The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed MBE.
We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family and gratefully request that people respect their privacy at this time
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Most recent condolence left on January 27, 2012 @ 2:37 pm
Gary Speed – The Welsh Dragon
First to five hundred in the League
With Ratcliffe he was Mancot’s Lord Mayor
Planet football bond in sorrow
For Wales most capped outfield player
Part of the famous Leeds quartet
Strachan, McAllister and Batty
Anfield hushed in total silence
Shay Given cried at the Liberty
Ryan Giggs “totally devastated
Bobby Gould grief clad
“A great person,” he sobbed with angst
“A great skipper and a great lad”
From Beeston to Downing Street
Emdad Rahman, LondonPm Cameron “deeply saddened”
May the roads clear your pathway
God Speed now weary Welsh dragon
Number7
© Emdad Rahman
January 25, 2012 @ 11:52 pm
With the news this week of a new manager for Wales it just reminds Me how sad I am still at your passing. Chris Coleman will I’m sure carry on your legacy so sleep tight in the knowledge that you will always be a part of this small mad football nation.
Simon Brennan, Newtown, PowysJanuary 25, 2012 @ 10:42 pm
I landed lucky, my first Leeds match being against Middlesboro in the old second division. I was hooked from the second we walked into the ground. Next year me and 4 mates got season tickets for the East Stand, and got to see ‘that’ midfield of Wee man, Batts, Gary Mac and of course Gary Speed pretty soon go on and win the title; an unbelievable achievement, particularly by today’s standards. As a Welshman I always had a particular soft spot for Gary, and I always hoped he did well for the other clubs he played for (as long as it wasn’t at Leeds’ expense!). Having wrenched Wales out of the doldrums as manager I started to have genuine hope we could qualify for the World Cup. Gary I hope you are at peace now, you were loved by so many people you hadn’t even met. Thanks for everything X
Ziggy Jones, YorkJanuary 25, 2012 @ 10:27 pm
Gone but never forgotten.
simon copley, tonyrefailMay you rest in peace.
January 25, 2012 @ 5:46 pm
I am still trying to come to terms with this tragic loss. There aren’t anymore words that I can say on how much of a true legend, and a gentleman Gary was.
Gary was the person do take us forward and qualify, sadly we will never know on how far he would have taken us. Not just Wales, but the whole of the footballing world has lost an incredible person, and sportsman.
May you rest in peace Gary. Thank you for the memories.
You will never be forgotton.
Alex Cottrell, SwanseaJanuary 24, 2012 @ 5:12 pm
Gary turned the Welsh team into a force that world football has once again respect for, and has even have begun to fear. He earned 100% support from every one of the players. Thank you for the wonderful work that you did.
RIP Gary Speed
Jeff Thomas, Ebbw ValeJanuary 24, 2012 @ 1:14 pm
R.I.P Garry truly missed by everyone i was brought to tears the day you died im irish and support liverpool so i shouldn’t be to sad but i am even today great man on and off the field the world has lost a proper role model to children and adults always a happy man wales has lost a great manager R.I.P
jack roche, IrelandJanuary 24, 2012 @ 12:54 am
We were deeply saddened by the news of your passing. You were an inspiration to your team, colleagues and a nation! The work you did as manager of Wales gave positive feeling to the fans all over. You made a nation proud and your legecy will continue on. You were a true legend, one we will never forget.
All we can say is thank you, RIP Gary Speed, God Bless x
Amy & Huw Selby, Ruthin, North WalesJanuary 22, 2012 @ 6:51 pm
LETS QUALIFY NOW FOR SPEEDO!TRUE LEGEND WATCHED HIM PLAY FOR WALES AT THE RACECOURSE FOR MANY YEARS QUALITY PLAYER.RIP GARY
LLION GRIFFITHS, LLANFAIR THJanuary 22, 2012 @ 1:35 pm
Dynamite left foot, great header, lovely guy what a shame and a sad loss. Was looking forward to coming down with the Tartan Army and watching Gary Speed’s Wales play as they have been on the up and playing with passion. Be sadly missed.
Sending all my love to his family and loved ones who sorely miss him.
Tony Rotchford, StirlingJanuary 20, 2012 @ 4:10 pm
Be at Rest, Gary
Trevor Tomlinson, Newcastle upon TyneGod Bless You
January 20, 2012 @ 8:27 am
R.I.P Speeds, you will always be remembered. Wales will qualify for Brazil in your Honour.
Sonny Coleman, LondonJanuary 20, 2012 @ 4:07 am
IN MEMORY OF GARY SPEED
Shock tears and sadness at the death of Gary Speed
Why, oh why, we cry, the loss and grief reported papers plead
So young with fun, talent, drive when alive now passed
Country wide from club to club emotional silence, then applause that last
As football families mourn from Wales to Leeds and clubs country wide
For Gary Speed a football legend, player, coach, Welsh manager, he stopped the slide
We send our love compassion to his wife, both son’s and Gary’s dad as life did cease
So goodbye, Mr Speed, husband, father and son, from a fellow Welshman, Gary, May You Rest In Peace.
