Gary Speed was born in Wales and was an Everton supporter from a young age. Speed was married and had two children. Aaron Ramsey at the news of his death said: ''Today the world has lost a great football manager but even more sadly a great man. He will be missed by all." Reading striker Simon Church also had words of praise for Speed ''I can't believe it, what a great man and a true Welsh footballing legend. A great inspiration to all.'' The praise of Speed's personality and ability as a player and manager was to be seen by many sportspeople and representatives. Both the Liverpool and Swansea games continued as scheduled but an emotional minute was held before each game as friends and former colleagues of Speed including Shay Given and Kenny Dalglish remembered a good friend. Craig Bellamy pulled out of the match squad in shock at the news.
Speed started his professional career at Leeds in 1988. He made his debut aged 19. He went on to play very well for Leeds as he was part of a solid midfield with Gordan Strachan, David Batty and Gary McAllister. Speed was part of the promotion winning side from the First Division in 1992 and was also part of the team that lost the League Cup final to Aston Villa in 1996.
Speed moved to his boyhood club, Everton in 1996 for £3.5 million. He was made captain in 1997 but left in 1998 for unknown reasons still do this day.
Speed moved to Newcastle United for £5.5 million. It was here Speed became an excellent player as he made two FA Cup finals in 1998 and 1999 but lost both. He also featured in the Champions League in 2002. He played 213 games at Newcastle and scored 29 goals in his 6 years at the club.
Speed left Newcastle to join Bolton for £750,000 in 2004. It was at Bolton he became the first player to play 500 Premier League matches. On his 500th he partook in Bolton's 4-0 trashing of West Ham in 2006. Speed was made the first team coach in May 2007 but in October 2007 he continued his role as a player instead of coaching. Speed along with Ryan Giggs his fellow Welshman became one of two players to score in every Premier League season.
Speed joined Sheffield United on loan in January 2008 and joined permanently in the summer of 2008. In November 08 Speed got a back injury and aged 41 he announced his retirement but was to stay at Sheffield United as a coach. Although he was retired he was registered for United and was on the bench in a cup game vs Hartlepool.
On October 21 2010 Speed became United's manager where he impressed and soon after that he became the Welsh manager on the 14th December 2010. Speed had many respectable competitive results winning against Montenegro and Switzerland. He had Wales 45 in the Fifa rankings.
Being the second most capped player in Welsh history and being one of Wales' greatest managers for a long time Gary Speed truly is a Welsh footballing legend and those who deny it were obviously not lucky enough to witness the great person and player play.
RIP GARY SPEED 1969-2011
1 comments:
The demise of Gary Speed is a big blow to many football fans. Speed will be missed dearly for sure. Read more about Gary Speed Death here. One thing is for sure. Speed may be gone but in the eyes of football, he will live on as a Wales Legend.
Post a Comment