Gary speed - RIP

[Bilo]

I sincerely hope that if any Welsh players or associates of Gary Speed, including our own Andy King, decide to wear similar shirts under their tops and display them when they score that the common sense of the referee prevails.

[Bert]

Just been looking through my autograph books, what's one of the first few I come across? Gary Speed

[broughtonblue]

Gary Speed may never have played for a team the majority of us support on here, and I think it's probably fair to say none of us knew or met him, but his death has made such an impact because here was someone who seemed every inch the consummate professional.

Speed wasn't seen falling out of nightclubs at 5am like some players, he wasn't known for shagging around or getting into fights or racked with a gambling addiction. Here was an intensely private man who seemed to live life without incident on or off the field, professional on the field and a family man off it. That's why his death has come as a massive shock. It shows that even the most outwardly confident, professional man can be wracked with inner demons he can't defeat.

You don't need to live a shit life to suffer from mental illness. Depression or mental illness can strike any one of us at any time and it can be tough for a bloke to admit that they're struggling, especially in a world of machismo like football. Now I'm just speculating on his mental state, but as Finnegan said; happy, healthy people don't suddenly decide to take their own lives. There was clearly something very wrong in Speed's mind that would have seemed irrational to us but impossible to live with for him.

It's genuinely scary to think of such a successful man being killed not by a physical illness such as cancer or an accident, but by the inner workings of his mind. Something he could neither live with nor apparently talk about. That's why it has had such an impact, it could happen to anybody and shocks like this really bring that fact home.

It's time mental illness and depression stopped being stigmatised. It isn't a sign of weakness to seek help, it's actually the complete opposite.

What an excellent post, possibly the best I've read on foxestalk since I've been a member.

Feel for those left behind

[THEFATBASTARD]

I can't even Imagine the pain his family is in, , thoughts are with them ...............Saw him play many times.....Respect is due.........

[Itsthejoeker]

Do not mean to be disrespectful to Gary at all, but I don't understand how people using this forum can cry over his death. Obviously it is a big loss to football and his family but I don't understand the emotion over a man none of us ever met. I can understand players who played with him or were managed by him being very upset but not every Joe Bloggs football fan. I mean, no one cries during the minutes silence on 11/11 apart from relatives of dead soldiers. Just seems a bit OTT.

Anyway, thoughts are with his family. No doubt he'll be remembered as a very decent player.

Another expert analysis from Acooling...

[EnderbyFox]

Gary Speed may never have played for a team the majority of us support on here, and I think it's probably fair to say none of us knew or met him, but his death has made such an impact because here was someone who seemed every inch the consummate professional.

Speed wasn't seen falling out of nightclubs at 5am like some players, he wasn't known for shagging around or getting into fights or racked with a gambling addiction. Here was an intensely private man who seemed to live life without incident on or off the field, professional on the field and a family man off it. That's why his death has come as a massive shock. It shows that even the most outwardly confident, professional man can be wracked with inner demons he can't defeat.

You don't need to live a shit life to suffer from mental illness. Depression or mental illness can strike any one of us at any time and it can be tough for a bloke to admit that they're struggling, especially in a world of machismo like football. Now I'm just speculating on his mental state, but as Finnegan said; happy, healthy people don't suddenly decide to take their own lives. There was clearly something very wrong in Speed's mind that would have seemed irrational to us but impossible to live with for him.

It's genuinely scary to think of such a successful man being killed not by a physical illness such as cancer or an accident, but by the inner workings of his mind. Something he could neither live with nor apparently talk about. That's why it has had such an impact, it could happen to anybody and shocks like this really bring that fact home.

It's time mental illness and depression stopped being stigmatised. It isn't a sign of weakness to seek help, it's actually the complete opposite.

Fantastic post.

[Tielemans63]

Gary Speed may never have played for a team the majority of us support on here, and I think it's probably fair to say none of us knew or met him, but his death has made such an impact because here was someone who seemed every inch the consummate professional.

