Wales manager Gary Speed has died, FA of Wales announces

FAW announces death of Gary Speed
The Wales national manager won 85 caps for his country

The Wales manager Gary Speed has died at the age of 42, the Football Association of Wales has announced.

An FAW statement 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 spokeswoman for 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."

Mark Bowen, a Wales team-mate of Speed for several years and later a coach with the national side, hailed his friend as a player, a coach and a person.

He told BBC radio 5 Live: "I'm totally stunned and devastated, you feel completely numb. It goes without saying that the plaudits for the man himself will come thick and fast.

"I played with him and I knew him as a colleague for many years. He was captain of Wales when the likes of Mark Hughes and Ian Rush were still playing and I think that tells you a lot about the man he was.

"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 but that is secondary... it's about his family and his boys."

Michael Owen, who lives nearby to Speed's family in north Wales, tweeted. "Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary Speed. We waved at each other a cou! ple of d ays ago dropping our kids off at school. I'm numb. He has died aged 42. So sad. He lived local to me and we knew his family. He leaves behind 2 sons. Tragic."

Tim Cahill of Everton tweeted: "Gary Speed was the ultimate pro on and off the pitch. So sad to lose someone so special to Football,Friends,Fans,Family Rest in Peace mate."

Speed won 85 caps for Wales, more than anyone except the goalkeeper Neville Southall, and played for Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United. He was appointed as Wales manager in December 2010. He had recently presided over a run of four wins in five internationals to climb to 50th in the Fifa world rankings.

As a player he won the championship with Leeds in 1992 and was twice an FA Cup runner-up with Newcastle. He made nearly 700 league appearances in a 22-year professional career and held the record for most Premier League appearances, with 535, until 2009 when he was surpassed by David James. He retired from playing in 2010 before embarking on his first managerial role with Sheffield United.

Speed was awarded the MBE in the 2010 Birthday Honours, for his services to football, leaves a wife and two children.


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