Happily posing up with a fan: Last picture of Gary Speed just hours before he hanged himself
- Tributes pour in from across the sporting world
- Found by his wife at the family home
- Flags flying at half-mast at Welsh Assembly building in Cardiff
- Supporters leave flowers, shirts and scarves outside the grounds where he used to play
- Inquest will open at Warrington Coroner's Court tomorrow at 3pm
- Ryan Giggs: 'Words cannot describe how I feel'
By Keith Gladdis, James Tozer and Rob Cooper
Last updated at 4:32 PM on 28th November 2011
Police were today preparing to speak to the grieving widow and the two teenage sons of Gary Speed about his death.
The Wales manager's wife found him hanged in the garage of their £1.5million mansion yesterday, The Times reported, hours after he had appeared on the BBC.
The world of football was in mourning today following the tragedy as tributes to the 42-year-old retired footballer poured in.
The final picture: Gary Speed poses with a fan at the BBC studios in Salford as he recorded Match of the Day. Hours later he was found dead. Were you this fan? Email Editorial@dailymailonline.co.uk
A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: 'It is a non-suspicious death. As part of the coroner's report they will speak to family members. It is normal procedure.'
Gary Speed's widow, Louise, 40, was a constant figure of support throughout his career. The Welsh Football Association have promised to support the family and offer them a 'shoulder to cry on' in the coming weeks.
Gary Speed, with his wife Louise, earlier this year at Shay Given's Fashion Kicks event held at Lancashire County Cricket Club
Just hours before he hanged himself he was photographed posing with a delighted fan outside the BBC studios in Manchester.
The Wales manager looked carefree as he allowed fans to take snaps of him after he had appeared on Football Focus.
The retired footballer was in good spirits as he walked out of the studios with former teammate Gary McAllister at 2.30pm on Saturday.
Supporters of the teams Speed played for were today leaving flowers, shirts and scarves outside their grounds as a mark of respect.
At the Welsh Assembly building in Cardiff, flags were flying at half-mast today.
Prime Minister David Cameron described Gary Speed's death as 'incredibly moving'.
'I was watching Match Of The Day last night and watching people, crowds, absolutely silent and footballers revering his memory,' he said.
'I think it has been extremely moving. Obviously here in the north, where he played for so many of the iconic teams, I know he meant an enormous amount to people and people feel very, very sad on his behalf and on his family's behalf.'
During Football Focus on BBC1, Speed talked enthusiastically about his team’s improving fortunes and his hopes for success in World Cup qualifying matches next year.
Presenter Dan Walker, who spent four hours on and off camera with him, said: ‘He was as bubbly as I’ve known him. He was talking about his kids, how they were really coming on, and talking about playing golf next week.
‘Even small things like how he’d just got into Twitter. It’s awful to think someone who was so gifted and so well liked with the rest of his life to look forward to has been cruelly removed. He was in such a good mood about the show and said he’d love to come back before Christmas.’
The suspected suicide at the family home in Huntington, on the outskirts of Chester, was reported to police just after 7am. They said there were ‘no suspicious circumstances’.
An inquest into the death will open at Warrington Coroner's Court at 3pm tomorrow.
Scroll down to see video of his last appearance on Football Focus
Paying their respects: Fans at Leeds United's ground Elland Road show their grief at former player Gary Speed's death
Tributes: Hundreds of tributes including photographs, shirts and bouquets of flowers have been left at the Elland Road ground
Rest in Peace: Mourners leave flowers at Gary Speed's house in Cheshire, left. Right: A decorated T-shirt is left on the ground as tributes are placed at the Billy Bremner statue outside Elland Road
A friend described Speed as a ‘completely devoted dad’ to sons Ed, 14, and 13-year-old Tommy. Both are promising sportsmen. Ed is a footballer and Tommy a keen boxer.
The chief-executive of the Welsh Football Association, Jonathan Ford, said they will do whatever they can to help the Speed family over the coming weeks.
'I've no understanding of why it happened, I don't know the answer and I don't think we ever will,' he said.
'At the moment our thoughts aren't with that - they are with Gary's family. He was a family man, he loved his wife and children.
Paying his respects: Former Everton player Graeme Sharp looks at tributes left outside the gates to Goodison Park
Never forget: A Newcastle scarf is tied to the entrance to his Cheshire home
Respects: A book of condolences in memory of Gary Speed is opened at the Football of Wales offices in Cardiff
'We will do whatever we can to help Louise and the boys although I am not sure we can help.
'We will just do whatever we think is right at this terrible, terrible time. We got together as a staff this morning and went into a huddle and cried. All I can offer is a shoulder to cry on.
'It was just a year ago we were announcing him as a manager he was sat next to me and now he is no longer here.
'Gary was our number one choice for the job because of who he was and what he was like as an individual.'A book of remembrance was opened at the FAW headquarters in Cardiff yesterday and hundreds queued up to sign it.
