Gary Speed dies suicide, 'He had everything... I just can't believe it': World of football in shock after 'suicide' of Welsh football boss Gary Speed, 42
- Body found hanged at his home in Cheshire
- Police say there are no suspicious circumstances
- Tributes flood in for the former Wales star
- Ryan Giggs: 'I'm devastated.'
- Minute's silence held at Premiership match shortly after the news broke
- Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given in tears on the pitch
- Former teammate Robbie Savage breaks down on live TV
- England star Michael Owen: 'Just cannot believe the news. I'm numb'
The world of football was in shock today after Wales manager Gary Speed was found hanged at his home in Cheshire.
The former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton star, who appeared on BBC's Football Focus show yesterday, was aged 42.
Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, which is thought to be suicide. He leaves his wife Louise and two sons.
As news of the tragedy struck, tributes flooded in for the Wales boss who only retired from playing last year, after winning 85 caps and scoring seven goals for his country.
A hastily-arranged minute's silence was held at Swansea City's match against Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium after the news broke today.
Former teammate Shay Given, now Villa's goalkeeper, was seen in floods of tears before the match.
The Football Association of Wales today confirmed that their manager had died.
In a statement, the FAW said: '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.'
A Cheshire Police spokesman added: 'At 7.08am today Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntingdon, 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 and the family have requested that they are left to grieve in peace.
'The death will now be a matter for the coroner.'
Within minutes, thousands of messages of condolence had been left on Twitter.
Ex-Wales boss Mark Hughes said: 'I'm devastated. He was a privilege to work alongside and call a friend. My thoughts are with his family.'
Bobby Gould, who made Mr Speed Wales captain, added: '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.
'People are just stunned. I saw John Hartson earlier and I said "have you heard about Gary?". The big man just cried and cried. We cuddled each other.
'He's gone home (from the Liberty Stadium). That is his respect towards Gary to say 'I can't work this afternoon'. Speedo was his pal. They were buddies.
'Gary was the ultimate professional.'
In today's late kick-off, Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy pulled out of the squad for his side's match at home to Manchester City after hearing about the death of his Wales manager and former teammate.
The striker returned home as he was too upset to play in the game against his former club.
Scroll down to see video of his last appearance on Football Focus
Mr Speed was a guest on the BBC's Football Focus show on Saturday with host Dan Walker.
Today, Mr Walker tweeted: 'Staggered by the news of Gary Speed's death.
'Was with him for most of yesterday. I genuinely cannot believe it. Thoughts with his family.'
Mr Speed - who was with Gary McAllister on the show - told Walker that there was nothing like playing football.
His club career lasted 22 years and he played for Wales for 14 years.
Speaking on BBC News today, former Wales teammate Robbie Savage said: 'I just can't believe it. He was my mate and he's gone.
'I've got very close to Gary in the last few years - the guy is a trooper, he's left two gorgeous kids behind and a beautiful wife. He had everything, he had everything.
'I spoke to him yesterday and we were laughing and joking - he was saying make sure you don't get a two off Craig (Revel Horwood, the Strictly Come Dancing judge) tonight, you know. That's what Gary's like - he always thinks about other people.
'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.'
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish said: 'My blood ran cold when I heard the news - it's absolutely horrific.
'Gary was doing fantastic with the Welsh team. It's very sad news.'
Welsh international footballer Simon Church wrote: 'I can't believe it. What a great man and a true welsh footballing legend a great inspiration to all.'
And his fellow player Joe Ledley added: 'So saddened by the loss of a great guy, manager & footballer. It was a pleasure to work under him. My thoughts are with his family.'
Wales assistant coach Osian Roberts paid an emotional tribute to Mr Speed, saying: 'It is tragic news, totally unbelievable.
'We looked forward to Wales camps because he led by example from the front, making people work harder, demanding more and everyone wanted to do their best because he was a generous person.
'I know I speak for everyone when I say everyone in the Welsh camp is devastated.'
Doncaster manager Dean Saunders, a former international team-mate of Mr Speed, told BBC Five Live: 'He was so fit - he was one of those players who would stay behind all day in training. I can't believe what's happened.'
Asked if the Swansea game against Aston Villa should have been postponed, Saunders added: 'I just feel for his wife and his dad, I feel sorry for them more than the football.'
