By Andrew Warshaw
January 4 – Wales will play Costa Rica in a memorial match for former manager Gary Speed who tragically took his own life in November at the age of 42.
Speed made his international debut against the South American side in 1990 and they will visit Cardiff City Stadium on February 29.
A statement from the Football Association of Wales (FAW) read: “This will be an opportunity to celebrate the life and achievements of a great servant to Welsh football, both as a player and as a manager.”
An inquest into Speed’s was opened, and then adjourned to January 30, shortly after his death which stunned the sporting world.
Police are not treating the death as suspicious and reports are being awaited from the pathologist.
Supporters have left scarves, football shirts and flowers across several football stadiums – including Everton’s Goodison Park, at Leeds United’s Elland Road, Newcastle United’s St James’ Park, the Millennium Stadium and Cardiff City Stadium, where Wales played their home games.
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