Shocking news this morning that Gary Speed, the current Wales manager and former top Newcastle midfielder and Welsh International, is dead at the age of 42.
Gary Speed – dead at 42
The 42-year-old passed away in the early hours of this morning, and it comes after Gary had taken over the Welsh National side, and had them win three games in a row for the first time for a long time.
Speed’s death was announced about an hour ago by the Welsh Football Association.
A statement from the Welsh FA read:
“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.”
It is being reported that his death is a suspected suicide by hanging at his home in Huntington in Cheshire.
Cheshire Constabulary announced that they were not treating Speed’s death as suspicious, and have confirmed that his death was an apparent suicide.
Gary Speed played under Sir Bobby Robson at Newcastle and played 285 times with 40 goals for the Magpies before he moved on to play for Bolton Wanderers in 2004, shortly before Robson was sacked.
Before he took over the Welsh job he was manager at Sheffield United with John Carver as his Assistant Manager.
Gary was best friends with Alan Shearer and their families used to spend their holidays together in the summer, when they both played in the very successful Newcastle side.
Not only was Gary Speed one of the best footballers Wales have ever produced – he played 85 times for his country – but he was also a wonderful person.
We are absolutely devastated by this very sad news, and offer his family our most sincere condolences.
Rest in peace Gary Speed.
146 comments so far
shirtonapole tinooo
Nov 27, 2011 at 9:30 PM
Comment #121davyb, was surprised when u said fulham….
just looked at the table and realised where they are.
shows how good we´re doing haven´t looked at the bottom half of the table all season 😀
Colo2
Nov 27, 2011 at 9:34 PM
Comment #122Still shocked by the news, a truely great professional. RIP Gary Speed
Pendza
Nov 27, 2011 at 9:44 PM
Comment #123Just been hearing Bruces at the scum has been sacked, havnt seen anything on here…. anyone confirm?
shirtonapole tinooo
Nov 27, 2011 at 9:46 PM
Comment #124amazin player, watchin that youtube tribute, i´d forgotten how good he was.
still not happy though, hope there´s a good explanation.
Scottishtoon95
Nov 27, 2011 at 9:46 PM
Comment #125Cheers Thump and Lewspi, funny Shola pretty much said the exact same thing that I said.
GeordieToon89
Nov 27, 2011 at 9:48 PM
Comment #126A think if Martin O’niell takes charge a think they’ll be okay hes a good manager and plus ad imagine short will defo give him the backing in january… Would much prefer to talk about this kind of stuff on another thread just doesnt feel right..
RIP Gary Speed, Legend, Icon, Gentleman! Thoughts go soley out to your family at this moment, Sir Bobby will look after you up in heaven, you will always be remembered forever and more!
Bring back the noise this saturday lads we need to show Speedy we will never forget him and make saturday a day he would he proud of as he was yday with our draw..
A win for Speed will make his Star shine even brighter
shirtonapole tinooo
Nov 27, 2011 at 9:57 PM
Comment #127is bruce definately a gonner???
i´d be disappointed, he´s been doing really well for us. 😉
davybtoon
Nov 27, 2011 at 9:57 PM
Comment #128i hope its not true about bruce hes doing a cracking job
yea we hav to make sat atmosphere outstanding for speed
Ldntoon
Nov 27, 2011 at 10:04 PM
Comment #129I always liked Viana even had him on the back of my shirt, this is class though
http://www.101greatgoals.com/hugo-viana-pays-his-respects-to-former-team-mate-gary-speed-post-porto-braga/117201/
RIP Gary Speed
Dennis Twice
Nov 27, 2011 at 10:07 PM
Comment #130RIP Gary
ArchieDog
Nov 27, 2011 at 10:13 PM
Comment #131True Legend. RIP Gary Speed, and as far all the talk of the selfishness of suicide , take your debate else where , not only is it disrespectful it’s hurtful for anyone who’s been affected by such issues.
AP's Black & White Army
Nov 27, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Comment #132I suffer from depression.
