At 42, Gary Speed, recently retired after 23 years of profesional football spanning four decades, was found hanged at his home in Cheshire, as announced by the Welsh Football Association – The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed. We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy at this very sad time.

From the Cheshire police – At 7.08am today Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntingdon, Chester. Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and the family have requested that they are left to grieve in peace.

Gary Speed began his managing career just over a year ago with Sheffield United but was quickly appointed to become Wales’ national team manager, a position he filled for the past year.

Speed began his playing career in 1988 with Leeds United, and moved on later in his career to play for Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United. He played in 831 games during his career in all competitions, scoring 133 goals. He was capped 85 times for Wales, scoring 7 goals for the national team. He won the 1991-1992 league title with Leeds United, the last season before the inaugural Premier League season.