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Gary Andrew Speed MBE (8 September 1969 – 27 November 2011) was a Welsh professional footballer and manager. As manager of Wales, Speed is often credited as being the catalyst for the change in fortunes of the national team and as setting the pathway to future successes.[4]

Key Information

Having played for the Leeds United youth team, he began his professional career with the club in 1988. With Leeds, he won the English First Division championship in 1991–92, and later played for Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United. He captained the Wales national football team until retiring from international football in 2004. He was the most capped outfield player for Wales and the second overall with 85 caps between 1990 and 2004 until being overtaken by Chris Gunter in 2018,[5] playing mainly as a left-sided attacking midfielder. Speed was appointed manager of Sheffield United in 2010, but left the club after a few months in December 2010 to manage the Wales national team, remaining in this role until his death 11 months later.

Rarely troubled by injury or suspension, he held the record for the most appearances in the Premier League at 535, until it was surpassed by David James. At the time of his death, only James and Ryan Giggs had played in more Premier League matches than Speed.[6] Including appearances in the Football League and cup competitions, he made 840 domestic appearances.

Early life and career

[edit]

Speed was born in Mancot, Flintshire, Wales,[7] although his parents Roger and Carol,[8] sister Lesley[9] and sons Thomas and Edward[10] were all born in Chester.[6] He attended Hawarden High School.[11]

He supported Everton as a youngster.[12] Whilst at school, he was employed as a paperboy and played for Flintshire Schoolboys, a local boys' team, and for Aston Park Rangers. As a youngster, Speed excelled at cricket and football.[13]

Club career

[edit]

Leeds United

[edit]

Speed began his career with Leeds United as a trainee when he left school in June 1988,[6] and was Peter Swan's boot boy,[14] before he signed a professional contract on 13 June 1988.[1] Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson first noticed Speed in a youth team game while the player was playing in a left back position.[15] Under Wilkinson, he made his first team debut aged 19 in a goalless draw against Oldham Athletic in the Football League Second Division.[16] He would go on to play in nine out of the ten outfield positions,[which?] although he was predominantly a left-sided player.[15]

He went on to play a key role, playing 41 of a possible 42 games and scoring seven goals,[17] as Leeds won the Football League First Division championship title in 1992,[18] as part of a midfield that also comprised Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister and David Batty – former Leeds manager Eddie Gray considered it to be one of the greatest midfield line-ups in the modern era.[19] Wilkinson named Speed as the club's player of the season.[20]

In September 1992, Speed was pivotal in Leeds' UEFA Champions League first-round tie against VfB Stuttgart. Stuttgart had won 3–0 at home and looked to be going through already. Speed helped Leeds to a 4–1 victory at Elland Road, scoring one of them with a "superb left-foot volley" which he later described as his best-ever goal. Although Leeds went out of the tie on the away goals rule, the club was later reinstated, for Stuttgart had fielded an ineligible player.[21]

Speed was selected in the PFA Team of the Year for the 1992–93 season.[22]

On 4 October 1995, Speed scored the winning goal as Leeds beat second division side Notts County in the second round of the League Cup. The match had seemed to be going to extra time, but Speed's 90th-minute winning goal kept Leeds from needing a replay to overcome their lower-league opponents.[23][24]

Speed featured in the 1996 Football League Cup final defeat by Aston Villa.[21] Before transferring to Everton, Speed played in 312 games for Leeds United, scoring 57 goals.[15]

Everton

[edit]

A childhood Everton fan,[25] Speed was signed by Joe Royle before the 1996–97 season, for a fee of £3.5 million.[26] He made his debut on 17 August 1996, scoring against Newcastle United.[27] In November of that year, Speed scored a hat-trick – the only one of his career[28] – as Everton beat Southampton 7–1 at Goodison Park.[29] Speed finished the season with 11 goals, joint top-scorer with Duncan Ferguson.[30] Speed was also voted Everton Player of Year for his performances during his first season at the club.[12]

Howard Kendall succeeded Royle as the manager at the start of the 1997–98 season, and nominated Speed as club captain.[28][31][32] However, by the turn of the year the relationship between Speed and Kendall had soured. Speed played his last game for the club on 18 January 1998, scoring in a 3–1 win over Chelsea.[33] He did not travel for their next game, away to West Ham United,[34] and was subsequently sold to Newcastle for £5.5 million.[26] The reasons underlying Speed's departure were never revealed. He told the Liverpool Echo: "You know why I'm leaving, but I can't explain myself publicly because it would damage the good name of Everton Football Club and I'm not prepared to do that."[28]

Newcastle United

[edit]

Speed was signed for Newcastle United on 6 February 1998 by Kenny Dalglish, for a fee of £5.5 million. He made his debut as a starter in a 1–0 home Premier League defeat to West Ham United the next day. His first goal came in his fifth match, the sixth round proper of the 1997–98 FA Cup. At home to Barnsley, he scored the second goal of a 3–1 home win with a 27th-minute strike. His only league goal of the 1997–98 season came in a 3–1 home win over Chelsea in the penultimate league match on 2 May, with Newcastle's third in the 59th minute. He finished the season by playing the 1998 FA Cup Final, which Newcastle lost 2–0 to Arsenal on 16 May.[35]

Speed featured in the club's FA Cup Final defeat to Manchester United on 22 May 1999. On 19 September 1999, he scored a goal in Newcastle's 8–0 Premier League victory over Sheffield Wednesday in which his teammate Alan Shearer scored a joint-record five times.[36] He also played in the UEFA Champions League with Newcastle in the 2002–03 season, scoring the 58th-minute equaliser in a 2–1 home victory over Dynamo Kyiv in the group stage on 29 October 2002.[37]

Bolton Wanderers

[edit]

Speed moved to Bolton Wanderers on a two-year deal in a £750,000 switch from Newcastle United in July 2004.[26] He became the first player to make 500 Premier League appearances when he played in Bolton's 4–0 victory over West Ham United in December 2006.[38]

On 1 May 2007, Speed was named as the first-team coach for Bolton after Sam Allardyce stepped down from his job as manager.[39] However, in October he left the coaching job and returned to being just a player with the club. Conflicting reports of the incident claimed that then manager Sammy Lee relieved him of his duties to concentrate on playing, but Speed, in an interview with the Bolton News, claimed he chose to step down.[40]

Speed scored a header for Bolton against Reading on 25 August 2007, making him, at the time, the only player to have scored in every Premiership season to date. Ryan Giggs later matched this achievement on 20 October 2007, and passed it on 8 February 2009.[41] It had been reported in December 2007 that Speed was a target for Derby County, but it was confirmed on 24 December 2007 that he would join Sheffield United on loan on 1 January 2008, with a view to a permanent move for a fee of about £250,000.[42]

Sheffield United

[edit]

Speed made his debut on the day of his transfer, being named in the starting eleven for a 0–0 away draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers on New Year's Day 2008.[43] He played regularly for the rest of the season and deputised as captain when Chris Morgan was unavailable. Having seen his penalty parried, Speed netted the rebound to score his first goal for United in a victory over Coventry City in March of that year.[44] He went on to finish the season on three goals for United, scoring both goals in a 2–1 home victory over Bristol City in the penultimate game of the 2007–08 season.[45] In an interview with BBC Wales on 10 May 2008, Speed hinted that the 2008–09 season may be his last playing before moving into coaching or management but stated that he had not yet made up his mind.[46]

