Gary Andrew Speed MBE was a Welsh professional footballer who played as a midfielder, known for his versatility, leadership, and longevity in the game. He later transitioned into management, notably leading the Wales national team. Speed amassed over 840 domestic appearances in a career spanning more than two decades, becoming the first player to reach 500 Premier League games. He was widely regarded as one of the nicest and most respected figures in football, but his life ended tragically at age 42.
Early Life
Born on 8 September 1969 in Mancot, Flintshire, Wales, Speed excelled in both cricket and football during his youth. He attended Hawarden High School, supported Everton as a boy, and played for local teams like Flintshire Schoolboys and Aston Park Rangers. He began his professional career with Leeds United, signing a contract on 13 June 1988 after serving as a boot boy for player Peter Swan. Speed made his first-team debut at age 19 in a goalless draw against Oldham Athletic in the Football League Second Division.
Club Career
Speed’s club career was marked by consistency and key contributions across multiple teams in England’s top divisions. He made 677 league appearances and scored 104 goals overall.
Here’s a breakdown of his stints:
Club | Years | Appearances (League) | Goals (League) |
|---|---|---|---|
1988–1996 | 248 | 39 | |
1996–1998 | 58 | 16 | |
1998–2004 | 213 | 29 | |
2004–2008 | 121 | 14 | |
2008–2010 | 37 | 6 |
In the Premier League specifically, Speed recorded 535 appearances, 80 goals, and 44 assists.
He was inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame for his remarkable endurance and contributions.
International Career
Speed represented Wales at the under-21 level, earning three caps and scoring two goals. For the senior team, he made 85 appearances between 1990 and 2004, scoring seven goals, and captained the side 44 times—making him the second-most capped Welsh player at the time (behind Neville Southall) until surpassed by Chris Gunter in 2018.
His debut came in a 1–0 friendly win over Costa Rica in May 1990, and he retired after a 3–2 defeat to Poland in a 2006 World Cup qualifier.
Managerial Career
Speed started managing at Sheffield United in August 2010, overseeing 18 games with a 33.3% win rate (6 wins, 3 draws, 9 losses) before departing in December 2010.
He was then appointed Wales national team manager on 14 December 2010, succeeding John Toshack. In 10 games, he achieved a 50% win rate (5 wins, 5 losses), dramatically improving Wales’ FIFA ranking from 117th to 45th and earning the team the ‘Best Movers’ award in the 2011 FIFA rankings.
He is credited with laying foundations for Wales’ later successes under successors like Chris Coleman.
Personal Life, Death, and Controversies
Speed married Louise in 1996, and they had two sons, Thomas and Edward. He was known for his humility, charitable work, and advocacy for players’ rights. He was appointed MBE in 2010 for services to football.
On 27 November 2011, Speed was found hanged in the garage of his Cheshire home by his wife Louise, who called emergency services. Police did not treat it as suspicious.
The inquest in January 2012 returned a narrative verdict, citing insufficient evidence to confirm if the hanging was intentional suicide or accidental (possibly a “dramatic gesture” after an argument with his wife, followed by falling asleep).
His death shocked the football world, with tributes from clubs and fans. Later, a 2018 letter Speed wrote at age 17 emerged, expressing depression and suicidal thoughts.
His mother spoke publicly in 2022 about the family’s ongoing grief.
A controversy arose in 2018 during the trial of Barry Bennell, Speed’s former youth coach convicted of child sex offences. Court testimony noted Speed as one of four players from Bennell’s teams who later died by suicide, and an anonymous victim claimed to have witnessed abuse against Speed.
However, police investigations found no evidence of abuse, Speed’s family denied any such claims, and the inquest into his death confirmed no links to Bennell.
Legacy
Speed is remembered as a Leeds United legend and a pivotal figure in Welsh football.
Annual tributes mark his passing, and his influence endures in stories from peers and fans, including connections to Welsh culture and music.
He remains a symbol of resilience and kindness in the sport.
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