Like all football fans I was shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic death of Gary Speed. One of football’s nice guys, he typifies for me that last batch of British players who straddled both the old fashioned Division 1 and its traditional values and the new and shiny Premier League – a time when you could still identify with the ordinary fellas who played the game before the influx of foreign “superstars”. The fact that he was the same age as me (42) is also very sobering.
His service to football and his professionalism were beyond compare and its such a shame we’ll never see how his Welsh team could have faired in the next World Cup qualifying campaign.
I wanted to pay tribute to Gary Speed and thought illustrating a shirt from each of his clubs would be the most appropriate way for me to do so.
A nice short tribute & agree that he was one of a select few who played in the old division one before Sky took over. A model pro who will be sorely missed by Wales & football in general. R.I.P
Great tribute John
My favourite tribute came from Henry Winter “it is hard to think of many more popular individuals in his chosen industry. He was just a nice guy in a sport that can turn people cynical.” RIP
A fine tribute indeed, John.
A very fitting tribute to a fine player and man.
RIP Gary Speed
Fabulous tribute John to somebody that all us true football supporters looked up to. Take a bow….
Fine piece John.Like the Leeds and Everton kits a lot.
One of the most poignant stories in football since the hilllsborough disaster.Most people in Ireland are in shock over it.
Speed was one of the games greats.looked after himself properly, scored a goal in the premier league for 15 years or so,a magnificent professional and was doing a good job with Wales.a role model in the game.felt that he had become the forgotten man of the premiership despite his longevity
Doubtful we will ever see a great pro like him again.R.I.P.
A fine tribute John. Such a sad loss for football and a terrible tragedy for his family. R.I.P Gary.
A nice tribute John. He was a great player and served every club he played for with distinction. He was set to become a good manger too. You wonder just what goes on inside some one to make them take their own life. So tragic , it has been wonderful to see this man universally celebrated by the football community. R.I.P. Gary.
Nice tribute John. couldnt have put it better myself
Thank’s John. As a Leeds fan I was gutted when I heard the news and it is heartwarming that no one involved with the game seems to have a bad word for him. R.I.P.
Very moving tribute John.
R.I.P Gary Speed.
A fine tribute John. I posted my own on facebook shortly after it was announced his passing. He was a legend to us at Newcastle. I accompanied my post with a photo of one of his match worn shirts that I own (Asia Cup 03), I was lucky enough to get it signed when he was boss of Sheff United.
RIP Speedo – never forgotten
Thanks for the kind words everyone. Your comments show just how highly regarded Gary Speed was.