Alan Shearer played alongside Mr Speed at Newcastle for six years between 1998 and 2004, formed a close friendship with the Welshman.
He said: 'Gary was a magnificent person, bright, fun and a wonderful family man - he lit up every room he walked into. I am proud to have been his friend and will miss him dreadfully.'
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who signed Speed from Everton during his spell as Newcastle manager, added: 'He was a smashing lad and was really well respected.
'We don't know the circumstances obviously, and there'll be a lot of people who are saddened at what's happened, but I think the most important people at this particular moment in time is his wife and kids - they must be absolutely devastated.
'It's at times like this that the football becomes a wee bit irrelevant.
'He was a very respected man in and around football, not only for his ability but for the guy as a person.'
Newcastle defender Steven Taylor, who came into the first team at St James's Park when Mr Speed was the side's senior professional, expressed his gratitude for the help the midfielder gave him at the club.
'It is a sad, sad day. I played with him when I came through the ranks,' Mr Taylor told Radio Five Live. 'He helped me through, he was an absolute machine - the best professional in football.
'He had that aura about him. He always had time for the young lads and helped them feel good about themselves.'
Scottish Football Association chief executive Stewart Regan was left shocked by the news as he had met Speed just days ago.
He said: 'I am speechless at the news of Gary Speed's death. Craig Levein (Scotland boss) and I had lunch with him on Wednesday in Brussels. He was a talented young manager. So sad.'
Tony Dorigo, who played alongside Mr Speed in the team which won the 1992 title, said on Twitter: 'I'm completely shocked and saddened. A great guy and a better team-mate you couldn't wish for. Speedo, RIP mate.'
Former Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson described Mr Speed's death as a 'tragic loss' and said the former Wales midfielder was a 'star in the true sense'.
But he said Mr Speed had been 'subject to all the stress and strains and the good things that happen to one in life.'
'The players I worked with represented all colours of the rainbow in terms of character but in Gary's case he was a star in the true sense,' he told BBC Radio Five Live.
'For him - at 42 - to leave us is such a tragic loss. He had a life of success to look forward to I'm sure.'
Hailing Mr Speed's ability on the pitch, he added: 'It's unbelievable, I'm still struggling to get my head around it. I've known Gary since 1988 when I joined Leeds and I've rarely come across a better balanced, lovely, genuine person.
'He was a terrific player - not as gifted as some but he made the most of everything he had - worst of all for me I knew his parents, in particular his dad, his lovely wife and family - I just find it very very difficult to come to terms with it. I cannot start to try and understand what his family are going through at this time.'
Television presenter Gethin Jones tweeted: 'I can't believe this news about Gary Speed. He was such a top man, a true gent. Had so much time for everyone. It doesn't feel real, so young.'
And Welsh Rugby star, Leigh Halfpenny said: 'Shocking news! Sad day for Sport and Wales! RIP Gary Speed.'
Manchester United striker Michael Owen, who lives near the star, tweeted: 'Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary Speed. We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at school. I'm numb.'
Former international teammate Robbie Savage said on Twitter: 'He was upbeat on phone yesterday we were laughing together, talking football and dancing he was a great teammate and a great friend.'
A Downing Street spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Gary Speed, who was greatly respected by football fans across the country both as a player and manager.
'The Prime Minister's thoughts are with his family and friends on this very sad day for fans everywhere, especially in Wales.'
DJ Chris Evans wrote on Twitter: 'The news about Gary Speed is such a shock. Very sad.'
Spanish footballer Xabi Alonso wrote on the site: 'RIP Gary Speed. My first PL game game was against him, he showed me in that game what is British football about.'
Mark Bowen, who played alongside Mr Speed for Wales for almost 10 years, told the BBC's The World this Weekend that he was a 'team-mate you could always rely on'.
He said: 'It's a very sad day. Even now there is a numbness about it. We can't believe it.
'It should be highlighted in his chosen profession what he actually did. He had a fantastic career as player and as a manager and a coach. It almost seems to pale into insignificance as what it means to his wife and two boys.
'He was actually a captain of the team when there were a lot of older, senior players in the squad at the same time - the likes of Mark Hughes and Ian Rush. That shows you the measure of the man.
