Felt the need to write a personal thread about a true legend of the game we all love. Gary Speed rose through the youth ranks at Elland Road, and made his debut aged just 19. We went on to play a further 247 times, scoring 39 goals. He was instrumental in helping Leeds win promotion to the old first division in 1989/90 and also played a big part with Leeds winning the League in the 1991/92 season. He went on to play for Everton (the team he supported as a schoolboy), played 213 times for Newcastle and 121 times for Bolton. In the twilight of his career he went on to play 37 times for Sheffield United. He was a gentleman on and off the field, was rarely suspended, playing a total of 677 times in the football league. He represented Wales on no fewer then 85 occasions. Gary Speed you will be missed
From a supporter of Hull City, but more importantly a supporter of the game we all love. Rest in Peace Gary Speed.
Somethings are bigger than football. This is undoubtedly one of them. Every football fan across the country will be feeling shocked, stunned and a little sad this afternoon.
Rivalries shouldnt matter on a day like today. I'm sure Liverpool fans will show this later on this afternoon. Despite Gary's links to Everton.
Gary Speed was a top pro and was great to the game. He was a very good player and was showing signs of becoming a top manager RIP Gary Speed
Absolutely devastated. A truly great footballer and genuinely an all round nice guy. Appreciated what he had and shared his gift with many. Someone today's footballers should aspire to be like. RIP Gary. Thinking of your family.
Such a pivotal member of the best Leeds team since the Revie era. RIP Gary. Feels so sorry for his wife and two sons
SAFC supporter here just heard the shocking news of Gary speed your former player very sad day for football.
A footballer who commanded great respect from all who saw him play. A true professional who always gave of his best to both club and country. A sad day for the lovers of the game. Many supporters of the game will I feel sure give full recognition to this true pro next Saturday on the terraces. RIP Gary
Shocked and saddened by this tragic news. As a previous message said, events such as this unite all genuine football lovers. From a Saints fan living in Wales. RIP Gary Speed. Condolences to your family and friends.
One of the true gentlemen of the game and helped to establish the Premier League as the best league in the world. RIP!
Never forget the goal he scored at blackburn when we first wore our green 3rd kit. He met the ball mid air chested it down and half vollied it in. Legend. Was the first name and number on the back of my shirt, my thoughts are with his family.
I'm completely lost for words and just don't understand why such a thing has happened. He always seemed upbeat and a genuinely all round nice bloke. I'm glad i had the absolute pleasure to watch him wear our black & white shirt, and just to see a great professional play. R.I.P Gary Speed. Gone but never forgotten
I think people are now realising that this appearance may have masked something, the outcome of which was triggered by an event either last night or early this morning.
Completely lost for words. I was watching him yesterday on Football Focus, how did this happen... RIP Gary Speed, you'll never be forgotten. True legend. ONE GARY SPEED! THERE'S ONLY ONE GARY SPEED! ONE GARY SPEED! THERE'S ONLY ONE GARY SPEED! ONE GARY SPEED!!! THERE'S ONLY ONE GARY SPEED!!! ONE GARY SPEED!!! THERE'S ONLY ONE GARY SPEED!!! Send my condolences to his family.
Only other time I've actually felt this upset about a death of a celebrity was Sir Bobby. Very sad day. RIP.