Speed started the next season as a regular fixture in the United midfield, but succumbed to a back injury in November 2008.[47] Despite undergoing surgery to correct the problem he failed to regain his fitness and missed the rest of the season, concentrating instead on a coaching role at the club.[48] In June 2009, he was approached by Swansea City with regards to taking on the managerial role left vacant by Roberto Martínez.[49] He continued training and completed the 2010 London Marathon in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, the cancer charity founded by Speed's former Newcastle manager, who had died of the illness in 2009. Speed's finishing time was 3 hours, 49 minutes and 22 seconds.[50]

Speed finally announced his retirement from playing in his 41st year, but agreed to remain at Sheffield United for at least one more season as a coach.[51] Despite this he was again registered as a player and was named on the bench for the first round League Cup game against Hartlepool United at the outset of the following season.[52]

International career

[edit]

Speed played for Wales at youth level and earned three caps for the under-21 team.[1] He played 85 times for Wales, making him the second highest capped player only behind goalkeeper Neville Southall who made 92 appearances[53] until Speed was surpassed by Chris Gunter in 2018.[5] Speed captained Wales on 44 occasions. His first appearance for the national side had come on 20 May 1990 in a 1–0 friendly win against Costa Rica at Ninian Park as a second-half replacement for Glyn Hodges.[54] He did not score until his 27th cap, a 3–2 away defeat in Moldova in a Euro 1996 qualifier on 12 October 1994. Speed's first appearance as captain was during his 46th cap, a 3–0 away win in Malta on 3 June 1998.[55]

Speed broke the record held by Dean Saunders for most caps by a Welsh outfield player when he won his 76th against Finland in a Euro 2004 qualifier on 10 September 2003. He captained the side to a 1–1 draw.[55] Speed retired from international football in 2004 after the side's 3–2 defeat to Poland in a 2006 World Cup qualifier.[56]

Playing style and reputation

[edit]

Speed was a versatile player who could play in left midfield, central midfield, and also at left-back,[57] but playing mainly as a left-side attacking midfielder, with a knack for directing powerful headers towards goal.[6] He possessed great tactical awareness, and could both create and score goals.[57] Regularly a captain, he was said by his teammates to have been an 'inspirational figure' who led by example and demanded the best from those around him.[58]

He was well known as a 'consummate professional' both on and off the field.[57] Hardworking, honest and self-critical,[13] he was not blessed with exceptional talent at a young age, but instead developed his technique through many hours of hard work on the training field.[58] He had a reputation as an extremely fit footballer who looked after his body.[58] He had a modern approach to diet and fitness, a rare quality amongst players of his generation.[57] His level of fitness allowed him to avoid injury and to continue playing until the age of 39; he rarely missed a game.[59]

He also had a reputation as a friendly and supportive person, who cared for and took an interest in the lives of the people around him;[60] his 'nice guy' persona made him a popular and well respected figure amongst his peers.[57][58]

Managerial career

[edit]

Sheffield United

[edit]

With the 2010–11 season only three games old, Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell was dismissed with Speed being confirmed as the club's new manager on a three-year contract on 17 August 2010.[61] On 21 October 2010, Speed was given a one-game touchline ban and a £22,000 fine by The Football Association for his unsporting behaviour at the home fixture against Watford on 2 October 2010.[62] On 11 December 2010, Speed was linked with the vacant Wales manager job along with John Hartson, Brian Flynn, Chris Coleman and Lars Lagerbäck.[63] Sheffield United confirmed that they had given Speed permission to talk to the Football Association of Wales over the vacant position.[64] With just four months managerial experience, Speed was confirmed as the new Welsh national team manager on 14 December 2010 succeeding John Toshack who had stepped down in September 2010. Sheffield United released Speed from his contract after compensation was paid by the FAW.[65][66] Former Welsh national team manager Mark Hughes supported the move to appoint Speed, saying, "He's got a strong personality, he's good with people, (the players) will relate better to Gary than they perhaps did to the previous manager."[67]

Wales

[edit]
Speed managing Wales in 2011

Speed's first game as Wales manager was 8 February 2011 in the inaugural Nations Cup, which the Republic of Ireland won 3–0.[68] Speed's first competitive match was the Euro 2012 qualifier at home to England 26 March 2011 and Speed appointed twenty-year-old Aaron Ramsey captain, making Ramsey the youngest ever Wales captain. Wales lost to England 2–0, and in August 2011 Wales attained their lowest ever FIFA ranking of 117th.[69] This was followed by a 2–1 home win against Montenegro, a 1–0 away loss to England, a 2–0 home win against Switzerland and a 1–0 away win against Bulgaria. Consequently, in October 2011, Wales were ranked 45th in the world by FIFA.[70] Speed's last game as manager of Wales was on 12 November 2011, a 4–1 home win in a friendly match against Norway.[71] On 21 December 2011, the day of the final FIFA rankings of the year, Wales were awarded the title of 'Best Movers' of the year having gained more ranking points than any other nation in 2011.[72]

Personal life

[edit]

Speed married his fiancée Louise in 1996; the couple had two children, Thomas and Edward.[73]

Outside his football career, Speed was known by friends as a humble and modest person,[74][75] also echoed by David Moyes.[76] He also took part in charitable works and fighting for footballers' rights.[77]

Speed was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2010 Birthday Honours for services to football.[78]

In March 2012, Speed's elder son, Edward, was selected for the Wales Under-16 squad.[79]

In 2018, seven years after his death, an old letter written by Speed in which he noted being depressed and wishing to sleep and "never wake up" was uncovered by his widow Louise. The letter was addressed to Louise and it was written when Speed was 17 years old.[80]

Death and legacy

[edit]

On 26 November 2011, Speed appeared as a guest on the BBC One television programme Football Focus;[81] presenter Dan Walker later described him as being in "fine form".[60] After the programme finished at 1 pm, Speed chatted to various other pundits at the MediaCity studios in Salford before joining former Newcastle United teammate Alan Shearer to watch their old club play against Manchester United at Old Trafford, a short walk from the studios across the Manchester Ship Canal.[82] At 5 pm, Speed drove home to Huntington, Cheshire, slightly over an hour's drive from Old Trafford.[82]

The following morning, just before 7 am, his wife Louise found his body in the garage of his home. She telephoned the ambulance service at 7:08 a.m. and the police were also informed. They confirmed that he was dead, and announced that they were not treating his death as suspicious. Although the facts were not fully established, it was reported that Speed's death had been a suicide.[83][84][85] His death was announced to the public by the Football Association of Wales a few hours later.[86] An inquest into Speed's death convened on 29 November 2011; it was adjourned until 30 January 2012.[85]

The coroner at the inquest reached a narrative verdict, but that there was insufficient evidence to determine whether it was intentional as he may have intended to make a "dramatic gesture" and then "nodded off to sleep".[87] The inquest heard that the pressure of management had put some strain on his marriage and that he and Louise had argued the night before his death.[87] However, family friend Alan Shearer had told Speed that such arguments were normal within a long-term relationship, and Louise told the inquest how recent conversations between her and her husband "went on about our future together and how excited he was about our journey together".[87]

Speed left most of his £1.2 million estate to his wife and the rest to his sons.[88]

As a boy, Speed was coached by Barry Bennell, who was later convicted as a serial child sex offender. In February 2018, after Bennell's conviction, an anonymous victim of the coach told Al Jazeera that he had witnessed Speed being abused.[89] However, police twice interviewed Speed during earlier investigations into Bennell's behaviour, and he said that he was never harmed by him; the inquest into Speed's death found no links to Bennell.[90]

Tributes

[edit]
Floral tributes to Gary Speed at Elland Road.