'Having played with him he was a player, a team-mate you could always rely on. He'd be there for you.
'He was an uncomplicated character and as a player and he took those traits into management. He had a long career ahead of him.'
Mr Speed won 85 caps for his country during a 14-year international career.
He took over the Wales job in December 2010 despite only having four months managerial experience.
Earlier this month, said the side's rapid improvement in recent months had exceeded all expectations.
A 4-1 friendly win over Norway represented a third successive win for Wales, and Speed's fifth in 10 games as manager.
Earlier this week Mr Speed's young side were handed a series of tough World Cup fixtures in their bid to reach Brazil 2014.
Manchester United footballer Ryan Giggs said: 'I'm totally devastated. Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a teammate and friend.
Mr Speed, who made his footballing debut with Leeds at just 19, played a key role in winning the Football League First Division championship title in 1992 - the last time the team had any trophy success.
He was absent for the reunion picture, which featured club captain Gordon Strachan, players Gary McAllister and Lee Chapman, and manager Howard Wilkinson.
Mr Speed always looked back on his time at Leeds United and attributed his successful management style to Gordon Strachan.
Bolton, for whom Speed made more than 100 appearances between 2004 and 2008, also paid tribute in a statement on the official club website.
'Bolton Wanderers is deeply saddened to hear of the death of former player and club captain Gary Speed and wish to extend our deepest sympathy to his family,' the statement read.
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside added: 'We are all stunned at the news of Gary.
'Not only was he a top-class professional but was a wonderful person who is very fondly remembered by all of us and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family at this time.'
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who signed Mr Speed when he was manager of Newcastle, said that it had been difficult to concentrate on his side's match with Manchester City this afternoon.
'I think it would be disrespectful to Gary if we didn't get on with the game so we've just got to try and get on with it as best we can,' he told Sky News.
He said: 'He was a smashing lad and was really well respected.
'We don't know the circumstances obviously, and there'll be a lot of people who are saddened at what's happened, but I think the most important people at this particular moment in time is his wife and kids - they must be absolutely devastated.
'It's at times like this that the football becomes a wee bit irrelevant.
'He was a very respected man in and around football, not only for his ability but for the guy as a person.
'I signed Gary for £5million from Everton and he did a fantastic job for us at Newcastle, during the time I was there and after I'd left as well.'
Cardiff City Football Club's chairman Dato Chan Tien Ghee said: 'Everyone at the club and the football world was shocked on hearing the news and on behalf of all of us at Cardiff City I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Gary's family and friends at this sad time.
'We have lost a true gentleman, a real ambassador for the sport and the country of Wales. He will be missed by many.'
Lady Elsie Robson, the widow of Sir Bobby Robson, was shocked and saddened by the former Newcastle United man's death.
Mr Speed was a supporter of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation which funds cancer research.
A foundation spokeswoman tweeted: 'Gary was a generous supporter of the Foundation and a key player for Sir Bobby.
'Lady Elsie is very shocked and very sad at today's news. Gary Speed was someone Sir Bobby greatly respected as a player and as a person.'
A statement from Sheffield United, where he finished his playing career and went on to manage, read: 'Everybody at Sheffield United is extremely shocked and saddened to learn of the death of former player and manager Gary Speed.
'Thoughts are with Gary's family and friends at this distressing time.'
Hugh Robertson, the Minister for Sport and the Olympics, said: 'This is tragic and sad news. Gary Speed was a wonderful servant to his clubs and country throughout his career. My thoughts are with his family.'
Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan said: 'This is a sad day for football and for everyone in Wales. Gary Speed served club and country as a player and manager with great distinction.'
Wales First Minister Carwyn Jones said: 'I'm deeply saddened to hear about the death of Gary Speed. This is devastating news and our thoughts are with his family at what must be a very difficult time for them.
'I'm deeply saddened to hear about the death of Gary Speed.
'This is devastating news and our thoughts are with his family at what must be a very difficult time for them.'
Labour leader Ed Miliband tweeted: 'Tragic and shocking news about Gary Speed. Fantastic servant of Leeds. Mourned by football. Deepest condolences to his family.'
* For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch - see www.samaritans.org for details
Source:dailymail
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