Alan Hanford
alan hanford, london WelshNovember 2011
January 19, 2012 @ 11:48 pm
Gary Speed stood for all that was good about football. A sad loss not only to his family but to the many supporters of the Clubs he represented with distinction as he also did for his country.
C.Kirkland, PortsmouthJanuary 19, 2012 @ 11:08 pm
A legend in your own right, no signs you were a troubled soul rest in peace now Gary your name will go on, god be with you.
Derek, YorkshireJanuary 19, 2012 @ 10:22 pm
wat a player ….was going to be our best manager ever ..he was thee man..i was gutted…………rip ….why ???????????
gary perrin, aberbargoed rhymney valleyJanuary 19, 2012 @ 9:25 pm
Gary, you touched so many lives- a light went out when you left us. So glad that I met you at the Vale… thank you for your time and conversation. May you find peace in your heart. Always respected and remembered…
Anita Jarvis, Harrow, LondonJanuary 19, 2012 @ 7:28 pm
As a long suffering Welsh Sports Fan, it was always great to see and hear the passion and determination Gary showed for the national team, as both a player and then as a manager.I’ll admit I was not convinced at the time of his appointment for the job, but after a rough start the team started to deliver their potential that we know they have within in them in a Welsh shirt. For the first time in a few years, there is a renewed sense of belief in the Full Mens side. The last game v Norway ,albeit only a friendly paid testament to this, a quality ,committed display from start to finish. Like the man himself, not always got the right result, but went about it the right way. All you can ask for as a fan of the game. He was there for his country when he was needed, which turns out to be quite alot.
Gary Speed, a man who stood tall for himself & Welsh Football.
Now lets go out there and damn well qualify!!
R Richards, Cardiff/CaerdyddJanuary 19, 2012 @ 7:27 pm
I remember watching Gary many times in a Welsh shirt.He always gave 100%.He will always be remembered for his commitment and passion.RIP
John, RhylJanuary 19, 2012 @ 6:32 pm
A vary rare Legend in Football.
Go on Gary Speed, go get yerself one son…
Ginge, LeedsJanuary 19, 2012 @ 6:31 pm
After these few months Gary’s passing is still so raw. My condolences to his family particularly today with his name being headline news again due to Chris Coleman’s appointment. Coleman will do Gary’s legacy and his family proud. Peace to you all.
Jake
Jake, CardiffJanuary 19, 2012 @ 6:19 pm
A bright light has gone, but will always be remembered.
Steven reid, DundeeJanuary 19, 2012 @ 5:53 pm
God Bless Gary. We all miss you,
Phill Hopkins, MaestegJanuary 19, 2012 @ 5:43 pm
I still can’t believe what has happened.
But football aside, I hope and pray his family can come to terms with this and hopefully, maybe sometime in the future maybe it will all begin to make some sense.
I met him once at the BBC sports personality night in cardiff two things struck me that night, Robbie Savage’s blue eyes and Gary’s smile, he didn’t know me, why should he but he gave me and my young son the time of day.
Richie, CardiffRIP Gary.
I pray chris Coleman can pick up where you left off and make us all proud again just like you did.
January 19, 2012 @ 5:01 pm
Bumped into Gary a few weeks before his death. Same old Gary, smiling, happy to chat to all and sundry. Not a sign of the tragedy to follow.
Graeme, CardiffGod be with you Gary, a rare person.
January 19, 2012 @ 3:03 pm
I started coaching almost a year ago now at Under 8′s at my local club Beaufort Colts. Everytime we train and play I see those kids smiling and laughing and really enjoying playing football. It leaves me with a very proud feeling and a lump in my throat. The very same feeling that I used to get when watching wales play under Gary Speed, he used to send those players out with the same attitued, smile, laugh and be yourself…They were allowed to express theirselves and then became better players, to this we all owe Gary a huge amount of credit. I respect him hugely and I beleive that in the short space of time he managed wales I learnt a lot…Respect, Class, Skill & Smile = Gary Speed
Matthew Stone, BrynmawrR.I.P Young Man as Sir Bobby would say….Nite Gary
January 18, 2012 @ 9:24 pm
A true legend, represented our country so well.
Robbie Jones, BrightonRIP Gary
January 18, 2012 @ 2:52 pm
A true legend and will always be remembered as one of all time greats in Wales. Thanks Gary, God Bless.
Barrie & Kean, Merthyr TydfilJanuary 17, 2012 @ 11:50 pm
It is a shame. Had The team on the course of excellent. it is a shame that he has passed. he played the game the way it should have been played. may he rest in peace
Benjamin, OrlandoJanuary 17, 2012 @ 11:03 pm
Great player, great manager and great man.
