THE shocking death of Wales manager Gary Speed has left a nation in mourning.
Footballers past and present lined up to pay tribute to the father-of-two, found dead at his Chester home on Sunday.
David Cameron joined the leader of the opposition Ed Miliband in offering condolences to his widow Louise and the couple’s two teenage sons.
But it was the reaction of his friends, peers and former teammates such as Robbie Savage and Michael Owen that eloquently articulated the deep sense of loss his passing has caused.
Strictly Come Dancing star Savage, from Wrexham, appeared overcome with grief when discussing the death of his friend.
He also wrote a series of heartfelt messages on Twitter, voicing his grief at the loss of his former Wales colleague.
He wrote: “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 came to watch strictly three to four weeks ago, I high-fived him in the front row. He loved the show, he loved life he loved his family! Devastated.
“He was upbeat on phone yesterday we were laughing together, talking football and dancing he was a great teammate and a great friend. RIP.”
Speed had appeared on BBC One’s Football Focus show on Saturday.
Manchester United striker Michael Owen tweeted: “Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary Speed. We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at school. I’m numb. He lived local to me and we knew his family. He leaves behind two sons. Tragic.”
Wales legend Ryan Giggs said: “I am totally devastated. Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a teammate and friend. Words cannot begin to describe how sad I feel at hearing this awful news.”
Liverpool and Wales legend Ian Rush said simply: “A sad day for Wales, can’t take it in. Gary Speed was the perfect gentleman.”
Newcastle defender Steven Taylor, who came into the first team at St James’ Park when Speed was the side’s senior professional, expressed his gratitude for the help the midfielder gave him at the club.
“He helped me through, he was an absolute machine – the best professional in football,” he said.
“He had that aura about him. He always had time for the young lads and helped them feel good about themselves.”
His former employer the Football Association of Wales (FAW) described Speed as a ‘versatile’ player who had enjoyed an ‘exemplary’ career.
A spokesman said: “All at the FAW admired Gary’s passion for the job and task of taking the team back up the European and world rankings.
“With the qualifying dates for the next World Cup group agreed only last week in Brussels, there was much to look forward to over the next few years.
“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.”