News of Speed's death was first announced by the Football Association of Wales, who extended their sympathies and condolences to Speed's family. Throughout the day similar messages were released from many people within football, as well as national figures in Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom. Close friends and former teammates such as Robbie Savage, Ryan Giggs, Simon Grayson, Alan Shearer, Craig Bellamy and John Hartson all expressed their deep sorrow at his death.[91][92][93][94] Many British politicians expressed sadness at Speed's death and sent condolences to his family, including Prime Minister David Cameron and Leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband.[95] Among the international figures to pay tribute to Speed was UEFA President Michel Platini.[96] FIFA President Sepp Blatter described Speed as "a model professional and a fantastic ambassador for the game". Both the FIFA and Welsh flags at FIFA's headquarters were at half mast as a mark of respect.[97]

The match between Swansea City and Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium, held only hours after Speed's death was announced, was dedicated to his memory. A minute's silence was to be held before the match. However, the fans applauded instead and sang Speed's name.[98] Several players who played in the match were severely affected by the news. Four Welsh internationals played in the match;[98] Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor and Joe Allen, of Swansea, all played under Speed for Wales, and Allen in particular was said to be struggling with the news. James Collins was the other Welsh international, and he had also played with Speed at international level. Collins' Villa teammates Shay Given and Jermaine Jenas had both played with Speed at Newcastle United, and both were badly affected by the news. Given openly wept during and after the minute's applause.[98] Both managers, Alex McLeish and Brendan Rodgers, paid tribute to Speed. Rodgers, who had spoken to Speed a lot since he had become Wales manager, said that the game had lost a legend, while Neil Taylor said that he hoped Wales could qualify for the 2014 World Cup to honour him.[99]

Along with this match, several others saw tributes toward Speed. The only other Premier League match played that day was between Liverpool and Manchester City. Craig Bellamy of Liverpool was withdrawn from Liverpool's squad by his manager Kenny Dalglish, as he was too affected by the news to play. Bellamy played with Speed for Newcastle United and Wales, where Speed had also been his manager.[100] Dalglish himself had signed Speed for Newcastle, and expressed his sadness at the news, saying that he thought Speed was not only a great footballer but also a great person.[92] Hugo Viana, a Portuguese international who played alongside Speed at Newcastle between 2002 and 2004, also paid tribute to him. After his team Braga had lost 3–2 to Porto, he displayed a shirt reading "Gary, Rest in Peace".[101]

At Sheffield United there were tributes for the former player, coach and manager before the team's home fixture against Torquay United in the FA Cup. Former teammates and colleagues were invited to the match; there was a minute's applause before the match; players warmed up in specially designed shirts; players and coaches wore black armbands; the match day programme was dedicated to Speed; Sheffield United captain Chris Morgan and former Sheffield United and Welsh international Rob Page laid wreaths on pitch side just before kick-off.[102] Sheffield United striker Ched Evans, the only player to be managed by Speed at both club and international level, paid tribute to Speed during the match; Evans revealed a message under his shirt after scoring his first goal which read: "Rest in peace Speedo." Evans stated after the match "I was a man on a mission. I had a message on my top for Gary Speed which I wanted to show. I'm thankful I got the goal ... The crowd started singing [Speed's name], it gave me goose pimples."[103]

During the following week, tributes were paid to Speed from across the football season. A minute's applause was held before the League Cup quarter-final ties, as well as across the Football League midweek matches. Similar events were staged at every Premier League match on the weekend of 4 December, as well as Wales's rugby match against Australia at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Speed's wife Louise and his two children attended the Football League Championship game at Elland Road between Speed's former club Leeds and Millwall, which Leeds won 2–0, and again held a minute's applause. Speed's fellow midfielders from the 1991–92 title-winning side Gary McAllister, David Batty and Gordon Strachan laid wreaths in his memory.[104] Speed's father, Roger, also led a minute's tribute at Goodison Park, where Speed's former club Everton lost 1–0 to Stoke City.[105] Speed's father and sons were again present a week later at the Reebok Stadium, as another of his son's former teams Bolton Wanderers lost 2–1 to Aston Villa.[106]

On 4 January, the Football Association of Wales announced that a match in Speed's memory would be played on 29 February at Cardiff City Stadium.[107] The friendly international against Costa Rica commemorated Speed's debut for Wales, in which Costa Rica were beaten 1–0. The memorial match saw Costa Rica win by the same score.[108]

On 25 September 2012, Everton visited Leeds United in the League Cup. Starting from the 11th minute of the fixture, both sets of supporters chanted Speed's name for 11 minutes.[109]

Beginning in 2022, Leeds fanzine The Square Ball has organised the Gary Speed Walk to support Andy's Man Club, a charity which raises awareness of men's mental health issues. The first walk was a symbolic 92 miles (in honor of the 1991–92 Football League First Division season, where Speed played a major role in Leeds' title win) from his childhood home in Flintshire to Elland Road; Carol Speed, Gary's mother, saw the walkers off. A year later, the walk was another 92 miles to Elland Road, this time starting from Goodison Park in Liverpool in honour of his boyhood club. A third walk is planned for 2025, beginning at St James' Park in Newcastle and once again finishing 121 miles away in Leeds.[110]

Funeral

[edit]

Speed's funeral, attended by around 250 members of his family and close friends, took place in the village of Hawarden on 9 December 2011. In keeping with his wife Louise's wishes, only small crowds gathered on the main road outside St Deiniol's Church and no members of the press were admitted. Speed was later cremated in Pentre Bychan Crematorium, Wrexham.[111]

Impact on Welsh football

[edit]

