Gary Speed: Farewell to a Legend

An almighty sense of shock reverberated around football yesterday as it was announced that Welsh Manager Gary Speed had taken his own life.

The tragedy moved many people to tears as they mourned someone who was not only a fantastic football player in his time, but also a genuine and down to earth person.

Fans of many different clubs spent their evening calling football phone-in shows to pay their respects, and to share tales of just how much of a warm, kind and popular individual Speed had been. Some shared memories of how he would go out of his way to get tickets for fans, or how he would take the time to stop and chat with everyone he could – appearing an immensely friendly and genuine man. Football professionals of all ages hailed him as an inspiring leader and loyal teammate. It was a sad day for millions of people, some with no interest in football, and everyone's thoughts were firmly with Gary's family.

It is certainly a time to mourn, but also a time to celebrate a great footballing career, which began at Leeds United in the late 1980s. Gary Speed made his debut for the first team as a teenager and became an integral part of the success at Elland Road, helping the side win the English title in 1992. After over 300 appearances at Leeds he moved to Everton for £3.5m in 1996, and he would go on to captain the Toffees during his spell at Goodison.

Next up for Speed was Newcastle United, who paid £5.5m for the services of the midfielder in 1998. It was at St James' Park that he enjoyed his first taste of Champions League football, and he also played in two FA Cup finals for the Magpies. Spells at Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United followed before Speed hung up his boots at the grand old age of 39.

Internationally he still holds the record number of outfield caps for his native Wales, winning 85 in total – 44 of which he played as captain of his country. He became the first player to reach 500 Premier League appearances, and will be remembered as a hard-working, combative midfielder, but one with plenty of ability and a thunderous left foot. He was dominant in the air, wore his heart on his sleeve and lead by example.

He was still in the infancy of his managerial career, but was already making great strides in charge of the Welsh national team. The nation had risen from 117^th in the FIFA rankings to 45^th, and the revival was epitomised in their recent 4-1 victory over Norway, Speed's third successive win, and fifth in total, as boss.

The strength of feeling towards a Welsh, and football, great was typifyied at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea yesterday afternoon. A minute's silence was due to be observed by the supporters of Swansea City and Aston Villa prior to their Premier League match, but this was interrupted by rapturous applause and verses of "One Gary Speed". Mere words can't even come close to doing Gary Speed justice, but it's all that many of us now have. At just 42 years old he left this world far too young, but his legacy will live on in football supporters around the globe.

By Laurie Dunsire