Shocking news today that Wales manager Gary Speed is dead. Speed was found dead at his home near Chester in an apparent suicide.
A spokesman for the Cheshire Police said:
“At 7.08am today, Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntington, Chester. “Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed.
“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. The family have requested that they are left in peace to grieve at this difficult time. A family tribute will be released at a later date but not today.”
The news shocked everyone in England and Wales. On Saturday Speed had appeared happy and optimistic on BBC1’s Football Focus programme. He talked enthusiastically about his team’s improving fortunes and his hopes for success in World Cup qualifying matches next year.
FAW Chief Executive, Jonathan Ford said:
“I, and all of the football family of Wales, am devastated by the news of Gary’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family at this difficult time. In that short space of time (with Wales) he showed the talent he had for working with the players. He had such a bright, fantastic future to look forward to in football but that is secondary…it’s about his family and his boys.”
Premier League matches at Swansea and Liverpool went ahead with players wearing black armbands.
The minute’s silence at the Liberty Stadium quickly turned into applause with chants of “there’s only one Gary Speed.”
Speed leaves behind a wife and two sons.
photo credit: geezaweezer