Oli Bedford, EssexSorely missed.
RIP Gary
January 17, 2012 @ 10:34 pm
You have left a tremendous legacy which I am sure will lead to us qualifying for Brazil.You will never be forgotten and will always be a national treasure to Wales.RIP and thankyou for giving so much to us while you were here for such a short time.
john poyner, caerphillyJanuary 17, 2012 @ 10:29 pm
Not only you were a fantastic manager you were a down to earth guy, which is very rare to find in the modern day game. Cant believe the job you done in such a short space of time and you convinced myself and the rest of wales that you were the right man for the job, you gave the nation hope and belief again Gary. Your passion for the job was incredible and everyone knew how much it meant to you managing your country. The word legend is over used in modern society but your one of the very few people who would be deserving to be put into the legend category for your services to football. Still cant believe your gone hopefully we’ll get to brazil and dedicate it to you, thanks for what you’ve done for wales RIP Gary x
Luke Tamplin, Port TalbotJanuary 17, 2012 @ 6:50 pm
Great professional great personality, was and was going to be a great great manager, RIP Gary you will be missed. Keith, WHUFC Fan.
Keith, Hendon LondonJanuary 17, 2012 @ 2:32 pm
What a terrible loss to the whole nation he was a true legend of the game and a really nice man as well. He recently attended the anniversary of the Mid Wales League and was able to relate to the grass roots of Welsh football.
Gareth Griffiths, Carno FCHe had turned the fortunes of Welsh football around so much that most Welsh fans were confident of better times for our national side. Really heartfelt condolences to his lovely family.
January 17, 2012 @ 11:43 am
Played the game the way it was supposed to be played.
Impact upon the Welsh national team has been remarkable and a testament to your passion for your country and belief in the players in your charge.
The Blackbourne Family
Mark Blackbourne, County DurhamJanuary 16, 2012 @ 6:42 pm
A true Welsh legend has left us. I still find it hard to believe . Gary you were a true gent and a very proud North Walian . Cymru Am Byth. We will NEVER forget you.
God Bless . sleep well
Howard Brockley, Mold FlintshireJanuary 16, 2012 @ 6:07 pm
RIP Gary Speed. LEGEND.
Mick Jenkins, SurreyThanks for putting pride and belief back into Welsh football. Hopefully we can qualify for the next world cup and dedicate it to your memory.
Gary Speed will never be forgotten.
January 16, 2012 @ 3:03 pm
Thanks for everything,especially getting us our respect back.Such a shame you not here to lead us to Brazil.RIP
Gareth Bufton, Builth WellsJanuary 16, 2012 @ 2:01 pm
I watched Gary many times when he turned up at Anfield against the mighty reds. He always stood out as a committed and competent footballer who always put 100% effort into everything he did on the pitch. I dare say I caklled him a so-and-so on many occasions due to his performances against LFC.
It was always a pleasure to watch Gary Speed the footballer and an absolute honour to call him manager of my country.
Gary, you’ll be missed by all that met you and those who didn’t. Wales will always remember you and have you in its heart and mind in everything it does from here on in.
To Gary Speed the model Club player, Gary Speed the manager, Gary Speed Wales international and Gary Speed the so-and-so….thank you.
Chris, FlintJanuary 16, 2012 @ 12:48 pm
sporting legend
paul whitlock, barry south walesJanuary 16, 2012 @ 8:05 am
rest in peace gary you gave your country everything at all times will miss you allways
graham astley, pontypriddJanuary 15, 2012 @ 7:52 pm
You were a true great, as a player and a person. Such a massive loss to the future of Welsh football. RIP Gary.
John Vaughan, OswestryJanuary 15, 2012 @ 3:59 pm
RIP, Gary.
Delyth Chappell, TreorchyJanuary 15, 2012 @ 3:50 pm
You were a true gentleman & legend. You will be greatly missed by everyone who ever knew you or watch you play. I have great memories of watching you and the Welsh team play for many years in Cardiff and will continue to support them through thick and thin. You made the Welsh team great again and gave them so much passion which I hope will stay with them now even though you are gone. I still can’t believe that you are gone, you will be missed. If only you knew how much everyone loved you and what support you had in the country you may have been able to handle whatever drove you to this. RIP Gary xxxxxxxx
Paula Langstone, BridgendJanuary 15, 2012 @ 12:13 pm
Not being Welsh but as a retired referee, Gary was considerd as a real gentleman by so many who had the pleasure to officiate games he was involved in; whether he was playing or managing he still showed that Welsh spirit!
He has built a strong young Welsh squad that is on the up and this is one of many legacies he has left to the football world; let us hope that whoever the FAW appointment next to complete the journey Gary started with this squad and achieve qualification for the 2014 World Cup.
