Welsh football manager Gary Speed 'commits suicide' at 42

last SG · 2011-12-01T21:47:39+00:00

wah so many scarves and jerseys. I am wondering, will they get dumped away or keep by the road sweeper?

NeverSayGoodBye SG

Last updated at 12:49 PM on 27th November 2011

Wales manager Gary Speed has been found hanged at his home in Cheshire, it was revealed today.

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. It is believed to be suicide.

Former Wales manager Gary Speed during the preliminary draw for the 2014 Fifa World Cup at Marina Da Gloria in July

In a statement released on their website, The Football Association of Wales 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 said: '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.

Tragic: Gary Speed (right) and England manager Fabio Capello watch from the touchline during the Euro 2012 qualifying match between England and Wales at Wembley Stadium on September 6

Mr Speed during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on November 5

'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.'

Earlier this week Mr Speed's young side were handed a series of tough World Cup fixtures in their bid to reach Brazil 2014.

After hearing of the news, 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 Wales captain Gary Speed (right) wheels away after scoring the opening goal against Azerbaijan in 2004

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.

Dailymail

Rooney_07 SG

RIP. he must be depressed for some time.

NeverSayGoodBye SG

Rock^Star SG

Under pressure from work? Unlikely.

DailyFreeGames.com SG

wow, he commited suicide... that's not good... anything can be resolved...

NeverSayGoodBye SG

Under pressure from work? Unlikely.

.....only the family knows. Don't think its due to pressure, can just resign

Rock^Star SG

It's kind of shocking, some people you talk to not too long ago and then next thing you hear, they're gone. Well, what to do. Life goes on.

Rooney_07 SG

must be depression lar. remember that german goalie who committed suicide before the world cup?

when you are depressed, there is no light at the end of the tunnel for you. the only way out is being dead.

NeverSayGoodBye SG

It's kind of shocking, some people you talk to not too long ago and then next thing you hear, they're gone. Well, what to do. Life goes on.

.....especially they don't show any signs. Wonder how the supporters react when Swansea is playing Aston Villa in Wales at this present moment.

Former Wales international teammate of Gary Speed Robbie Savage on BBC News: "I spoke to him yesterday and he was in high spirits. I just can't believe it. He was my mate and he's gone. He's left two gorgeous kids behind. Gary was [a professional]. He was one of the fittest guys. He looked after his body. He was a great team-mate, a great manager. He was joking yesterday [about Robbie being onStrictly Come Dancing], saying don't get a two off Craig [Revel Horwood]"

NeverSayGoodBye SG

must be depression lar. remember that german goalie who committed suicide before the world cup?

when you are depressed, there is no light at the end of the tunnel for you. the only way out is being dead.

.....don't think depressed over football matter. Wales is improving after he took over, he got such promising players like Gareth Bale(Spurs) and Aaron Ramsey ( Arsenal) at his disposal.

Bus&Soccer l0v3r (VO3x 1) SG

R.I.P

gunner77 SG

R.I.P

really unexpected.

I cannot believe it

Rooney_07 SG

if Paul Gascoigne commited suicide, I half expected it, cos he is that explosive and unstable in his mind, but Gary Speed?

NeverSayGoodBye SG

Some of the responses;

Former Wales international teammate of Gary Speed, Robbie Savage on BBC Radio 5 live: "I loved him as a friend. His wife is beautiful, he had a lovely family. He'd do anything for anybody. Football and family were Gary's life. I idolised him. He was one of my heroes in life. Everybody loved Gary Speed. It's so sad he couldn't talk to people. He was such a good looking guy, he had everything. Why has this happened?"

Dan Walker, who presented Football Focus, with Gary Speed as a guest, yesterday: "He was as bubbly as I've known him. He was talking about his kids how they were really coming on and talking about playing golf next week. Even small things like how he'd just got into Twitter. It's awful to think someone who was so gifted and so well liked with the rest of his life to look forward to has been cruelly removed. He was in such a good mood about the show and said he'd love to come back before Christmas, he said: 'I really enjoyed it.'"

Kevin Blackwell, who Speed succeeded as Sheffield United manager: "Gary was developing a plan [at Wales]. The first few games they weren't very good but he knew that. He was very excited about the players he had with Wales. He knew he could turn it around. They were playing some terrific stuff under Gary. He was a great raconteur. He was a first-class man. He leaves behind such a legacy. The feeling about the man is unbelievable. I just feel sick. It doesn't seem right. It's a sad loss for football."

BBC Wales football reporter Rob Phillips: "The whole of the sporting world are united in their grief."

Former Wales international team-mate of Speed Ryan Giggs on the Manchester United website: "I am totally devastated. Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a team-mate and friend. Words cannot begin to describe how sad I feel at hearing this awful news. It goes without saying my thoughts are with his family at this tremendously sad time."

Leeds manager Simon Grayson: "We signed on the same day and played in the youth and reserve teams together. We also did all our coaching badges together. He was a good friend and this is a very sad day. Gary was such a popular person and this is a hard time for everybody."

Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn: "I'm absolutely shocked. I can't believe the news. I've seen Gary around at some of the grounds. He was doing a fabulous job for his country. Welsh football has been down in the dumps for a long time but they've got some terrific players coming through. He was very fit and energetic. A midfield dynamo. He was terrific on the ball and scored goals for all the clubs he was at."

dragg SG

i really like this guy.

RIP.

Whimsy SG

Suicide should have sign. Otherwise, it is time up on earth - just died without notification. If suicide is sad and cruelty for the kids & wife. May he rest in peace.

Rooney_07 SG

whatever problems one faced, if you have a family, wife and young kids, you should think of them, what happens when you die, what will happen to them, who will support and take care of them?

obviously he didnt consider this before committing suicide, as he is unable to think rationally due to his depression state of mind.

NeverSayGoodBye SG

whatever problems one faced, if you have a family, wife and young kids, you should think of them, what happens when you die, what will happen to them, who will support and take care of them?

obviously he didnt consider this before committing suicide, as he is unable to think rationally due to his depression state of mind.

.....easy to say when you're not in his position. When you reached the end of the rope, sooner or later you gotta let go. As you hold on to the rope, what you see is a bottomless dark pit. All hope is gone.

Susanteo2011 SG

a tough world cup draw did it.....................

Tmarcus SG

Rest In Peace.. A healthy man is gone just like that..