Death of Gary Speed Shocks Football World

The football world is in shock after the 42-year-old manager of the Wales football team was found dead on Sunday morning. Despite appearing on BBC programme ‘Football Focus' just the day before, Gary Speed was found hanged in his family home.

Tributes from friends and colleagues have been pouring in, as everyone struggles to come to terms with Speed's unexpected suicide. The sentiment repeated over and over is one of complete shock. Even to those closest to him, Speed appeared a happy man, with a loving family and a new career showing plenty of early promise.

Glittering Career

Speed had enjoyed a long and glittering football career in England, playing in the Premier League for Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United. He was the first player to reach 500 Premier League appearances and still holds the record as the outfield player with most caps for Wales.

After finally retiring last year, he took on the role as Wales manager in December 2010, and the team were starting to show impressive progress under his control.

After details of his death emerged on Sunday morning, a minute's silence was held before the match between Welsh side Swansea and Aston Villa. However, such was the feeling towards Speed that the silence spontaneously and poignantly erupted in to a minute's applause as tears streamed down a number of players' faces.

Reaction

Below are just a few of the thousands of messages of support from his friends and colleagues:

Wales captain and Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey: "I was given the tragic news this morning. To say I am devastated is an understatement. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary's family and friends. Today the world has lost a great football manager but even more sadly a great man. He will be missed by all."

Manchester United and former Wales midfielder Ryan Giggs: "I am totally devastated. Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a team-mate and friend. Words cannot begin to describe how sad I feel at hearing this awful news."

Former Newcastle team-mate Alan Shearer: "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."

Fulham and Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes: "Can't believe the news. I'm devastated. One of the greatest guys I've ever had the privilege of knowing. An idol in every sense."

Former Sunderland striker Niall Quinn: "This sad, sad news has devastated everyone at the club. His career speaks for itself but the esteem in which he was held universally was immense and absolutely unique. His enthusiasm, his spirit of fair play and the encouraging leader he became towards the end of his playing career seemed to be paving the way to a fantastic career in management."

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