Tributes Paid To Gary Speed

A Wales shirt left in tribute to Gary Speed on the Kop at Wrexham FC's Racecourse Ground.

Tributes have been pouring in from the local community following the sad news of Gary Speed’s death aged just 42.

Flintshire born Speed was found by Cheshire Police at 7.08am on Sunday at his house in Huntington near Chester.

Police have said that the Wales manager’s death is not being treated as suspicious with media reports suggesting he was found hanged.

The news has come as a huge shock to people across the area.

Born in Mancot, Speed was one of North East Wales’ most famous footballing sons winning 85 caps for Wales and playing for Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United before his move into management.

He was regularly seen at Wrexham FC’s training ground Colliers Park where his son is currently part of the youth system, staff at the training ground were said to be in a state of shock when the news broke.

A statement posted on the club website said: “All the staff, players and supporters of Wrexham FC would also like to add their condolences following today’s very sad news concerning Gary Speed.

“A firm friend of the club’s, his son is a member of our Centre of Excellence, he was well know to all at both the Racecourse and Colliers Park.

“We share our sympathies with his family and friends at this very sad time.”

One Wrexham FC fan has placed a Wales shirt on the gates to the Kop at the Racecourse Ground in tribute.

Speed’s former Wales team mate Robbie Savage tweeted “The world has lost a great man in Gary speed I’m devastated spoke to him yesterday morning why ! Why. Why !! I’ll miss him so much x”

“He was upbeat on phone yesterday we were laughing together , talking football and dancing he was a great teammate and a great friend #RIP”

Football fans in Wrexham are also planning to pay their respects by selling t-shirts with “Gary Speed 42” printed on them before Wrexham’s game against Darlington on Wednesday night.

All proceeds from the t-shirt sales will be given to charity.

You can leave your tributes to Gary Speed in the comment box below.