On Sunday 27/11/11 the footballing world came to an abrubt standstill as word spread that Gary Speed aged just 42 had taken his own life. The Welsh manager who had a prestigious footballing career spanning 22 years was found by his wife in thier Cheshire mansion. Gary`s distraught wife Louise found him hung in their family home. She rang an ambulance and was given advice as to what to do. Her efforts were in vain .
Speed who had played for Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United had appeared the day before his death on BBC`s Football Focus. He showed no indication that he would take his own life the following day. Speed was talking about his future with Wales and how he was looking forward to the world cup qualifiers. Football Focus host Dan Walker later talked to BBC News and sated how "he couldn`t believe it " and thought it was "a sick twisted joke." Walker expressed how after the show Speed was talking about his two lads and how "good they were at football" and even asked if he could come on the show again sometime before christmas.
Tributes were left by supporters outside several football stadiums - including Everton's Goodison Park, at Leeds United's Elland Road, Newcastle United's St James' Park, The Millennium Stadium and Cardiff City Stadium. Tributes were also left by fellow professionals, Celebrities and even MP`s. Twitter exploded with tweets about the former Wales captain. Michael Owen whose children went to the same school as Gary Speed`s two sons tweeted "He has died aged 42, So sad. He lived local to me and we knew his family. He leaves behind 2 sons. Tragic." Bobby Gould, who appointed Speed as his captain when he took charge of Wales in 1995 spoke about Speed`s death after the game between Swansea and Aston Villa. He said "Gary was a great person, a great player and a great skipper. I will miss him. He was one of my top three people in football." Former Welsh team-mate Robbie Savage writes "My captain, my hero, my mate is gone and I can’t understand why." Savage also said "The last time I saw him was three or four weeks ago when he came down to Strictly with his wife. After I’d completed my routine I high-fived him and I can see him sitting there now, a big smile on his face, so happy and so proud of his mate.That’s how I’ll always think of him. In high spirits with a broad smile, taking pleasure in his life and his friends." Aswell as writing for the Daily Mirror Robbie Savage also spoke about Speed on BBC News. He said how there was no indication of Speed taking his own life. Shortly after he broke down in tears and was unable to finish the interview. Shearer showed his respect too by saying "“Gary was a magnificent person, bright, fun and a wonderful family man. He lit up every room he walked into. I am proud to have been his friend and will miss him dreadfully." Shay Given tried to hold back tears after the minute silence in the game between Swansea and Aston Villa and Craig Bellamy pulled out of the game between Liverpool and Man City. However not every comment was respectful. Joey Barton once again was unable to keep the peace. He took it upon himself to tweet "Suicide is a mix of the most tragic, most selfish, most terrible (and I want to believe preventable) acts out there." However, Joey Barton was in the minority and his thoughts were not the same as most.
Following Gary Speed`s death 10 professional footballers have contacted the sporting chance clinic which helps players beat depression and addiction. This shows the effect that Speed had on his fellow professionals. Speed with 535 premier league appearences and 81 goals will be sorely missed not just by the footballing community but the sporting community as a whole. He was an inspirational player and man and was one of the best professionals football has ever seen. R.I.P Gary Speed.
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Jacob
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