Speed's assistant manager Raymond Verheijen said his boss was 'adored' by Wales stars such as Gareth Bale, Craig Bellamy and Aaron Ramsey.
He said: 'I remember him as a beautiful person, a very stable person full of energy.
'Every time he stepped into a room he energised the place. You could see the players adored him. They really looked up to him.
'He was the perfect example of practise what you preach and the players really followed him.
'When we sat down with one player for individual talks you could how open the players were to listen to his advice.'
Robbie Savage, who played alongside Speed for Wales, said his former teammate had been ribbing him on Saturday about his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.
‘I just can’t believe it,’ said Savage. ‘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.
Players and fans held a minute's silence in memory of the Wales manager before the match between Swansea City and Aston Villa
Respect: The Kop falls silent as Manchester City and Liverpool players pay their respects to Gary Speed before their Premier League match yesterday
FOOTBALL STARS PAY THEIR RESPECTS TO SPEED ON TWITTER
Gary Speed's former teammates and opponents have been paying tribute to him after he was discovered dead yesterday.
Rio Ferdinand tweeted: 'RIP Gary Speed - a great professional. Never knew him but seemed a real decent fella. Thoughts go out to the family at a devastating time. '
Joey Barton said: 'Really felt for Shay Given there. Know he was really close to Speedo. Very emotional that, true professional, its what GS would of wanted.'
Stan Collymore wrote: 'Sincere condolences from my family to Mr & Mrs Speed and Gary's 2 boys. Frightened and confused as I'm sure many are right now.'
Lee Dixon tweeted: 'In the States. Heard the tragic news very late. Totally shocking. A true Pro. A pleasure to be in his company. Thoughts to Gary's family.'
Tom Huddlestone wrote: 'RIP Gary Speed!! Thoughts to his family and friends!! 1st shirt I swapped in the premier league, when he was at bolton £perspective Don't take things for granted!! RIP Gary Speed.'
Micah Richards said: 'R.I.P gary speed!!! A true legend!!!'
Mark Bright tweeted: 'Today feels like one huge nightmare, can't process Gary Speed's death, 42yrs old, his job going well, couple young kids, seems so wrong.'
Boy George tweeted: 'Shocking about Gary Speed! What a sad story! My thoughts and prayers to his loved ones!'
Comedian John Bishop tweeted: 'Enjoyed the day at the match but the Gary Speed news really does put it in perspective. God bless to him and his family.'
‘I spoke to him yesterday and we were laughing and joking – he was saying make sure you don’t get a (mark of) two off Craig (Revel Horwood, the Strictly judge) tonight. That’s what Gary’s like – he always thinks about other people.
‘As my captain when I was a young boy in the squad, he’d come to me and I could go to him with my problems.’
Speed’s former Newcastle United teammate Shay Given, who attended a charity fundraising fashion event with him in May, was seen in floods of tears on television as a minute’s silence was held at Swansea City’s match against Given’s team Aston Villa.
Thousands of fans sang Welsh hymns and joined in the chant ‘there’s only one Gary Speed’.
At Anfield, Liverpool’s Welsh star Craig Bellamy asked not to play against Manchester City after hearing the news.
Speed, who was awarded an MBE in the 2010 Birthday Honours, retired from playing only last year after winning 85 caps for his country.
He represented Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton Wanderers during his long career.
Both Speed’s parents were from Chester but he was born in the Welsh border town of Mancot and was always proud to represent his country. His father Roger played football for Wrexham before returning to his trade as a joiner.
Speed made his league debut for Leeds United in May 1989 and was a member of the team which went on to win the league title in 1992.
He was a familiar face in his home village and at the Grosvenor Arms pub in nearby Aldford.
Neighbour Stephen Smith, 36, said: ‘It is such a shock. I’m an Everton season ticket holder and shouted his name from the terraces at Goodison Park.’
Helen Hewitt, who has a cottage near Speed’s mansion, said: ‘I cannot believe it. He was such a lovely man.
‘Parcels would be delivered for him here and he would come and collect them.
‘He would always wave from his big, black Jaguar car.’
Despite having limited experience as a manager, Gary Speed’s impact on the Welsh national team had been dramatic.
Pundit: Gary appearing on Football Focus with Gary McAllister hours before he was found dead. The Welsh national manager had appeared happy and optimistic
Tragic Gary Speed receiving his MBE from Prince Charles in December last year (right) and on the touchline for Wales (left)
Gary Speed during the preliminary draw for the 2014 Fifa World Cup at Marina Da Gloria in July
He had a keen interest in sports psychology and after taking over from John Toshack a year ago was able to get the best out of young players such as Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey and Tottenham’s Gareth Bale.
Ramsey tweeted: ‘I was given the tragic news this morning.
‘To say I am devastated is an understatement.
