behind.
Wales legend Ryan Giggs called Speed ‘one of the nicest men in football’, which gave a fitting tribute to a man who had won as many hearts as he had caps.
