Gary Speed passes away aged 42 – Rest In Peace

R.I.P Gary Speed 1969-2011
Former Toon legend Gary Speed MBE has sadly passed away at the young age of 42, the FA of Wales has announced.

This is shocking news considering he was known as a phenomenally physically fit footballer, he was regarded as a model professional who lived his life the right way.

My father is a Leeds fan, so I knew about Speed from a young age and was a big fan long before he joined the Toon. He used to rave about Speed and would say: “SPEED, YOU’VE READ THE BOOK, YOU’VE SEEN THE FILM, NOW SEE THE MAN.” I’d like to add to that; “REMEMBER THE LEGEND.”

Speed was a very well balanced left footed central midfielder who would pitch in with the odd goal, knew how to pass and did not mind a tackle. He had a fantastic engine and was very reliable. You would rarely look at a Speed performance and think he had played below par. He did not get enough credit for his reliability, but that kind of player is worth their weight in gold as they are the foundations needed to build a good team.

An Everton fan as a boy, it was Leeds United who gave him his chance and he made his debut aged 19. He would go on to make 312 appearances for Leeds, scoring 57 times, playing a key role in their old Division 1 league title win in 1992 before the Premiership was formed.

He got his dream move to Everton in 1996, making 65 appearances and scoring 17 times. He joined the Toon 1n 1998 for £5.5m and would bring us to two FA Cup finals and Champions League football before leaving in 2004 after Sir Bobby told him he was no longer a regular 1st teamer. He made 284 appearances for us, scoring 40 goals. Both Sir Bobby and Gary Speed would go on to say they regretted the decision which saw him leave.

Gary went on to play for Bolton, where he became the 1st player in history to reach 500 Premiership appearances at the age of 37 – a representation of how well he looked after himself. In fact the only other player I can remember looking after himself as well as Speed would be Gianfranco Zola… He also held the record of most Premier League appearances with 535 until February 2009 when Portsmouth goalkeeper David James overtook him.

In August 2007 he would score for Bolton against Reading, making him the 1st player to score in every Premier League season to that date. The only other player to match and extend that was fellow Welsh legend Ryan Giggs.

Gary went on to play for Sheffield United before moving onto management with them. Only a few games into his managerial career he found the attraction of the Wales vacancy too good to ignore, having represented them a record 85 times as an outfield player. He has recently pulled out some fantastic results for his Country and on November 12 recorded a third win a row and fifth in seven matches in his last game in charge – a 4-1 friendly victory over Norway. There was a growing belief he was the man to finally lead Wales to a World Cup Finals for the 1st time since 1958.

He was made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours List due to his contribution to football and charities. Sir Bobby called him his Marathon Man and in 2010 Speed ran the London marathon in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson foundation and the John Hartson foundation. There were many other selfless acts in aid of the needy throughout his career. He leaves behind two children and his wife, whom I’m sure we all feel extremely sorry for. On behalf of the Toon Army, I’d like to pass our condolences onto the Speed family.

There is speculation surrounding his untimely death, which seems to be linked to nervous exhaustion and a tragic outcome. However, I find it inappropriate to speculate on the specifics as it is really not important. We should remember the man as a footballing legend, a model professional and a gentleman. MG MAN has suggested the club allow the fans to pay our respect by placing tributes in and around the stadium for the great man. Hopefully this will be sanctioned for the home tie against Chelsea. I would also expect black armbands throughout the Football League and a minute’s silence.

He may not have been the flashiest of players, but he was extremely effective and influential whilst wearing our colours and his attitude towards the game and his fellow human beings made Gary Speed one of my all time favourites. His ilk are a rarity in today’s world of fast cars, nightclubs and expecting everything handed to you on a plate for minimum effort. The youngsters with attitudes like Nile Ranger etc should look at this man and feel ashamed of themselves.

Gary Speed RIP 8 September 1969 – 27 November 2011.

About Shamrock

Like everyone here, support Newcastle United. Not the easiest side to feel good about at times, but it's our side!

138 thoughts on “Gary Speed passes away aged 42 – Rest In Peace

  1. Great tribute Shamrock. One of my favourite Toon players of all time. Shocking news. RIP Gary, condolences to your family at this terrible time.

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  2. Fantastic tribute shamrock.

    Can only echo what everyone else says. There isn’t too many people who won’t attract criticism from somewhere, but speed was one of them.

