Gary Speed. Photo / AP
Police say there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Gary Speed's death.
Speed, who took over as Wales coach just 11 months ago after playing for his country 85 times, is survived by his wife and two children.
Speed, whose 85 caps are a Welsh record for an outfield player, had become Wales coach in December in a move long predicted by former teammates and commentators. Only goalkeeper Neville Southall, with 92 games, played more for Wales.
The youngest member of Leeds' 1991-92 title-winning midfield and the first player to reach 500 Premier League appearances, Speed was renowned as a dedicated professional and had just coached his native Wales to three straight wins.
He scored more than 100 goals across spells with Leeds, boyhood club Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United.
Speed became the first player to play in 500 Premier League games and held the all-time record with 535 until it was surpassed by goalkeeper David James in 2009. Ryan Giggs has also since passed the mark.
The midfielder also scored in every topflight season in which he played until dropping out of the Premier League in 2008 when he joined Sheffield United.
Last year, the Queen made Speed an MBE for his services to football.
Admired for his dedication, fitness and consistency in a 20-year playing career as well as a knack for goals, Speed started out with Leeds and won the English league with the club in 1992.
With injuries finally beginning to affect him, he became a coach at Sheffield United, retiring from playing at the end of the 2009-10 season.
Speed led Wales to five wins from 10 matches, including a 4-1 win over Norway two weeks ago, earning plaudits for the side's style of play and emphasis on youth.
- AP
No comments:
Post a Comment