Tributes after Wales manager Gary Speed's suicide
Wales manager and TV pundit Gary Speed was found dead at his Cheshire home this morning
TRIBUTES are flooding in for Gary Speed, the Wales manager and former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton player, who was found hanged at his Chester home this morning.
Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. They later confirmed that Speed appears to have taken his own life.
The charismatic 42-year-old appeared as a pundit on the BBC's Football Focus just yesterday. Host Dan Walker tweeted today: "Staggered by the news of Gary Speed's death. Was with him for most of yesterday."
As news of Speed's death broke this morning, a one-minute silence was hastily arranged at the Liberty Stadium before the kick-off of Swansea v Aston Villa. In the event, it was anything but silent as fans chanted "One Gary Speed, there's only one Gary Speed".
The Sunday Mirrror reports that Mark Bowen, a team-mate of Speed's for several years at Wales, told BBC Radio 5 Live today: "I'm totally stunned and devastated, you feel completely numb.
"I can't put into words what a fantastic guy he was. 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."
Bobby Gould, the man who gave Speed the Wales job, told the Mail on Sunday: "I'm stunned and a few tears have been shed. It is so sad.
"He was a great pro. He would play anywhere for you - left back, left wing, centre of midfield, wide left. It's such a tragedy."
During a glittering career, Speed earned 85 international caps and scored seven goals for his country. His club career arguably reached its height with his six years at Newcastle United.
Speed retired from the game as a player last year. After a short tenure as manager of Sheffield United, he became Wales's national team manager in December 2010. He leaves behind a wife, Louise, and two sons. ·