    Model pro. Top man. True gent. RIP

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  3. One of most honest pro’s ever to have played for nufc. Cannot remember a poor performance from him in a black n white shirt. Football has lost a good guy far too early. RIP

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  4. Couldn’t believe it when I first heard, really am gutted for his wife and two sons. Rest in peace Gary x

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  5. Nice write up Shamrock, I think it’s echoed everyone’s feelings on Gary.

    R.I.P. Gary Speed and My and every football fans condolences go out to his family .

    A footballer who stood out as a model pro and who players playing today would benefit modelling themselves on… His professionalism and all out work ethic with all the clubs he has played for and been a part of was second to none.

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  6. Cheers for the tribute Shamrock.

    Gary Speed was cast in a mould not often witnessed in today’s football.
    One of the greatest players ever to pull on a black and white shirt.
    He played with a pride and commitment unrivaled by most.
    Football has lost a fine player, manager, leader and person.
    A true professional and gentleman.

    RIP Gary Speed

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  7. cannot understand it but who knows whats going on in peoples mind.was enjoying his private life with his sons saying they also had a talant in football and thought they might make it in the game he had so much to look forward to,RIP gary.
    thanks for thread mate

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  8. Real real shame.

    I am a bit taken aback by the support from other fans from different clubs though. The whole footballing world seems gutted and that’s a great testimony to a terrific guy

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  9. Legend of the game but feel for his poor family and look at the whole of football right now. Devastated. Says so much about him.

    Can’t actually believe it

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  10. Moreno, everyone appears gutted. Sky Sports News is a very sombre place today. The news seems to be having an impact on the Swansea Villa match too. Mental. A game of football just pales into insignificance. Given was in tears before KO, and just heard Bellamy has withdrawn himself from the Liverpool match. Not sure today’s games should have gone ahead really.

    The bloke was a legend, loved and respected by so many people.

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  11. Agree with you rodz makes not much sense where are the heads of the players. I’m goin to play footy soon and it’s kind of feelin pointless

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  12. It is not just the tragic loss of a footballer. It is the tragic loss of a real professional servant to the game, of a man who appreciated what he had and a man who was respected and loved by felloe pro’s and fans alike.

    No doubt a charity foundation will be set up in his name to help address the turmoil people with such deep set depression or mental health problems face. His name will be fitting for such a cause, having done so much for charity himself in the past.

    Gary Speed will leave a legacy behind him in terms of work for the vulnerable and unfortunate as well as how a modern professional footballer should lead their life on and off the pitch. I hope each and every football club teach their academy players about this man. 😥

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  13. I’m getting more emotional about it as time goes on. So so glad ‘mat the Chelsea game next week. A great opportunity to pay respects.

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  14. Just goes to show that you don’t ever really know what’s happening in people’s head.

    Football really does pale into insignificance.

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  15. I’m going to leave this article up for the rest of the day. Don’t much feel like writing now in truth. It’s only a small thing, but it will allow people to pay their respects on here 😥

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  16. RIP Gary Speed. You were a true gent n model pro in every sense of the word.

    @ Gav – Bellamy ain’t that bad. He’s so devastated he pulled out of the Liverpool squad to play City today. Speed has certainly touched many people all over.

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  17. Ourselves, Everton, Leeds and Sheffield United are all at home next weekend. Unfortunately Bolton are away but this ensures there will be emotional scenes and excellent tributes to the man this coming weekend…

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  18. So shocked!! This is an excellent tribute to a toon legend. Gutted!! Makes you think about life and wonder what can drive someone to this.
    RIP Gary Speed.

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  19. A great player for Leeds, A great man full stop and a great loss … lets see a minutes applause up and down the country at 3pm next Saturday – sleep well fella

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  20. It would be nice if Newcastle UNited could take down their bloody advertising on the home page before you have to click to get through to the actual website. There should be a picture of him as soon as you ppress enter to go to the official website accompanied by a club statement paying tribute. Not; ‘wana buy a shirt?’

    Come on Llambias, get it sorted. Other clubs have official statements already. Dont let us down.

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  21. Ah they did have a statement up 😯 Now put it on the home page instead of trying to sell t-shirts for a day!

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  22. Just makes less sense every time I think about it- that’s why it’s so hard to believe.

    Amazing to hear just how well loved he was.