‘My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary’s family and friends. Today the world has lost a great football manager but even more sadly a great man. He will be missed by all.’
Former Wales manager Mark Hughes said: ‘I’m devastated. He was a privilege to work alongside and call a friend. My thoughts are with his family.’
Another ex-Wales boss, Bobby Gould, chose Speed to be the team captain.
Gary Speed's former agent and best man Hayden Evans addresses the press outside Speed's home in Chester. He asks that the family be left alone to grieve for their loss
Tragedy: Chief executive of the Football Association of Wales Jonathan Ford and President of the Football Association of Wales, Phil Pritchard, tell a press conference they will be supporting Gary Speed's family in the coming days
Distraught: Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given, left, who played with Speed at Newcastle, burst into tears before his side's game against Swansea yesterday. Right, Hugo Viana, another former Newcastle teammate who now plays in Portugal, pays his respects
Former Wales teammate Robbie Savage speaking about the death of Gary Speed on BBC News
Mr Speed's family home in Cheshire, where he was found dead at the age of 42
In mourning: The home where Mr Speed lived with his wife Louise and two teenage children
Respect: A note left on a Wales shirt outside Cardiff City's stadium
He said: ‘I’m stunned and a few tears have been shed. It is so sad.
‘He was a great pro. He would play anywhere for you – left back, left wing, centre of midfield, wide left. It’s such a tragedy.
‘People are just stunned. I saw (Welsh footballer) John Hartson earlier and I said, “Have you heard about Gary?”. The big man just cried and cried. We cuddled each other.’
Manchester United and Wales footballer Ryan Giggs said: ‘Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a teammate and friend. Words cannot begin to describe how sad I feel at hearing this awful news.’
A Downing Street spokesman said: ‘The Prime Minister 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.
‘The Prime Minister’s thoughts are with his family and friends on this very sad day for fans everywhere, especially in Wales.’
Labour leader Ed Miliband tweeted: ‘Tragic and shocking news about Gary Speed. Fantastic servant of Leeds. Mourned by football. Deepest condolences to his family.’
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who signed Speed when he was manager of Newcastle, said that it had been difficult to concentrate on his side’s match with Manchester City yesterday afternoon.
But he added: ‘I think it would be disrespectful to Gary if we didn’t get on with the game so we’ve just got to try and get on with it as best we can.
‘He was a very respected man in and around football, not only for his ability but for the guy as a person.’
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch - see www.samaritans.org for details
Cardiff City: A couple embrace as they look at tributes to Wales manager Gary Speed left outside Cardiff's ground
Everton: Tributes are left to Wales football manager Gary Speed on the gates of Goodison Park stadium
Sheffield United: Fans leave tributes outside their Bramall Lane ground. Gary Speed was the Sheffield United caretaker manager last season and he also played for them
Newcastle United: Fans pay their respects at St James' Park following the sudden death of former midfield player Gary Speed who was found dead at his home
Leeds United: A huge pile of flowers, shirts, teddies, scarves and cards builds up at Leeds United's ground Elland Road today as fans pay tribute to Gary Speed. He was in the side that won the Football League in 1992
Happy memories: Mr Speed (centre) celebrates Leeds United winning the Championship trophy in 1992
Patriotic: Flying the flag at a Football Association of Wales press conference
GARY SPEED'S ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER
Gary Speed married wife Louise in 1996. The couple have two children Tommy and Ed.
A keen Everton fan, as a youngster Speed attended Hawarden High School.
He began his professional career with Leeds United making his debut at the age of 19, alongside Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister and David Batty.
Gary Speed in his playing days turning out for Everton (left) and Leeds United
Mr Speed, playing as captain of Newcastle United, celebrates scoring against Wimbledon at St James's Park (left) and appearing for Wales
He then moved to Everton in 1996 for a fee of £3.5million captaining the club before moving to Newcastle in 1998 for £5.5million.
He then went to Bolton Wanderers in 2004 where in 2006 he became the first player in history to make 500 appearances in the Premiership.
He moved to Sheffield United making his debut on New Years Day 2008 but a back injury that November forced him to retire as a player.
During his international career he played in the Wales side of Ian Rush, Mark Hughes, Neville Southall and Dean Saunders.
He captained Wales until hid retirement from international football in 2004. He has been capped for Wales 85 times making him the most capped outfield player.
Appointed an MBE in the 2010 Birthday Honours.
A year ago he took his first steps into management when he was put in charge of Sheffield United following the sacking of Kevin Blackwell.
However, just three months later he was appointed manager of Wales and had overseen a renaissance in Welsh football.
They thumped Norway 4-1 earlier this month and they had recently jumped to 45th place in the world rankings - just weeks after they had been in 117th place.
Monday, 28 November 2011
Gary Speed dead: Last picture of Wales manager hours before he 'committed suicide' | Mail Online
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