Tue, Nov 29, 2011 page18

• UK soccer mourns death of Gary Speed

  HIGH PRAISE: Friends and the British prime minister paid tribute to Speed after news of his suicide on Sunday and praised his 22-year-long playing career and work as a manager

  • AFP, LONDON
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  British soccer was in shock on Sunday after Wales manager Gary Speed was found hanged at his home at the age of 42.

  A statement issued by police in Cheshire said there were “no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death,” indicating Speed had taken his own life.

  Sources close to the investigation told the Press Association and the BBC that Speed had hanged himself.

  

  Gary Speed poses for photographers after receiving an MBE for his contribution to soccer at Buckingham Palace in London on Dec. 17 last year.

  Photo: EPA

  “At 7.08am today, Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntington, Chester,” the police statement said. “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.”

  Speed — capped 85 times by Wales and a winner of the English league title with Leeds United — took over coaching the national side last year and was credited with reviving their fortunes, recently leading them to three successive wins for the first time since 2008.

  He was also awarded the Member of the British Empire medal by Queen Elizabeth II last year in recognition of a 22-year-long playing career that started when he was a trainee at Leeds United and also encompassed spells with Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United.

  A tribute issued by the Football Association of Wales (FAW), said: “That this tragedy should have overtaken someone so young and talented is a huge loss not only for his family and friends but a nation as a whole.”

  Howard Wilkinson, Speed’s manager at Leeds when they won the English title in 1992, told the BBC: “The players I worked with represented all colors of the rainbow in terms of character, but in Gary’s case, he was a star in the true sense.”

  “I’ve known Gary since 1988 when I joined Leeds and I’ve rarely come across a better balanced, lovely, genuine person,” Wilkinson said. “He was a terrific player — not as gifted as some, but he made the most of everything he had.”

  Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs, who for 13 years played alongside Speed with Wales, said: “I am totally devastated. Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honored to call a teammate and friend. Words cannot begin to describe how sad I feel at hearing this awful news.”

  Away from soccer, a Downing Street spokesman said: “The [British] Prime Minister [David Cameron] 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.”

  A minute’s silence was observed in Speed’s memory at several grounds on Sunday, including the Liberty Stadium where Welsh club Swansea were hosting Aston Villa in a Premier League match and at Anfield.

  Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given, a friend of Speed’s when they both played for Newcastle, made a sign of the cross and was in tears before the kick-off.

  Elsewhere, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish took it upon himself to rest Wales striker Craig Bellamy, also a close friend of Speed, from the match against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

  “I felt that Bellas — who was really close to Gary — would not be in the frame of mind to play,” said Dalglish, who signed Speed when he was the manager of Newcastle.

  Dalglish, reflecting on Speed, said: “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 ￡5 million 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.”

  Robbie Savage, who played alongside the versatile Speed for Wales, told the BBC: “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.”
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