Speed's work to improve the professional standard of the Football Association of Wales, including improvements to training facilities, team culture, and its national visibility, was credited as a major contributor to the success that Wales would enjoy in the decade after his death, beginning with their qualification for Euro 2016 and culminating in their appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, bringing to an end a 64-year drought at the World Cup.[112] His memory became part of "the sense of collective purpose" of the organization.[113] On the eve of the Qatar World Cup, Speed's former teammate Neville Southall wrote that the biggest difference between the Welsh squad that had qualified and those that came before started "with a single word: belief," and that "for the initial source of the belief, though, you have to go back to my old mate Gary Speed. Gary had a burning ambition to take Wales into a tournament and, in his time as manager, he made players believe in themselves."[114] Wales captain Gareth Bale paid tribute to Speed on the occasion, saying "Gary Speed's vision was to grow the FAW, not just the football, but the infrastructure: building a training base, having a high-performance centre and recovery centre, just like a top club," adding "I'm sure he's looking down on us with a big smile and happy that Welsh football is in a great place."[115]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Leeds United 1988–89[116] Second Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
1989–90[117] Second Division 25 3 0 0 1 0 1[a] 0 27 3
1990–91[118] First Division 38 7 6 0 7 3 5[a] 0 56 10
1991–92[119] First Division 41 7 1 0 4 3 1[a] 0 47 10
1992–93[120] Premier League 39 7 4 3 3 1 6[b] 1 52 12
1993–94[121] Premier League 36 10 2 1 2 1 — 40 12
1994–95[122] Premier League 39 3 4 0 2 0 — 45 3
1995–96[123] Premier League 29 2 4 1 7 3 4[c] 1 44 7
Total 248 39 21 5 26 11 17 2 312 57
Everton 1996–97[124] Premier League 37 9 2 1 2 1 — 41 11
1997–98[35] Premier League 21 7 0 0 3 0 — 24 7
Total 58 16 2 1 5 1 0 0 65 18
Newcastle United 1997–98[35] Premier League 13 1 4 1 — — 17 2
1998–99[125] Premier League 38 4 6 1 2 0 2[d] 0 48 5
1999–2000[36] Premier League 36 9 6 3 1 0 6[c] 1 49 13
2000–01[126] Premier League 35 5 2 0 4 1 — 41 6
2001–02[127] Premier League 29 5 2 0 3 0 6[e] 2 40 7
2002–03[128] Premier League 24 2 0 0 0 0 12[f] 1 36 3
2003–04[129] Premier League 38 3 2 0 1 0 13[g] 1 54 4
Total 213 29 22 5 11 1 39 5 285 40
Bolton Wanderers 2004–05[130] Premier League 38 1 2 0 0 0 — 40 1
2005–06[131] Premier League 31 4 2 0 2 0 5[c] 0 40 4
2006–07[132] Premier League 38 8 2 0 2 0 — 42 8
2007–08[133] Premier League 14 1 — 0 0 3[c] 0 17 1
Total 121 14 6 0 4 0 8 0 139 14
Sheffield United 2007–08[133] Championship 20 3 2 0 — — 22 3
2008–09[134] Championship 17 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 18 3
2009–10[135] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Total 37 6 2 0 1 0 0 0 40 6
Career total 677 104 53 11 47 13 64 7 841 135
  1. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in Full Members' Cup
  2. ^ One appearance in FA Charity Shield, five appearances and one goal in UEFA Champions League
  3. ^ a b c d Appearances in UEFA Cup
  4. ^ Appearances in UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
  5. ^ Appearances in UEFA Intertoto Cup
  6. ^ Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  7. ^ Two appearances in UEFA Champions League, eleven appearances and one goal in UEFA Cup

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[136]
National team Year Apps Goals
Wales 1990 3 0
1991 6 0
1992 8 0
1993 6 0
1994 6 1
1995 4 1
1996 6 0
1997 5 1
1998 5 0
1999 5 0
2000 7 1
2001 5 0
2002 5 1
2003 8 1
2004 6 1
Total 85 7
Scores and results list Wales' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Speed goal.[54][137]
List of international goals scored by Gary Speed
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 12 October 1994 Stadionul Republican, Chișinău, Moldova 27  Moldova 1–0 2–3 UEFA Euro 1996 qualification [138]
2 6 September 1995 National Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 32  Moldova 1–0 1–0 UEFA Euro 1996 qualification [139]
3 29 March 1997 National Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 41  Belgium 1–2 1–2 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification [140]
4 2 September 2000 Dinamo Stadium, Minsk, Belarus 59  Belarus 1–2 1–2 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification [141]
5 20 November 2002 Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan 71  Azerbaijan 1–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2004 qualification [142]
6 29 March 2003 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 73  Azerbaijan 2–0 4–0 UEFA Euro 2004 qualification [143]
7 4 September 2004 Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan 82  Azerbaijan 1–0 1–1 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification [144]

Managerial statistics

[edit]
Source:[145]
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record
P W D L Win %
Sheffield United 17 August 2010 14 December 2010 18 6 3 9 033.3
Wales 14 December 2010 27 November 2011 10 5 0 5 050.0
Total 28 11 3 14 039.3

Honours

[edit]

Player

[edit]

Leeds United

Newcastle United

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gary Speed

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Gary Andrew Speed MBE (8 September 1969 – 27 November 2011) was a Welsh professional footballer and manager, celebrated for his distinguished career as a and his pivotal role in revitalizing Welsh football. Born in Mancot, , Speed began his club career with United in 1988, where he contributed to their First Division championship win in the 1991–92 season before moving to Everton in 1996 and captaining the team the following year. His career spanned multiple top-flight clubs, including a £5.5 million transfer to Newcastle United in 1998, where he reached two finals, followed by stints at Bolton Wanderers—marking his 500th appearance in 2006—and Sheffield United until his retirement in 2008, accumulating 677 league appearances and 104 goals across 20 years. Internationally, Speed debuted for in 1990, earning 85 caps and scoring 7 goals while captaining the side 44 times from 1997 to 2004, including notable moments like a penalty in a 1994 qualifier and efforts in the 2004 play-offs. Transitioning to management, Speed took charge of Sheffield United in 2010 and was appointed manager on 14 December that year, overseeing 10 matches with 5 wins and elevating the team's ranking from 117th to 45th, fostering a new era of promise for Welsh football. His achievements were recognized with the Wales Young Player of the Year award in 1991, an MBE in 2010 for services to Welsh football, induction into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in 2016, and the in 2017. Speed's life ended tragically on 27 November 2011, when he was found dead at his home in Huntington, ; an inquest in January 2012 returned an , recording , though it was widely reported as , profoundly shocking the football world and prompting widespread tributes and discussions on . At the time, as Wales manager, his passing halted a Premier League match and led to his succession by Chris Coleman, whose team later achieved success at and the , a legacy often attributed in part to Speed's foundational work.

Early life

Family background

Gary Speed was born on 8 September 1969 in the local hospital at Mancot, , , the second of two children to Roger Speed (born 1943 in , ) and (née Huxley, born 1945 in , ). His older sister, Lesley Ann, was born in 1967, also in . Although the rest of his immediate family originated from , Speed's birth in fostered a deep sense of Welsh identity and heritage, which he carried throughout his life as a staunch Welshman. The family resided in the nearby community of Aston Park, Queensferry, providing a stable, working-class upbringing in a close-knit North Welsh environment. Roger Speed worked at the car manufacturing plant and later as a fireman, roles that reflected the industrious nature of the family's dynamics, while Carol contributed to the household in a supportive capacity. The parents cultivated a nurturing atmosphere that encouraged Speed's early interests in sports, with the family offering consistent encouragement amid the local football culture of . A notable family anecdote highlighted differing football allegiances: while Roger supported , young Gary became an ardent Everton fan, sparking light-hearted discussions that underscored the household's passion for the game.

Education and youth development

Gary Speed attended Queensferry Primary School in his early years before transferring to High School in , . There, as Paul Ellis, deputy headteacher of High School, recalled, Speed was "a very talented sportsman." He left school in June 1988 at the age of 18, having balanced his studies with intense involvement in athletic activities. Speed's youth development in football began with local teams in , where he played for the under-13, under-14, and under-15 squads, as well as for the Schoolboys and Aston Park Rangers. A boyhood supporter of Everton, he demonstrated early talent in the sport, also representing at schoolboy level in cricket during ages 12 and 13. His skills caught the attention of professional scouts, leading him to join United's youth system as a schoolboy in 1984 at age 15. Key milestones in his development included earning call-ups to Welsh youth international teams, where he quickly established himself as a promising . Raised in a supportive family environment in , Speed's early experiences laid the foundation for his progression through organized youth football.

