One Gary Speed

As you was all tucking into the traditional Sunday roast of a cold winter November day, none of you would have been expecting to witness on the news, or to receive messages from friends, that Gary Speed had passed away, I sure wasn't watching the news at dinner time, I had to re-read twice and listen twice as the reporter broke the news of the former Premiership stars death. In an even more shocking turn of events an hour or so later, grim details came out that he took his own life. Why he did this, is still unclear, so I won't speculate about the subject.

The news rocked the football world, with people feeling, numb, cold, shocked, by the news. The news came just hours before Swansea were set to play Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium, the tribute which was paid, was very moving, a standing ovation, for one of Wales' best players, and potentially could have been one of the greatest managers too, as Speed was looking at turning the Welsh woes to a thing of the past, with recent wins over, Switzerland, Montenegro and Norway.

'One Gary Speed' rang round the ground that Sunday afternoon in Swansea, and other clubs followed suit as and when their games suited, Shay Given, a close friend of Speed, was tearful before the sides kicked off for the game, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Understandably, the players minds would have been elsewhere that day.

Tributes poured in from all over the football world, and general public, most people commented with the same opinions and thoughts of him, as a 'good bloke' 'geniune person' 'father figure in football'. Robbie Savage, a close friend of Speeds, is tearful as he gives an interview live on the BBC shortly after his death is announced

Bolton was one of the clubs Speed played
for during his career

Gary Speed's former clubs included, Leeds United, Bolton Wanderers, Everton, Newcastle United, and Sheffield United, he was the first player to have surpassed 500 Premier League appearances, in his club career he scored 103 goals from 677 appearances. He is also Wales most capped outfield player with 85 caps, and 7 goals to go with this. He also was skipper at every club he has been at, a true inspirational leader it goes to say.

Quotes, came in around the clock for Speed, as news broke of his death,

"I was given the tragic news this morning. To say I am devastated is an understatement."- Aaron Ramsey

"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." - Alan Sheaer

"He was an amazing and talented player, one who had a glittering career, and he had just started a great career in management.- David Beckham

Speed's legacy on the pitch and how to behave away from the pitch will be one to hold up to youngsters in the future, as Speed never got himself into bother, he also made time for other people, a true gent on an off the field of play, he shyed away from the media spot light, and lived a very private and average life, unlike certain players of today. He never was in the press for bad things. A true role model.

'One Gary Speed'

To round off this tribute to Speed, I will leave below a couple of videos, of fan tributes to the late, great, former Premiership football player, the football world has lost, a great potential manager, but the world has lost, a great gentleman.

He leaves behind a wife and two children.

RIP Gary Speed 8th September 1969 - 27th November 2011

Gone... But not forgotten