Around 12:30 on Sunday 27th November, it was announced by many online sources that Gary Speed was dead. At the age of 42, a police spokesman stated that “it was not in suspicious circumstances” and announced that the Wales football manager had hanged himself. The FAW announced in a statement that they, “extend [their] sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy at this very sad time.” At current, there has been no speculation over why Speed took his own life. Gary Speed leaves behind his spouse and two children.
His death shocked the nation and within 5 minutes of the news breaking on The Telegraph the topic was widespread on Facebook with “R.I.P Gary Speed” occupying the news feed of all and furthermore it had already trended on Twitter. His death was sudden and shocking and the the rate at which tributes and condolences appeared online acts as testament to the former Newcastle midfielder.
The effect of the untimely death of the former Sheffield United player and manager was only emphasized further by the fact that he was on our screens, across the nation, the day before, alongside Dan Walker on Football Focus. The 34-year old British sport journalist tweeted immediately following the Welshman’s death, “Staggered by the news of Gary Speed’s death. Was with him for much of yesterday. I genuinely cannot believe it. Thoughts with his family.” The touching tweet came just 22 hours after Walker had expressed his delight at Speed’s presence on the BBC football show, “Thought McAllister & Speed were class today,” and his sentiments were echoed in numerous replies and retweets stating that he was a “likable guest.”
Dan Walker was clearly heavily affected by the news, further tweeting as the news broke, “Gary was full of life yesterday talking about his kids, bright future with Wales, twitter, golf. Can’t get my head round it. So sad.”
The former Welsh international, who gained 85 caps for his country, had only retired from football in 2010 aged 41 and immediately thrust himself into the managerial side of the game with his then current club, Sheffield United. His spell was short-lived though, with Wales stating their desire to have him at the helm just four months into his managerial career and last December he was announced as his country’s boss. Less than a year later the former Wales and Everton captain is no longer with us.
He led his team within 3 points of the chance to progress further, but the victories came a bit too late and all of his 9 points in qualifying came in three of the last four games. Victories over Switzerland and Montenegro twice ensured that Wales finished the qualifying stages on a high, even if they failed to progress. Their future looks bright too and this is undoubtedly down to the turnaround in fortunes that Speed oversaw, including their FIFA ranking increasing from their lowest ever of 117th to 45th.
Speed continued his work with Wales right up until Wednesday in which he was in Brussels for the scheduling of fixtures for the 2014 World Cup and his comments were positive and focused on the future, “This is such a well-balanced group that we knew everyone would be looking for an early advantage,” said Speed in a statement for the FAW, “As always, there had to be some give and take, but I am very glad that we did not have to use the June qualifying dates.”
As a player, Speed was an evergreen in the Premier League, being the first player to make 500 appearances in the 19 year-old competition, until his move to Sheffield United saw him drop into the second tier of English football for the first time since he won the Football League First division with Leeds in a midfield department that boasted Strachan, Batty and McAllister.
His honours speak for themselves and in 2010 his contribution to football was acknowledged with an MBE in the Birthday Honours. The man will be sorely missed and his mark on English and Welsh football will forever be a benchmark for loyalty and patriotism.
Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit
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Such a sad day for anyone connected with his family and the footballing world. The question everyone will be asking is why, but for now that is probably not the time.
My deepest sympathy to his wife and young children.