World of football in shock after 'suicide' of Welsh football boss Gary Speed, 42

Found dead: Gary Speed, with his wife Louise, attending Shay Given's Fashion Kicks event held at Lancashire County Cricket Club in Manchester

The world of football was in shock today after Wales manager Gary Speed was found hanged at his home in Cheshire.
The former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton star, who appeared on BBC's Football Focus show yesterday, was aged 42.
Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, which is thought to be suicide. He leaves his wife Louise and two sons.

As news of the tragedy struck, tributes flooded in for the Wales boss who only retired from playing last year, after winning 85 caps and scoring seven goals for his country.
A hastily-arranged minute's silence was held at Swansea City's match against Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium after the news broke today.
Former teammate Shay Given, now Villa's goalkeeper, was seen in floods of tears before the match.
The Football Association of Wales today confirmed that their manager had died.
In a statement, the FAW said: 'The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed.
'We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family's privacy at this very sad time.'

A Cheshire Police spokesman added: 'At 7.08am today Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntingdon, Chester.

'Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed.

'There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and the family have requested that they are left to grieve in peace.

'The death will now be a matter for the coroner.'

Within minutes, thousands of messages of condolence had been left on Twitter.

Ex-Wales boss Mark Hughes said: 'I'm devastated. He was a privilege to work alongside and call a friend. My thoughts are with his family.'
Bobby Gould, who made Mr Speed Wales captain, added: 'I'm stunned and a few tears have been shed. It is so sad.
'He was a great pro. He would play anywhere for you - left back, left wing, centre of midfield, wide left. It's such a tragedy.
'People are just stunned. I saw John Hartson earlier and I said "have you heard about Gary?". The big man just cried and cried. We cuddled each other.


'He's gone home (from the Liberty Stadium). That is his respect towards Gary to say 'I can't work this afternoon'. Speedo was his pal. They were buddies.
'Gary was the ultimate professional.'
In today's late kick-off, Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy pulled out of the squad for his side's match at home to Manchester City after hearing about the death of his Wales manager and former teammate.
The striker returned home as he was too upset to play in the game against his former club.

Scroll down to see video of his last appearance on Football Focus

Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given in floods of tears before today's match against Swansea

Shay Given deep in thought before today's match kicked off, shortly after hearing the news of Gary Speed's death

Players hold a minute's silence in memory of Wales manager Gary Speed before the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Aston Villa at Liberty Stadium

Former Wales teammate Robbie Savage speaking about the death of Gary Speed on BBC News

Mr Savage can't hold back the emotion as he talks about the loss of a friend

Mr Speed was a guest on the BBC's Football Focus show on Saturday with host Dan Walker.

Today, Mr Walker tweeted: 'Staggered by the news of Gary Speed's death.

'Was with him for most of yesterday. I genuinely cannot believe it. Thoughts with his family.'
Mr Speed - who was with Gary McAllister on the show - told Walker that there was nothing like playing football.
His club career lasted 22 years and he played for Wales for 14 years.
Speaking on BBC News today, former Wales teammate Robbie Savage said: 'I just can't believe it. He was my mate and he's gone.
'I've got very close to Gary in the last few years - the guy is a trooper, he's left two gorgeous kids behind and a beautiful wife. He had everything, he had everything.
'I spoke to him yesterday and we were laughing and joking - he was saying make sure you don't get a two off Craig (Revel Horwood, the Strictly Come Dancing judge) tonight, you know. That's what Gary's like - he always thinks about other people.

Mr Speed's family home at Huntington Hall in Cheshire, where he was found dead at the age of 42

In mourning: Huntington Hall in Cheshire, where Mr Speed lived with his wife Louise and two children

'As my captain when I was a young boy in the squad, he'd come to me and I could go to him with my problems.'
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish said: 'My blood ran cold when I heard the news - it's absolutely horrific.
'Gary was doing fantastic with the Welsh team. It's very sad news.'
Welsh international footballer Simon Church wrote: 'I can't believe it. What a great man and a true welsh footballing legend a great inspiration to all.'
And his fellow player Joe Ledley added: 'So saddened by the loss of a great guy, manager & footballer. It was a pleasure to work under him. My thoughts are with his family.'

Pundit: Gary Speed appearing on BBC show Football Focus with Gary McAllister yesterday

Former Wales manager Gary Speed during the preliminary draw for the 2014 Fifa World Cup at Marina Da Gloria in July

Tragic Gary Speed receiving his MBE from Prince Charles in December last year (right) and on the touchline for Wales (left)

Wales assistant coach Osian Roberts paid an emotional tribute to Mr Speed, saying: 'It is tragic news, totally unbelievable.

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