Farewell Gary Speed

Universally, the world of sport has been brought into emotional turmoil over the past few days, after learning on Sunday morning that  former Welsh International Midfielder and current Wales National Team Coach Gary Speed, had tragically passed away.

 Speed endured an illustrious footballing career which spanned a staggering 22 seasons, having played for Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers, and prior to his retirement, Sheffield United. Speed, or 'Speedo' as he was more affectionately known, was the first player to reach a hugely respectable 500 appearances in the Premier League; paying testament to just what an integral part of the midfield set-up Speed was to all of his various employers. After hanging up his boots in the Sheffield United dressing room during 2010, Speed went on to start a career on touchline; firstly coaching at Bramall Lane underneath Keith Blackwell, before taking Blackwell's role on the back of his sacking in October last year. After a mere two months at the helm of The Blades, Speed had done enough to attract the scouring attentions of the Welsh F.A, who consequently appointed Gary Speed as their manager this time last year (December). A run of three out of three wins for his International squad prior to his tragic death, only seeks to ask more questions on just how and why such a great man felt the need and pressure from life to cut short such a promising, prosperous career.

 Speed leaves behind first and foremost a wife and two kids, of whom in his last interview with online magazine FourFourTwo, he stated that meant 'everything' to him and 'cherishes'. Secondary to his initial biological family, comes his family of fans, experts, former players, current players, representatives from other sports that all valued Speed for the true professional that he undoubtedly was, the brilliant performer he undoubtedly was, and the successful manager, who he undoubtedly was evolving into.

  Speed's death is yet another blot on the copybook of Sport in 2011, with fellow stars such as Boxing legend Joe Frazier, Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon, and the massively talented young Moto GP rider Marco Simoncelli already leaving behind them a deeply saddened and upset world, from all corners of sport alike. One can only help but pray that once Sport has limped to the end of 2011, the plagued events of this year are well and truly put to bed, despite the living memory of Speed and others, still well and truly at large.

R.I.P Gary 'Speedo' Speed

8th September 1969- 27th November 2011