Club career

Leeds United

Speed signed his first professional contract with Leeds United on 13 June 1988, shortly after leaving school at age 18. He made his senior debut the following year on 6 May 1989, appearing as a substitute in a 0–0 Second Division draw at home to Athletic. Speed's breakthrough came during the 1989–90 season, where he made 28 league appearances and scored three goals, helping Leeds secure promotion to the First Division as runners-up. In the 1991–92 season, Speed played a pivotal role in Leeds' First Division title-winning campaign, featuring in 41 of 42 league matches and scoring seven goals. His contributions extended to the , where Leeds reached the semi-finals before losing to . Speed netted his maiden senior goal earlier that year on 7 April 1990, in a 1–1 league draw with Bradford City at . Over his eight-year tenure at from 1988 to 1996, Speed amassed 312 appearances across all competitions, scoring 57 goals. Notable highlights included leading the team in the 1992–93 season with 12 goals as joint-top scorer and captaining the side in several matches from 1993 onward amid injuries to others. He also featured prominently in subsequent campaigns, such as the quarter-final run in 1996. In July 1996, Speed departed for Everton in a £3.5 million transfer, marking the end of his formative years at .

Everton

Gary Speed, a lifelong Everton supporter, joined his boyhood club from in the summer of 1996 for a fee of £3.5 million, arriving with high expectations following his key role in ' 1991–92 league title win. He made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut in a 2–0 victory over Newcastle United on 17 August 1996 and netting a in a 7–1 thrashing of in October, contributing to nine league goals that season. These performances earned him Everton's Player of the Year award for 1996–97, as he adapted to a central midfield role under manager . However, Speed's time at Everton was marked by significant challenges amid the team's instability. The club finished 15th in the 1996–97 season, narrowly avoiding relegation, and the following campaign saw further turmoil when Royle resigned in March 1997, with returning as manager. In 1997–98, Everton ended 16th, battling mid-table survival and internal issues, including reports of a disruptive within the squad. Despite these difficulties, Speed demonstrated loyalty by remaining committed, briefly serving as club under Kendall in the 1997–98 season. Over his 18 months at , Speed made 65 appearances across all competitions, scoring 17 goals, though he faced growing fan frustration over the team's poor form. His tenure ended in February 1998 when he transferred to Newcastle United for £5.5 million, a move that later drew criticism from some Everton supporters who labeled him a "traitor," despite his earlier contributions and personal attachment to the club.

Newcastle United

Speed transferred to Newcastle United from Everton on 6 February 1998 for a fee of £5.5 million, marking a fresh start after a challenging spell at his previous club. Signed by manager , he rapidly established himself as a vital central , providing stability and leadership in the engine room. Under subsequent managers and, from August 1999, , Speed's tireless work rate and versatility were instrumental in revitalizing the team's midfield dynamic. During his six-year stint from 1998 to 2004, Speed made 285 appearances across all competitions and scored 39 goals, embodying consistency amid managerial changes and high expectations at . Newcastle achieved notable success, including a third-place finish in the 2002–03 season that secured Champions League qualification, highlighted by Speed's contributions in key matches. The team also reached the in 1999–2000, where they fell 2–1 to Chelsea at , with Speed featuring prominently in the run. In 2001, Speed assumed the captain's armband on several occasions during Alan Shearer's absences, demonstrating his authoritative presence and earning praise for guiding the squad through pivotal fixtures. His tenure culminated in 2004 with recognition for reaching 400 appearances, presented by Robson before a match against , underscoring his enduring impact and durability.

Bolton Wanderers

Speed joined Bolton Wanderers from Newcastle United in July for a transfer fee of £750,000, signing a two-year contract that was later extended. At 34 years old, he quickly established himself as a key figure in Sam Allardyce's midfield, making over 40 appearances across all competitions in his debut 2004–05 season and earning the vice-captaincy due to his qualities. His tenacity and passing range were instrumental in Bolton's solid defensive setup, contributing to a club-record sixth-place finish in the and qualification for the —their first European campaign in over two decades. In the subsequent seasons, Speed maintained high levels of consistency, appearing in at least 30 matches each year until 2007–08, when injuries limited him to 14 outings. He scored 14 goals in total for , including a career-high eight in 2006–07 (five from penalties), while providing nine assists overall. Speed's experience from Newcastle informed his mentorship of younger players, fostering a team ethic that propelled to the Cup group stage in 2005–06, where they advanced before exiting in the knockout rounds, and secured another qualification via a seventh-place league finish in 2006–07. Over four seasons, Speed amassed 140 appearances for Bolton across all competitions, embodying late-career revival through his durability and influence. A highlight came on 23 December 2006, when he became the first player to reach 500 appearances in a 4–0 win over West Ham United. By the end of his Bolton tenure in January 2008, his 535 games held the all-time record for most appearances in the competition.

Sheffield United

Speed joined Sheffield United from Bolton Wanderers on 1 January 2008 for a transfer fee of £250,000. He made his debut for the club on the same day, starting in a 0–0 draw away to Wolverhampton Wanderers. During the second half of the 2007–08 season, Speed made 20 league appearances and scored 3 goals as Sheffield United finished 10th in the . In the 2008–09 season, he added another 20 league appearances with 3 goals, helping the team to a 3rd-place finish and a playoff final appearance, though they lost to . A persistent back injury forced his retirement from playing on 25 November 2008, after which he transitioned to a coaching role at the club. Over his time as a player at Sheffield United, Speed made 40 appearances across all competitions and scored 6 goals.

International career

Youth career

Speed began his representative football experiences at the local level, playing for Flintshire's under-13, under-14, and under-15 teams while attending Hawarden High School. His progression continued through the Leeds United youth setup, where he developed as a from 1984 onward. Speed earned his first international youth call-up with the under-21 side in 1990, debuting on 19 May against at in . He accumulated three caps at this level during his early professional years. These under-21 appearances provided essential competitive exposure, sharpening his tactical awareness and endurance in high-stakes matches, which directly contributed to his rapid transition to the senior Wales team the following day on 20 May 1990.

Senior career

Gary Speed made his senior international debut for on 20 May 1990, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 friendly victory over at Ninian Park in . Over the course of his 14-year senior career with the national team, he earned 85 caps and scored 7 goals, establishing himself as a mainstay in midfield. He captained 44 times between 1997 and 2004, providing leadership during challenging qualification campaigns. Throughout the 1990s, Speed demonstrated remarkable consistency, featuring regularly under managers , Mike Walker, and , as navigated difficult periods without major tournament qualification. His reliability in the engine room, often influenced by strong club performances at Leeds United and Everton, ensured frequent selection despite the team's struggles. By the late 1990s, he had become a symbol of endurance for Welsh football, contributing to improved showings in and European qualifiers. Under from 1999, Speed played a pivotal role in ' most promising era, helping the team secure a play-off spot for after finishing second in their qualifying group, with victories over teams like and . During this campaign, he broke ' record for the most caps by a Welsh outfield player with his 76th appearance against on 10 September 2003, a milestone he extended to 85 before retiring. ' near-miss came in the play-offs, where they drew 0–0 away against but lost 0–1 at home, 0–1 on aggregate, denying Speed a major tournament appearance. Speed announced his international on 13 October 2004, immediately following a 3–2 defeat to in a qualifier at the , marking the end of his senior career with . At the time of his , his 85 caps made him the most-capped outfield player in Welsh history, a record later surpassed by in 2018.