RIP Gary
Chris Parsons, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaJanuary 15, 2012 @ 6:09 am
Still very hard to believe that Gary will not be there to guide the team into the next world cup. He had so much to look forward to with that group of “boys”. R I P Gary WALES will never forget you, for your loyalty, dedication and leadership.
Michael Edwards, Whitchurch CardiffJanuary 13, 2012 @ 7:18 pm
Wish to express our deepest sadness, at the loss of such a young talented man.
MacLean Family, Griffithstown, PontypoolRIP Gary you will be sorely missed.
January 13, 2012 @ 6:30 pm
Legend. Rest in Peace. Thanks for all the memories, the way you always played with Welsh passion, and managed with that same drive, desire and purpose. As a friend I met you once as a hero and a gent and I will never forget. My thoughts and sympathies are with your family.
Rhys Meredith, CardiffMy son Siôn was born on Tuesday 29 November 2011, we must remember life goes on.
January 13, 2012 @ 6:08 pm
He had given Wales the belief that they were good enough to compete at the highest level. How tragic that it all ended like this. A wonderful ambassador respected by everyone
Cofion cynnes
Alan Burkitt, Y fenniJanuary 13, 2012 @ 5:02 pm
You can tell what the man meant to so many by the reaction his death caused. It shocked me to the core and I’d never met him, never spoken to him or even supported one of his clubs. He was so obviously just a really, really nice bloke who will be sadly missed.
Tom Woolley, NottinghamJanuary 13, 2012 @ 9:20 am
one word LEGEND.rip gary u was 1 of the boys
jamie griffiths, gelliJanuary 12, 2012 @ 9:30 pm
There is so little that one can say to convey the sense of loss at such a tragic time of someone who was respectively player, captain, team-mate, ‘gaffer’, a proud and passionate Welshman, bringer of joy to thousands; and above all else a son, brother, father and husband other than you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin & Lynda Williams, LlandevaudGod bless, comfort & keep you Gary Speed.
January 12, 2012 @ 8:54 am
Such a talent, taken so early, sadly missed but never forgotten.
Mr Robert Morgan, Chirk, North WalesJanuary 12, 2012 @ 8:36 am
You are and will be deeply missed by all who know you and all those you touched the lives of. Rest in Peace Gary, gone, but never forgotten. Your legacy will live on in everything you have been involved with. The Wales FA and all us supporters can’t thank you enough for your services as both player and manager…the biggest question of all, why Gary, why…RIP Gary Speed, your a true legend and one of the greatest players to have graced the premiership and worn that welsh badge and armband…thoughts with your family and friends.
Leyton Collings, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.January 11, 2012 @ 11:14 pm
RIP Gary Speed. A legend. will be missed by millions.
David Edwards, MostynJanuary 11, 2012 @ 10:37 pm
thanks for giving welsh fans the hope that we’ve longed for and may your lead be followed in taking us forward to the next major finals.
thanks for everything both as a player,captain and manager
will be thinking of you as we go forward in the future
may god look after you
gary speed rest in peace
robin johnson, pentre rhonddaJanuary 11, 2012 @ 9:34 pm
THE BEST WE WILL NEVER FORGET
THE JONES, DENBIGHJanuary 11, 2012 @ 9:32 pm
Thank you Garry for what you done for welsh football
John Dimblebee, CardiffRIP
January 11, 2012 @ 7:37 pm
RIP gary god bless ,
colin popp, merthyr tydfilJanuary 11, 2012 @ 7:10 pm
The man was legend, take before the prime of his life,so young and wasted, put our country back on the map of world football, where we belong no doubt other managers were quakeing in there shoes, roll on the world cup. Sadly missed
Mansed, CarmarthenJanuary 11, 2012 @ 12:46 pm
Gary did a fantastic job, and made the us believe we could win and made the players believe in themselves!! Welsh fans havent felt this way since Terry Yorath took us so close all them years ago!! so lets carry on what Garry started and get behind the boys!!!!
Chris Davies, AngleseyRIP Gary (LEGEND)
January 11, 2012 @ 9:49 am
One of Wales best player and on his way to being one of Wales best managers. A gent and a true legend. He will be missed by all that knew him and thousends more who didn’t. RIP Gary.
Rob Sutton, Bagillt, North WalesJanuary 10, 2012 @ 6:00 pm
Big loss to Wales and welsh football, my condolences to his family. X
John Rush, Middle EastJanuary 10, 2012 @ 1:46 pm
I grew up watching Gary Speed playing for various clubs and what a terrible loss for football, not just Welsh football, but football in general.
He always looked like he had nothing but the broadest smile on his face whenever you saw him play / train / in interviews or whatever
I would like to extend my condolences and deepest sorrow to his family.
Jonathan Taylor, Barry...January 10, 2012 @ 11:35 am