Welsh football manager Gary Speed dies, aged 42
Gary Speed, manager of the Welsh national football team, has died. Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
The news was announced earlier by the Welsh FA in a statement which read: “The Football Association of Wales is 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.”
Speed was a former footballer who played over 600 league games for for Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Sheffield United and Bolton Wanderers.
He was capped 85 times by his country before being appointed Welsh national coach in December 2010. He had retired as a player in May 2010.
I’m devastated spoke to him yesterday morning why ! Why. Why!! Robbie Savage on Twitter
He took charge of Wales for the first time in February. His last game as manager was on 12 November when the team won 4-1 in a friendly against Norway.
Speed had appeared on BBC1’s Football Focus show only yesterday afternoon.
Tributes paid
Footballers past and present and other famous figures have paid tribute.
Former Wales player Robbie Savage wrote a series of heartfelt messages on Twitter, voicing his grief at the loss of the friend he had spoken to only yesterday.
He wrote: “The world has lost a great man in Gary speed I’m devastated spoke to him yesterday morning why ! Why. Why!! I’ll miss him so much x
“He come to watch strictly 3/4 weeks ago I high fived him in the front row he loved the show, he loved life he loved his family! Devastated.
“He was upbeat on phone yesterday we were laughing together, talking football and dancing he was a great teammate and a great friend. RIP.”
Manchester United striker Michael Owen 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.
“He has died aged 42. So sad. He lived local to me and we knew his family. He leaves behind 2 sons. Tragic.”
A message on Aston Villa Football Club’s Twitter feed read: “RIP Gary Speed. Condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.”
Leeds United fan Chris Moyles tweeted: “Just heard the very sad news about Gary Speed. Such a sad loss and so young. RIP.”
Peter Hain, the Labour MP for Neath paid tribute saying the news was “an absolute tragedy for his family and Welsh football.”
“He was an outstanding premiership player who was emerging as one of the best international coaches that Wales has had.
“Wales has been doing very well recently and everybody had high hopes. It is just hard to fathom.”