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Footballers mourn death of Gary Speed

Comment: 0 November 28th, 2011 by: admin

The unexpected and tragic passing of Wales manager Gary Speed came as a sudden blow to fellow players shaken to the core upon hearing the news.

Known to be on his way to transforming the Welsh team into a more competitive force, Speed, 42, was remembered and mourned by friends and teammates, as well as some of the sport’s top names.

Perhaps more shocking than Speed’s death were the circumstances by which it took place.  Reports are suggesting that the former Wales player was found hanged in his country home in Cheshire Sunday morning.

Officials say there were ‘no suspicious circumstances’.

His body was found the morning after he had appeared on live television and was seen chatting with other football experts and expressing his hopes for Wales’ success in the World Cup qualifiers next year.

Aaron Ramsey, captain of the Wales team Speed managed, led the tributes stating he was more than devastated.

‘To say I am devastated is an understatement,’ said Ramsay, who also plays midfielder for Arsenal.  ‘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.’

A statement announcing Speed’s passing was posted on the website of the Football Association of Wales.

‘The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed.  We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family.  We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy at this very sad time.’

Shay Given, keeper for Aston Villa, was seen unable to hold back the tears at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium, where a moment of silence was held in remembrance of Speed just before kickoff.

The tears also came for Speed’s friend and former Wales teammate Robbie Savage while paying tribute on camera.

‘Gary was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to have called a team-mate and a friend,’ Savage said.  ‘Words cannot describe how sad I feel at hearing this awful news.’

Savage continued, tearfully stated that Speed ‘had a caring, loving family and was doing great at his job.  Why has this happened?  It’s the most incredible news I’ve heard in my lifetime.’

‘I spoke to him yesterday and we were laughing and joking,’ Savage recalled.

‘As my captain when I was a young boy in the squad, he’d come to me and I could go to him with my problems.’

The death of the 42-year old received various responses from tear-filled statements to complete absences from crucial matches, as was the case for Liverpool’s Welsh attacker Craig Bellamy.

‘It was best for me to make the decision [to let Bellamy no play against Manchester City] today,’ said Reds manager Kenny Dalglish.  ‘He was very very close to Gary, who was almost a mentor for him, someone he admired and looked up to, and he was upset.

‘There’s no way that a game of football is more important than grief – and that was the decision I made,’ Dalglish explained.

John Hartson recalled breaking down the moment he learned about the death of his former teammate.

‘I walked into the Liberty Stadium at about 10 to 12 because I was on the radio duties,’ he said.

‘Bobby Gould pulled me to one side and told me the news.  I just went totally numb and pulled my head into Bobby’s shoulder.  I was emotional and I just drove off.’

Hartson remembered himself, Speed, Craig Bellamy, Robby Savage and Ryan Giggs to have grown up together in the sport.

‘[We] were around the same age and all came through together.’

Speed is survived by his wife Louise, and teenage sons Ed and Tommy.

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