Very sad day for football as retired player and current Wales national manager Gary Speed has been found dead at home of apparent suicide at the age of 42. A complete shock to everyone that knew him who have all said that he seemed to have no personal problems and was in great spirits as recently as yesterday as well as being enthusiastic about his future as Wales manager. A great player, great professional, great father and by all accounts a truly likeable guy which makes this all the more shocking. RIP Gary and condolences to his family. :crying:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Speed
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Speed
Welsh football manager Gary Speed 'commits suicide' at 42
* Body found hanged at his home in Cheshire
* Police say there are no suspicious circumstances
* FAW offer condolences to his family
* England star Michael Owen: 'Just cannot believe the news. I'm numb'
Wales manager Gary Speed has been found hanged at his home in Cheshire, it was revealed today.
The former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton star, who appeared on BBC's Football Focus show yesterday, was aged 42.
Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. It is believed to be suicide. He leaves his wife Louise and two sons.
Pundit: Gary Speed appearing on BBC show Football Focus with Gary McAllister yesterday
Former Wales manager Gary Speed during the preliminary draw for the 2014 Fifa World Cup at Marina Da Gloria in July
Tragic Gary Speed receiving his MBE from Prince Charles in December last year (right) and on the touchline for Wales (left)
In a statement released on their website, The Football Association of Wales said: 'The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed.
'We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family's privacy at this very sad time.'
A Cheshire Police spokesman said: 'At 7.08am today Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntingdon, Chester.
‘Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed.
Tragic: Gary Speed (right) and England manager Fabio Capello watch from the touchline during the Euro 2012 qualifying match between England and Wales at Wembley Stadium on September 6
Mr Speed during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on November 5
Former Wales captain Gary Speed (right) wheels away after scoring the opening goal against Azerbaijan in 2004
'There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and the family have requested that they are left to grieve in peace.
'The death will now be a matter for the coroner.'
After hearing of the news, Manchester United striker Michael Owen, who lives near the star, tweeted: 'Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary Speed. We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at school. I'm numb.'
Mr Speed was a guest on the BBC's Football Focus show on Saturday with host Dan Walker.
Today, Mr Walker tweeted: 'Staggered by the news of Gary Speed's death.
'Was with him for most of yesterday. I genuinely cannot believe it. Thoughts with his family.'
Mr Speed - who was with Gary McAllister on the show - told Walker that there was nothing like playing football.
Former international teammate Robbie Savage said on Twitter: 'He was upbeat on phone yesterday we were laughing together, talking football and dancing he was a great teammate and a great friend.'
Speed won 85 caps for his country during a 14-year international career.
He took over the Wales job in December 2010 despite only having four months managerial experience.
Earlier this month, said the side's rapid improvement in recent months had exceeded all expectations.
A 4-1 friendly win over Norway represented a third successive win for Wales, and Speed's fifth in 10 games as manager.
Earlier this week Mr Speed's young side were handed a series of tough World Cup fixtures in their bid to reach Brazil 2014.
Mr Speed began his playing career at Leeds United after coming through the trainee ranks.
He was part of the side that won the last Football League title in 1992, before the start of the Premier League.
A Leeds spokesman said the club was "stunned and saddened" by the news.
Gary Speed in his playing days turning out for Everton (left) and Leeds United
Pressure: Wales captain Gary Speed during a press conference at the Vale Hotel, Cardiff, in November
Mr Speed, playing as captain of Newcastle United, celebrates scoring against Wimbledon at St James's Park (left) and appearing for Wales
Gary Speed, in Newcastle colours, being presented with an award for playing his 400th Premiership match by Sir Bobby Robson before the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St James Park in 2004
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2066812/Wales-manager-Gary-Speed-dead.html#ixzz1euc9BQ2Z
