Everton FC Cup winner Barry Horne pays heart-broken tribute to his friend and former Wales room-mate Gary Speed

Nov 28 2011 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo

EVERTON FA Cup winner Barry Horne said he was heart-broken at the death of his friend and former Wales room-mate Gary Speed.

An emotional Horne admitted he was struggling to comprehend the 42-year-old’s death and described him as one of the nicest people in football.

ECHO columnist Horne, 49, handed over Everton’s number 10 shirt to Speed in 1996 when he was replaced by his countryman in the Toffee’s midfield.

He said: “I roomed with him in the Wales squad many, many times when he was a young lad and he was from the same part of the world as me so we became good friends.

“More importantly we stayed friends. You don’t keep many friends throughout a long football career but I did with him and it was worth it. He was modest, patient, and generous with his time.

“Gary was very considerate and a solid, solid bloke. People always say they can’t believe bad news, but I’m actually still thinking someone has made a mistake. It’s incomprehensible.”

Horne said that Speed’s sometimes studious manner concealed a great sense of humour.

“He could be serious and intense, but in the same conversation he’d have you laughing,” he said. “He was highly intelligent too – he did not have a fault.

“He was so young. To have become Wales manager and show such potential was great. He was respected for his knowledge but also his understanding of people in general.

“I’m convinced he was on the verge of something special in his career as Wales manager.”

Horne, who only spoke to his fellow boyhood Everton supporter last week, added: “He was a loyal man who had a remarkable career in terms of longevity.

“There were signs he was going to be a great manager. Football will be in deep mourning.”