Tributes pour in for Speed

Tributes have started flowing in following the sudden death of Wales national manager Gary Speed.

The 42-year-old was found hanged in his home early on Sunday, with police indicating in a statement that Speed took his own life.

The football world did not hesitate in remembering the former Leeds and Newcastle hero, as he quickly became top trend on social networking site Twitter – just one sign of how popular the Welsh midfielder was.

“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,” Manchester United striker Michael Owen wrote.

“He has died aged 42. So sad. He lived local to me and we knew his family. He leaves behind 2 sons. Tragic.”

Former national team-mate Robbie Savage posted: “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”

Another former team-mate of Speed’s at Newcastle, Titus Bramble, tweeted: “I’m in total shock. One of the greatest guys I’ve worked with in football. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

The Welsh FA released a statement on their official website, with FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford paying his respects to Speed.

“I, and all of the football family of Wales, am devastated by the news of Gary’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family at this difficult time,” he said.

FAW president Phil Pritchard added: “I am completely shocked by this terrible news and my thoughts are with his family. We will do whatever we can as an association to help them in this difficult time.”

A minute’s silence was held prior to Sunday’s Premier League clashes, with fans at the Swansea-Aston Villa clash opting to celebrate Speed’s life with an impromptu minute’s applause.

The fans at the Liberty Stadium in Wales also broke out into chants of ‘There’s only one Gary Speed’ in a fitting tribute.

A statement from the Football Association said: “It is with great sadness that The FA has learned of the passing of Gary Speed.”

“The thoughts of everybody at the FA are with his family and friends at this time.”

“Gary had many friends at the FA, who are truly saddened by this news.”