garyrozanski

When people speak of Gary Speed they talk about his intelligence of the game, the likeability of a ‘normal’ footballer, his professionalism on & off the pitch, his tactical awareness, he was, in the words of his friend and Wales No.2 Raymond Verheijen “a beautiful person”.

Which is why it is incredibly sad that, at the age of 42, his death was announced early this morning.

Gary Speed is a Leeds United legend, spending 8 years at Elland Road making over 300 appearances & finding the back of the net 57 times. He was a member of the last all British midfields to win the league title in 1992, standing alongside Gary McAllister, Gordon Strachan & David Batty. With his flowing black locks & youthful good looks, Speed was one of the first of the new-wave of footballers attracting the eyes of the media – as well as the ladies.

Speed, however, didn’t just have the looks – he also had the ability on the pitch to inspire. I remember growing up as a boy inspired by Speed – I was only 9 years old in ’92 but I knew that I was watching something special unfold on the pitch. I remember vividly the home tie against Stuggart in the European Cup (as it was known back then). Leeds United had lost 3-0 away to the German champions and needed now to out score Stuggart by four goals to advance. Speed opened the scoring in the second leg, which Leeds went on to win 4-1. Stuttgart would have won on away goals; however, it was realised that in the second leg between Leeds United and Stuttgart, Stuttgart had substituted a fourth foreign player. At the time, a maximum of three foreign players was allowed. The game was awarded to Leeds United with a score of 3–0, making it 3–3 on aggregate with no difference in away goals. A play-off match in Barcelona was ordered, which Leeds United won 2–1.

Speed went on to have a successful time at LUFC, before being sold to Everton in 1996. He also played for Newcastle, Bolton & Sheffield United. At each club, he was held in high regard.

Following his retirement, Speed went in to management. He started where he left off playing, with Sheffield United. It wasn’t long before his national club – Wales, whom he received 85 caps, came calling. His short reign with Wales was certainly heading in the right direction.

All this combined ensures that Speed will live long in heart of his supporters, he led an illustrious career cut short by this tragedy of his death.

RIP Gary Speed.