Wales manager Gary Speed was found dead in his Chester home early sunday morning. Shocking reports claim that the death was a suicide, though an official statement has yet to be released by the Welshman’s representatives.
Police officials, with the verbal consent of the family, were able to release the news regarding Speed’s death in an interview following the discovery of the body.
The Chesire police released facts concerning time and date of death, as well as the circumstances in which it happened.
“At 7.08am this morning, sunday 27 November, police were informed of an incident at Aldford Road, Huntington. Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and next of kind have been informed and the identity of the man has been confirmed as Gary Speed.”
The Welsh Footballing Association also added their own condolences in a private press conference.
‘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.’
Gary, 42, won 85 caps throughout a 14-year international playing career with Wales.
He was brought on as Wales’ top man in December 2010 and has since impressed critics and supporters alike.
We at Soccer Reviews are sincerely shocked at the news of Speed’s death and offer our deepest condolences to Speed’s friends and family. In an effort to commemorate the famous Welshman, we have selected the top ten best facts about Gary Speed.
10. Speed played for 5 different clubs during his 22 year playing career. His illustrious playing career included spells with Everton, Newcastle and Sheffield.
9. The late Gary Speed was the first player to make 500 appearances in the English Premier League. He achieved this feat during Bolton’s 4-1 thrashing of West Ham United in December of 2006.
8. At the age of 35, Speed broke the record for number of appearances for the Welsh national team by an outfield player. In 83 international matches, Speed found the net 7 times for his country.
7. Gary Speed was appointed manager of the Welsh national football team at the age of 41, despite having only 4 months’ worth of managerial experience.
6. An Everton fan from birth, Speed’s dream was always to play football in a blue shirt. Not only was Gary able to play for Everton, he was also made club captain just one year after joining.
5. At the young age of 19, Gary Speed made his debut with the Leeds first team after spending numerous years training in the club’s academy.
4. Speed also attended the same school that Liverpool legend Michael Owen went to. The school was named Hawarden High School.
3. After signing for Newcastle for a fee of £5.5million, Speed endured two devastating defeats. The Welsh midfielder took part in not one, but two FA cup final losses while playing with the Magpies.
2. During his playing years, Speed held the record for being the only footballer to have found the net in every Premier League season. The current record holder is none other than fellow Welshman Ryan Giggs.
1. Speed joined his boyhood club in 1996 and, on the 17th of August, scored against future employers Newcastle United.
Two attempts at suicide this week? The ref and him. Must be heavy pressure for everyone atm.
as an evertonian, we have lost a family member today, devastating news RIP Gary Speed
RIP
Such sad news my heart goes out to his two sons