By Andrew Warshaw
November 27 – The football world was plunged into mourning today after Wales manager Gary Speed was found dead at the age of 42 from an apparent suicide.
The former Welsh captain, who won 85 caps and also had a glittering career at club level as a midfielder with Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers, was discovered at his home just 24 hours after appearing on a BBC lunchtime football programme.
His death, which prompted stunned disbelief among the entire football community, was announced in a statement from the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and by police.
Reports said he was found hanged at his North Wales home.
Speed, who had two young sons, was one of the most respected young coaches in British football and had been masterminding a rapid improvement in the fortunes of the Welsh national side in recent weeks, presiding over a run of four wins in five games, most notably a 4-1 demolition of Norway.
News that his life had been tragically cut short came just hours before Swansea’s home match against Aston Villa.
The game went ahead after a minute’s applause from the crowd.
Captain of Wales 44 times, at one stage Speed held the record for the most appearances in the Premier League.
He launched his managerial career with Sheffield United in August 2010 before being appointed manager of Wales six months later despite having had hardly any experience.
Within minutes of his devastating death being announced, hundreds of tributes poured in from shocked friends and colleagues, led by the FAW.
“That this tragedy should have overtaken someone so young and talented is a huge loss not only for his family and friends but a nation as a whole,” a statement said.
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