Playing style and reputation

Playing style

Gary Speed was renowned for his exceptional versatility on the pitch, beginning his career as a dynamic left winger at Leeds United before evolving into a central or attacking and later adapting to more defensive roles. This adaptability allowed him to fill nearly every outfield position except centre-back, earning him the nickname "Mr. Versatility" from teammates and coaches alike. His technical prowess was evident in his precise crossing from the flanks, which complemented his role in wide areas, and his expertise in free-kicks, where he demonstrated powerful delivery and accuracy, such as in notable strikes during his Everton tenure. Physically, Speed stood at 5 feet 11 inches tall, possessing an athletic build that supported his strong tackling and fearless approach in midfield challenges. His vision for incisive passes was a hallmark, enabling him to dictate play and transition seamlessly between defense and attack, while his exceptional heading ability—bolstered by excellent timing and jumping—made him a consistent goal threat from set pieces. Above all, Speed's legendary stamina defined his endurance, often playing over 40 games per season across his 22-year career, including full participation in multiple campaigns. Speed's playing style evolved significantly over time, transitioning from the flair and pace of his early days as a winger at —where he showcased raw energy and box arrivals—to a more disciplined holding role in central midfield during his stints at Newcastle United and Wanderers. At Newcastle, he adopted a deeper, more tactical position that emphasized control and resilience, while at , his resolute determination and technical reliability anchored the midfield, contributing to the team's stability in the . This progression highlighted his box-to-box work rate and adaptability to varying tactical demands.

Reputation and influence

Gary Speed was widely regarded as one of the most professional and consistent players of his generation, earning the nickname "Mr Consistent" from peers and managers for his reliable performances week in, week out. John Carver, assistant manager at Newcastle United, praised his unwavering commitment, noting how he delivered high standards even under fatigue or after social outings, while also highlighting his natural that inspired teammates without needing formal authority. This was underscored by his record-breaking 535 appearances in the , the most by any outfield player at the time, demonstrating his durability and discipline across clubs like Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, and Bolton Wanderers. Speed's influence extended beyond his on-pitch contributions, particularly in mentoring younger players during his stints at Newcastle and . At Newcastle, he served as a key guide for emerging talents like , encouraging the young French full-back to communicate on the field and providing tactical cover to help him advance, while also acting as an informal second who organized and motivated the squad. Similarly, at Wanderers, Speed supported academy prospects such as , offering advice on breaking into the first team and being readily available to assist younger players transitioning to senior football. In Welsh football, he became a for aspiring players, with former FA technical director commending his attitude, versatility, and focus on fitness as exemplary for youth development, influencing figures like , whom Speed appointed at age 20, and . In media portrayals, Speed was often depicted as an understated star whose quiet excellence and humility set him apart in the high-profile world of football. Outlets highlighted his low-key demeanor—eschewing flashy personas in favor of a , unassuming style—while emphasizing the durability of his 20-year career at the top level, from his debut in 1988 to retirement in , as a testament to his and adaptability. This longevity, spanning over 800 domestic appearances, positioned him as a symbol of sustained excellence rather than fleeting stardom.

Managerial career

Sheffield United

Gary Speed was appointed as manager of United on 17 2010, on a three-year contract, following the sacking of just three games into the 2010–11 season. This marked Speed's first managerial role, coming shortly after his from playing, during which he had spent the previous two seasons with the club as a player and assistant coach. Under Speed, United showed early promise, with his debut match resulting in a 0–1 loss to on 21 , followed by a 1–0 victory against Preston North End on 28 , but results were mixed overall as the team navigated a challenging campaign in the second tier. Speed managed 18 matches during his tenure, achieving 6 wins, 3 draws, and 9 losses, for a win percentage of approximately 33%. His side started strongly with three wins in the first seven league games, including notable victories over Derby County and , which helped stabilize the team after Blackwell's poor opening. However, a run of defeats in and saw Sheffield United slip down the table, though they remained competitive in mid-table positions by the time of his departure. On 13 December 2010, after receiving permission from Sheffield United, Speed left the club to become manager of the Wales national team, ending his brief spell at by mutual agreement. The team, which finished the 2010–11 season in 21st place and suffered relegation to League One under his successor , credited Speed's leadership with instilling discipline and a more attractive playing style despite the limited time.

Wales national team

Gary Speed was appointed as the manager of the on 14 December 2010, succeeding following a disappointing qualifying campaign for the 2012 . This marked Speed's transition from club management, bringing his experience from Sheffield United to the international stage. Under Speed's leadership, showed signs of revival, culminating in their first competitive win during his tenure—a 1–0 victory against on 3 September 2011 in , secured by a goal from . Speed emphasized an attacking style of play, encouraging fluid passing and high pressing to instill confidence in the squad. He integrated promising young talents such as and into the starting lineup, providing them with key international exposure that accelerated their development. Speed's achievements included guiding Wales to three consecutive wins during their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, which boosted morale despite ultimately failing to qualify. His overall record in charge was five wins and five losses across 10 matches, a marked improvement from previous campaigns. Speed's vision centered on youth development and a proactive, attacking , which is credited with laying the groundwork for ' subsequent successes in major tournaments.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Gary Speed met his future wife, Louise Reynolds, as teenagers growing up in Mancot, , and they went on their first date at the age of 15 at the local Hawarden club. The couple married on 24 May 1996 at St Deiniol's Church in , following Speed's early career move to Leeds United in 1988. Speed and Louise had two sons: Edward Joseph, born in 1997 in Chester, and Thomas Huw, born in 1998 in . The family maintained a close, grounded lifestyle despite the demands of Speed's professional football career, enjoying simple activities such as family barbecues, holidays, and outings, which Speed cherished as a way to balance his high-profile life. Following Gary's death, Louise remarried Quinton in 2021; he died from brain cancer in 2022. As of 2024, she has begun a new relationship. Louise provided steadfast support throughout Speed's playing and managerial career, accompanying the family on relocations to cities including , (for Everton), Newcastle, , and as he transferred between clubs. She was often by his side at public events, such as the Kicks charity fundraiser in in May 2011, where they appeared together alongside other football personalities. During Speed's tenure as manager of the national team from 2010 onward, Louise played a key role in his personal and professional life, offering emotional backing amid the intense pressures of the position and helping maintain family stability.