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  23. I always hoped he would manage us one day. When I close my eyes I can see him heading the ball into the back of the net. I am devastated for his wife and boys.

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  24. As for the football, Craig Bellamy has been withdrawan from Liverpool’s squad due to Speed’s death, as they were very close. Maxi is also out while Henderson and Downing come in.

    😯

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  25. Unfortunately I won’t be at the chelsea game but I’ll watch it on telly, if I hear the crowd sing “Gary Speed was a Geordie hero” I’ll sing along to my t.v. who else reckons they’ll be a minute silence when we play Bolton, or even swansea (?).

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  26. AngelOfDeath
    really want liverpool to get apsolutely hammered by city. Will put them in there place. Loads of their fans are suggesting that they’ll beat city and get back into the CL easily this season. I hope they don’t even make the Europa competition :mrgreen: .

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  27. sorry if my last comment seemed a little insensitive, talking about the match today. :(. R.I.P Mr Speed.

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  28. Terrible news.
    So many people brush aside a condition like depression. But this just shows you. The good people of this world suffer. The ones with morality and passion.
    Rest in peace Gary.

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  29. RIP

    Gary Speed, you were a total legend who did the black and white stripes proud. The fact that the whole world of football is grieving says far more about you than I ever could.

    As for depression, I agree more people need to be aware of how tough it is, instead of saying **** like ‘pull yourself together man’.

    I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, and it is so sad that such a great person has taken his life because of it. Hopefully his last service to people will be to make them more aware of this illness, and maybe some will be so shocked by his death that they begin to appreciate just how futile it can make life seem.

    RIP

    Really nice write up by the way Shamrock, nice one mate.

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  30. As a Leeds fan just wish we were playing you guys on Saturday think it would be a fitting tribute to Gary,the team where he started out and made his name and Newcastle where I think he played his best footy of his career, think he loved us both RIP Gary

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  31. I was on the way to my football match when I heard the news on the radio, I was in shock.

    Gary Speed was one of my favourite Newcastle players and I loved watching him play. I remember the link he had with Shearer and their combination was one that many feared. I was only about 6 when I really noticed him but he always gave his heart and soul for the Magpies. One of my inspirations too, always giving his all to help the team. He was a role model for many including Steven Taylor when he was coming up through the ranks of the club.

    He will be sorely missed not only by Newcastle United but all those in football. A truly sad day.

    RIP Gary Speed

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  32. This news is so so horrible. I’m so devastated – completely out the blue.

    Gary you were not just a Newcastle United Legend, but a great ambassador for football itself.

    We may never find out the full reasons of why this has happened but you will be sorely missed.

    Rest in peace mate.

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  33. Shamrock very good tribute 😉
    Still cant believe that he left so young 😥
    I always thought of Speed as the engine room of the team, that just kept everything ticking over while letting others take the credit.
    A real sad loss to football, and condolences to the whole Speed family.

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  34. In shock and absolute horror at how an fantastic athletes life has ended. Made Wales a fantastic team and I believed he could take them places. Was a joy to watch at any level.
    R.I.P Gary Speed, Lest We Never Forget. <3

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  35. If anyone is sat on the computer right now, stick 5live on. Some lovely tributes rolling in for the lad

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  36. “As a Leeds fan just wish we were playing you guys on Saturday think it would be a fitting tribute to Gary”

    Yeah, I was thinking along the same lines, Kev, except that I thought that the most fitting tribute to Gary would be a pre-season summer knock-out tournament involving his former clubs (Leeds, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton) which we could call the Gary Speed Memorial Trophy. And all the gate receipt monies could either be donated to Gary’s widow and children, or to a charity of their choice.

    Unfortunately, the idea would never catch on.

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  37. Astounding news, Went cold when i heard.

    RIP Gary, One of my all time favourites never forget that header against PSV Uefa cup quarter final.

    😥

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  38. Gutted !!!! Speed was defo one of the nicest men in football and you can see from all the nice comments! You left us far to early gary , rip

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  39. Hitman I said the same thing, but sometimes you can wear a happy mask for others, but when your on your own and take the happy one of , often you find you dont like what you see 😥

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  40. the fact that he was respected by the fans of every team he played for speaks volumes about him not just as a sportsman but as a person. The shock of his death will linger – going to the Chelsea game this Saturday and I have no doubt the fans will pay a great tribute to a great player.

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