If you watch Gary’s final appearance on Football Focus, he’s barely containing it. Wan smiles, the mask is slipping. He’s visibly anxious and agitated, although simultaneously he seems at peace – an empty vessel.
He’d have thought about it long and hard, months, maybe even years, depending on the span of his illness, then one time it grips you. In my opinion, he’s already decided before this interview.
The question sufferers ask themselves more than anything is: “Why am I doing this, what is it all for ultimately?”
Life weighs so heavily on some.
GeordieToon89
Nov 27, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Comment #133Ldntoon – Must say mate a loved Viana a was gutted when he went cos he was a real talent had such a sweet left foot, he just wasnt given enough time and enough chances at us
Ryan2502
Nov 27, 2011 at 10:31 PM
Comment #134RIP Gary Speed. A true Geordie hero, not by birth, but certainly an adopted Geordie, I’m sure you’ll all agree. Still can’t believe he’s no longer with us! Hope he is at peace now. Like someone on here said earlier, he can now be part of Sir Bobby’s team in heaven.
RIP Gary, the Toon Army will do you proud next week, i’m sure. Let’s lift the roof off St James’, and help the lads get the three points for Speedy!
GeordieToon89
Nov 27, 2011 at 10:37 PM
Comment #135Btw a think we missed out on a class player when we didnt get Neil Taylor hes a really good young left back
Aussiedave
Nov 27, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Comment #136RIP Gary, what a fantastic player and professional, You know someone is well respected when you never hear anyone say anything negative about them. Sir Booby was one of these types of people truly respected, Gary Speed was is the same class.
Aussiedave
Nov 27, 2011 at 10:40 PM
Comment #137Sir Bobby! sorry about the typo
shamsoftabriz
Nov 27, 2011 at 11:01 PM
Comment #138What a sad day. Condolences to the Speed family, especially his two children. All the love in the world to them.
israeli_fan
Nov 27, 2011 at 11:02 PM
Comment #139Most of the people don’t know that Speedo was Bobbys favourite player.
Like any of you, I was shocked when I heard about it, but the thing that caused me tears in my eyes was when I saw the legend Shay Given in the game today.
there are some players you simply can’t forget because of their character and modesty like Speed,Harper, Shay, Lee, Beardsley, Solano and Aaron Hughes.
Speed was pretty much like SBR- Very good as a player, Superb as a manager, but above all- expectional as a person.
RIP GARY SPEED.. FROM A VERY SAD ISRAELI SUPPORTER
kilcline
Nov 27, 2011 at 11:10 PM
Comment #140Still can’t believe it, Sir Bobby will look after him now, RIP Speedo, you will always be remembered up in these parts.
Geordie-Jake
Nov 27, 2011 at 11:31 PM
Comment #141RIP Gary Speed :'(
HamarMagpie
Nov 27, 2011 at 11:32 PM
Comment #142Show some respect boys. This is a article for condolences and fond memorys of Gary Speed. Don’t spoil this by talking about Sunderland and Steve Bruce. Grow up and show some respect. RIP Gary Speed. A true legend and great ambassador for the Toon and footbal in general
Geordie-Jake
Nov 27, 2011 at 11:33 PM
Comment #143I’ve just been thinkin bout this january carry on, if cashley accepts an offer frm someone and then they open talks with tiote, wot happens if tiote rejects them cos he wants to stay here? does tht mean he’ll stay here and tht cashley cant do anythin about it?
kevymartins
Nov 27, 2011 at 11:34 PM
Comment #144wow such a devastating day to the world of football and to make it worse they had michael owen on motd
Gary speed was an amazing guy on and off the pitch and will never be forgotten..I wish the best for his family
R.I.P Speedo
JP...from The Rock
Nov 28, 2011 at 12:45 AM
Comment #145RIP Gary
Gone but never forgotten.
Expat MAG
Nov 28, 2011 at 4:13 AM
Comment #146Why oh why? Gary will always be remembered for being gifted, professional, a gentleman and an ambassador for Newcastle United in the golden SBR era.
My deepest condolenses to the Speed family on this tragic day.
RIP Gary, an adopted Geordie….