Interests and philanthropy

Gary Speed developed a passion for music during his playing career, often turning to it as a source of solace amid professional pressures. In 2003, following a disappointing defeat for Wales against Italy, he described listening to the Welsh anthem "Men of Harlech" while in Milan and strumming his guitar—a relatively new hobby—in his hotel room to process the loss and pass the long hours away from home. Speed also pursued an interest in , joining the "You Trotters" syndicate alongside Bolton Wanderers teammates such as , , and in 2005. The group co-owned the horse European Dream, which showed early promise by winning a race at in October 2006 and competing in subsequent events, including at Sandown's Tingle Creek Festival. Throughout his career, Speed engaged in philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting health-related causes. In September 2011, on his 42nd birthday, he managed a team of Welsh ex-players and celebrities in a charity match at Derby County to raise funds for the John Hartson Foundation, established by former teammate John Hartson to support cancer patients and their families. In 2010, he ran the London Marathon in aid of the John Hartson Foundation and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. In November 2011, Speed donated signed memorabilia, including a Wales shirt autographed by the national squad, a shirt signed by Gareth Bale, and boots autographed by Aaron Ramsey, to a Movember fundraiser benefiting prostate cancer charities. As Wales manager from 2010, Speed participated in Football Association of Wales (FAW) initiatives that promoted community engagement, including appearances at fundraising events tied to national team activities. His involvement helped foster a positive public image, blending his professional commitments with private family time, such as sharing musical interests with his sons.

Death

Circumstances and discovery

On the morning of 27 November 2011, Gary Speed's wife, Louise, discovered his body at their family home in Huntington, Cheshire, around 7:00 a.m. She found him hanged in the garage using an aerial cable. Emergency services were called immediately, and Speed was pronounced dead at the scene. The previous day, 26 November 2011, Speed had been active and appeared publicly upbeat, with no visible signs of distress to colleagues or the public. He featured as a guest on the BBC's programme in the afternoon, where he joked with host Dan Walker and former teammate , discussed ' promising future enthusiastically, and watched highlights of his 1992 Leeds United team with a genuine smile. Later that evening, he attended the Newcastle United versus Manchester United match at before returning home. Cheshire Police responded to the incident and stated that the death was not being treated as suspicious, with no note found at the scene. Officers confirmed the discovery at 07:08 GMT and notified Speed's family and of shortly thereafter.

Inquest and aftermath

The inquest into Gary Speed's death was held on 30 January 2012 at Coroner's Court, presided over by coroner Nicholas Rheinberg. Rheinberg recorded a verdict, stating that Speed had died from suspension by hanging but that there was insufficient evidence to conclude he had intended to take his own life, leaving open the possibility of an accident or a dramatic . No was found, and examinations of Speed's computer and by Detective Inspector Peter Lawless revealed no indications of premeditated intent. Toxicology tests showed a blood alcohol level of 83mg per 100ml—slightly above the legal driving limit—but no traces of illegal drugs or prescribed medications. In the immediate aftermath of Speed's death on 27 November 2011, the postponed non-essential activities, including a planned squad announcement, as the nation grappled with the shock. The broader football community reacted with widespread grief, with matches that weekend featuring minute's silences and black armbands in tribute, underscoring the profound impact on the sport. Speed's family issued a statement expressing their devastation, thanking supporters for messages of condolence, and noting they were "overwhelmed" by the outpouring of support during this difficult time. Early reports emerging from the highlighted private struggles in Speed's life, including strain on his marriage to Louise due to the demands of his managerial role, which involved extended separations from his family, culminating in an argument the night before his death. Louise testified that four days prior, Speed had sent her a text referencing "taking his life" but framing it around concerns for their family's future, which she initially dismissed given their young children. However, there was no evidence of a clinical depression diagnosis; medical professionals and colleagues, including the team doctor Mark Ridgewell, reported no observable signs of stress or issues in the weeks leading up to his death. In 2018, Louise Speed disclosed a letter Gary wrote at age 17 expressing deep depression ("I'm so depressed. I'm just going to sleep now and hope I never wake up"), suggesting possible long-standing challenges, though no formal diagnosis was ever made. Following the , the family released another statement describing it as "one of the darkest days of our lives" but finding solace in the football community's support.

Legacy

Tributes and funeral

Following the sudden death of Gary Speed on 27 November 2011, an overwhelming flood of tributes emerged from the football community, reflecting his widespread respect as a player and manager. The Football Association of (FAW) described Speed as a "true gentleman" who had transformed the national team, stating that the organisation was "devastated" and would miss him "tremendously." clubs united in homage, with a minute's applause observed across matches that weekend; for instance, Newcastle United, where Speed had captained and later managed, held a poignant silence before their fixture against Chelsea, as fans chanted his name on the 11th minute in reference to his shirt number. Prominent players also shared heartfelt condolences, underscoring Speed's personal impact. , his long-time teammate and roommate, called him "one of the nicest men in football" and expressed being "totally devastated," highlighting Speed's professionalism and friendship. led public tributes, describing Speed as a "great player and even greater man," while conveying shock at the loss. In , the news prompted national mourning, with an outpouring of grief from supporters at Speed's former clubs—Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle, and Sheffield United—and widespread displays of black-and-white scarves, the colours associated with his career. Speed's private funeral took place on 9 December 2011 at St Deiniol's Church in , , near his childhood home, followed by a service at Pentre Bychan Crematorium, . Attended solely by family and close friends, the ceremony featured singer performing "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," a song chosen by Speed's widow, Louise. Former teammates and served as pallbearers, joining others in a subdued farewell that emphasised Speed's role as a devoted family man and mentor. Media coverage amplified the emotional response, with programmes like dedicating segments to Speed's career highlights and interviews, leaving hosts and contributors visibly moved in a rare moment of solemnity on the typically lighthearted show. Books of remembrance were opened at FAW headquarters in and other venues, collecting thousands of messages that the family later described as a vital source of comfort amid their grief.

Impact on football

Gary Speed's untimely death on 27 November 2011 profoundly affected the Welsh national team, prompting the Football Association of Wales (FAW) to appoint Chris Coleman as his successor on 19 January 2012. Coleman, a close friend and former teammate of Speed's from their playing days, inherited a squad that had shown promising signs of revival under Speed's leadership, including a memorable victory over Bulgaria just weeks before the tragedy. However, the immediate aftermath brought significant disruptions to the 2011–2012 season, as the team struggled emotionally and competitively, suffering defeats in their first five matches under Coleman, all by multiple goals, marking a stark contrast to the upward trajectory Speed had initiated. Speed's strategic vision and emphasis on youth development provided the foundational elements that propelled Wales to unprecedented success at , where they qualified for their first major tournament in 58 years and reached the semi-finals. Coleman frequently acknowledged this debt, dedicating the achievement to Speed and stating that the manager's progressive methods had instilled belief and unity in the squad, enabling players like and to flourish. The FAW has maintained long-term recognition of Speed's contributions through annual tributes, including statements on anniversaries that highlight his role in revitalizing Welsh football. Beyond , Speed's death underscored the complexities of transitioning from elite player to manager in professional football, spotlighting the intense pressures involved in such roles. It also catalyzed broader discussions on player welfare within the , prompting the (PFA) to intensify support programs for current and former players navigating career shifts and personal challenges.

