THE funeral of Wales manager Gary Speed will take place in Hawarden tomorrow (Friday).
The Mancot-born star will be laid to rest in a private ceremony for family and close friends at St Deiniol’s Church, where he married wife Louise in 1996.
Speed, 42, was found hanged at his home in Huntington on Sunday, November 27.
At the weekend thousands of football fans stood together to remember the Welsh sporting icon.
A minute’s applause was observed at every Premier League fixture and at the Wales-Australia rugby game at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.
On Saturday childhood sweetheart Louise made an emotional return to Leeds United – where Speed started his professional career – with the couple’s teenage sons Ed and Tommy.
Tearful former team-mates from the 1992 First Division-winning side laid wreaths on the pitch before kick-off, as did the visiting Millwall manager.
At Mrs Speed’s request Newcastle United – where her husband made 285 appearances – postponed plans for their own tribute.
The club plans to lead the 52,000 crowd at St James’ Park in the Welsh hymn Bread of Heaven on December 17, when they host Swansea City.
Supporters will also hold up cards depicting the number 11, Speed’s Newcastle shirt number.
Speed’s dad Roger, of Courtland Drive, Aston, was a guest of honour at his son’s boyhood team Everton on Sunday and stood in the centre circle during the minute’s applause, while fans sang ‘there’s only one Gary Speed’ and waved Welsh flags.
Minute’s silences were observed before every fixture in the Flintshire Junior and Youth League and the Deeside Sunday League.
Speed attended Queensferry Primary School before going on to Deeside High – now known as John Summers – and later Hawarden High.
It is believed a memorial service will be held later.