Memorials and ongoing recognition

Following Gary Speed's death in 2011, several physical memorials were established to honor his contributions to football. In 2012, a field in , near his childhood home in Mancot, , was renamed the Gary Speed Field by Flintshire County Council, recognizing his early years playing football there as a child. That same year, Leeds United, where Speed made over 250 appearances, named a suite in their East Stand after him to commemorate his legacy as a player and captain. In 2017, a housing development in , , was named Llys Gary Speed, consisting of 21 new homes built to provide affordable family accommodation in his hometown area. Artistic tributes have also proliferated, particularly murals depicting Speed in his kit or celebrating his career highlights. A large was unveiled in in 2022 near the as part of the "My City My Shirt" project, portraying Speed alongside other Welsh football icons to inspire community pride. In 2023, a graffiti appeared on the Empire Cinema building in , , created by local artist Garreth Wright to pay homage to Speed's impact on Welsh football. More recently, in 2025, the Vault 33 venue in incorporated a to Speed within a larger covering the club's history. Speed's enduring recognition extends to official football initiatives, notably the inaugural Cwpan Gary Speed (Gary Speed Cup), launched by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) in August 2025. This youth international tournament, featuring teams from , , and the under-16 sides, aims to celebrate Speed's role in revitalizing Welsh football and promoting grassroots development; won the first edition. His death significantly heightened awareness in football, prompting the (PFA) to distribute a depression awareness booklet to over 50,000 former players shortly afterward, emphasizing resources for coping with post-career challenges. This initiative contributed to broader campaigns addressing stigma, with Speed's story often cited in discussions on player welfare; for instance, Welsh football organizations have since integrated training influenced by the shock of his passing. Commemorative events mark anniversaries and milestones, reinforcing his legacy. The 10-year anniversary in 2021 saw widespread tributes, including interviews with family and teammates reflecting on his influence, and a special segment by broadcaster Dan Walker recalling their final conversation on the day before Speed's death. Documentaries have sustained this, such as the 2023 S4C film featuring Speed's father and early coaches, and a program exploring his 12-year posthumous impact through interviews with peers. In 2025, remembrances continued on what would have been Speed's 56th birthday on September 8, with Newcastle United, where he played over 200 games, posting a tribute stating, "We miss you, Speedo," garnering thousands of interactions from fans. Earlier that year, in April, Dan Walker shared further reflections in an interview, recounting Speed's to him—"I'll ring you Monday and we'll organize a game of "—and how they underscored the unpredictability of struggles, urging ongoing conversations to prevent similar tragedies. These efforts highlight Speed's evolving role in discourse, with his story frequently invoked in football's push for better support systems.

Statistics and honours

Club career statistics

Gary Speed's club career, spanning from 1988 to 2008, saw him make a total of 840 appearances and score 119 goals across all competitions for five English clubs. These figures are compiled from official club and league records, encompassing league matches, domestic cups ( and ), and European competitions where applicable. His statistics by club are as follows:
ClubYearsAppearancesGoals
Leeds United1988–199631257
Everton1996–19987311
Newcastle United1998–200427643
Bolton Wanderers2004–200813914
Sheffield United2008–2009406
Total1988–2009840131
These totals include all competitive fixtures. Speed received 12 yellow cards and 1 red card across his career, primarily in the Premier League era, with no reds recorded at Leeds or Everton. Breaking down by major competitions, Speed amassed 535 appearances and 80 goals in the alone, becoming the first player to reach 500 such games during his stint. In the First Division (pre-), he contributed 142 appearances and 24 goals, mostly with during their 1991–92 title-winning campaign. Domestic cup performances included 53 appearances with 11 goals and approximately 50 outings with 13 goals, highlighted by his role in Newcastle's run. European ties added 50 appearances and 7 goals, split between ( Cup and Champions League qualifiers) and Newcastle (Champions League and Cup).

International career statistics

Gary Speed represented the from 1990 to 2004, accumulating 85 caps and scoring 7 goals during his international career. He made his debut on 19 May 1990, starting in a 1–0 friendly victory against at the in . Speed's versatility as a allowed him to feature consistently across multiple managers, contributing to ' qualification campaigns for major tournaments despite the team rarely advancing beyond the preliminary stages. His goals were exclusively scored in competitive qualifiers, underscoring his impact in high-stakes matches. Speed netted his first international goal on 12 October 1994, a consolation strike in a 2–3 away defeat to during . Subsequent goals included one against in a 1–2 loss during 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifying on 29 March 1997, and another versus in a 2–1 home win for the on 2 September 2000. He proved particularly effective against , scoring in three separate World Cup qualifiers: a 2–0 away victory on 20 November 2002, a 4–0 home win on 29 March 2003, and a 1–1 draw on 4 September 2004, which marked his final international appearance and goal. Speed captained Wales 44 times, a record at the time of his that highlighted his qualities and as a key figure in the squad. His appearances were distributed across various competitions, with a focus on qualifiers where Wales sought to qualify for World Cups and European Championships.
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
FIFA World Cup qualifiers273
UEFA European Championship qualifiers294
Friendlies290
Total857
These figures reflect data from official match records and demonstrate Speed's reliability, as he rarely missed selection during his prime years.

Managerial statistics

Gary Speed began his managerial career with Sheffield United in the Championship on 17 August 2010, following his role as assistant manager at the club. In his 23 total matches in charge during the 2010–11 season (18 league, 5 cups), he recorded 7 wins, 3 draws, and 13 losses, achieving a 30% win rate and 1.04 points per match on average in league games. Under Speed, Sheffield United accumulated 21 points from league games, leaving the team one point above the relegation zone when he departed in December 2010; the club ultimately finished 23rd and were relegated. Speed was appointed manager of the Wales national team on 14 December 2010, succeeding . Over his 10 matches in charge, spanning friendlies and Euro 2012 qualifiers, he oversaw 5 wins and 5 losses with no draws, yielding a 50% win rate. In the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, Wales earned points from victories over (1–0) and (2–1) under Speed, though they lost to (0–2), (0–2), and drew 0–0 with in his final match; the team finished fifth in Group G with 9 points overall. Speed's tenure saw Wales rise significantly in the rankings, from 112th to 45th, laying foundations for future success despite no qualification. Across his managerial career at both clubs, Speed managed 33 matches, securing 12 wins, 3 draws, and 18 losses for an overall win rate of 36%. He won no major trophies during this period.
Club/TeamTenureMatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin Rate
Sheffield UnitedAug 2010 – Dec 201023731330%
Dec 2010 – Nov 20111050550%
Total-331231836%

Honours as player

During his playing career, Gary Speed achieved notable success with Leeds United, including winning the First Division title in the 1991–92 season, in which he featured in 41 of the 42 league matches. He also contributed to Leeds' victory in the 1992 Charity Shield, defeating 4–3 at . On an individual level, Speed was awarded the MBE in the 2010 Queen's for services to football. Earlier in his career, he became the inaugural recipient of the Wales Young Player of the Year award in 1991. Additionally, during his debut season with Everton in 1996–97, he was voted the club's Player of the Year after scoring 11 goals in all competitions. He was inducted into the in 2017.

Honours as manager

During his brief tenure as manager of Sheffield United from September to December 2010, Gary Speed guided the team to an 18th-place finish in the , securing survival but without claiming any trophies or individual managerial awards. Speed's time in charge of the national team, from December 2010 until his death in November 2011, spanned 10 matches in which he recorded five wins, yet no competitive honours or formal recognitions were attained during this period. While Speed received no major team honours or personal accolades as a manager, his leadership of is widely acknowledged for establishing the tactical and cultural foundations that contributed to the nation's improved performances and qualifications for major tournaments in the years following his tenure, though such credits remain informal and posthumous.

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