Speed wasn't seen falling out of nightclubs at 5am like some players, he wasn't known for shagging around or getting into fights or racked with a gambling addiction. Here was an intensely private man who seemed to live life without incident on or off the field, professional on the field and a family man off it. That's why his death has come as a massive shock. It shows that even the most outwardly confident, professional man can be wracked with inner demons he can't defeat.

You don't need to live a shit life to suffer from mental illness. Depression or mental illness can strike any one of us at any time and it can be tough for a bloke to admit that they're struggling, especially in a world of machismo like football. Now I'm just speculating on his mental state, but as Finnegan said; happy, healthy people don't suddenly decide to take their own lives. There was clearly something very wrong in Speed's mind that would have seemed irrational to us but impossible to live with for him.

It's genuinely scary to think of such a successful man being killed not by a physical illness such as cancer or an accident, but by the inner workings of his mind. Something he could neither live with nor apparently talk about. That's why it has had such an impact, it could happen to anybody and shocks like this really bring that fact home.

It's time mental illness and depression stopped being stigmatised. It isn't a sign of weakness to seek help, it's actually the complete opposite.

I had an uncle who did the same. He wasn't mega rich but owned his own successful business and had a lovely family. 6 years ago he sat in his Jag in the garage, started the engine and killed himself. He didn't leave a note so my auntie and my cousins will never know why he did what he did.

He was a larger than life character and we just never saw it coming. Maybe if he'd lived in a society where people were more understanding and sympathetic of people with mental illness / depression he might still be here now. It seems that having to live up to his outward persona was too much for him when he must have been really suffering underneath.

Let's hope something good comes of Gary Speed's death and the taboo of mental illness / depression is addressed.

Edited 27 November 2011 by Paddy Akinbiyi

[Webbo]

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned in this thread but there are rumours that the press had something on him, possibly that he was gay.

[The Watcher]

Having just watched the clip of Gary on Football Focus it just seems even more unbelievable. I'm no expert in body language and the like but he seems very much at ease and in a good frame of mind. If somebody is so entrenched into a depressive state to such an extent that they would take their own life then I would imagine it would be very hard to completely hide the way they were feeling.

If you were planning on taking your life the following day then surely you wouldn't be on T.V making small talk about upcoming events in football?

The whole thing just doesn't add up, to say i'm shocked and saddened by this is a massive understatement.

Firstly my sympathies to all of Garys family and may he RIP.

Ive spent the day going through video footage of GS and yesterday on FF was very interesting,Lots of very praying like hand gestures,he also seems very tense and almost fetal shaped body positions at times.When i viewed other footage hes generally more motive and relaxed.I also noticed lots of 1 leg grabbing around the other where as in other footage he sits quite open stanced.This hooking/grabbing of a leg action often signifies a yearning to keep something locked in (not to speak out).Also lots of lip biting again signs of anxiety.

I know its easy to spot for anyone trained in this science after the tragedy but there is no way anyone could have forseen this from FF alone.Especially as theres no knowledge of any kind of major upset or upevils in GS life.A true tragedy.

[StanSP]

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned in this thread but there are rumours that the press had something on him, possibly that he was gay.

Guess the paper that plan(s/ned) to run that story....The S*n.

[fox ache]

R.I.P. Gary Speed :appl: :appl: :appl: :appl: :appl:

[Stay Positive]

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned in this thread but there are rumours that the press had something on him, possibly that he was gay.

Even if that were true, would anyone actually have cared about it?

I'm as shocked as everyone else, and can only echo the majority's sentiments. RIP.

[John Matrix]

Another expert analysis from Acooling...

best poster on here imo

[I am Rod Hull]

best poster on here imo

He`s decent....

[FoxyPV]

I thought he'd had a heart attack or something similar when I first heard but once it was revealed that he'd killed himself I was in shock.

My first thought was that his wife was going to leave or something had happened to his kids but I daresay we'll never know.

[Captain...]

I don't know why this has affected me so much, normally I am unfased by people I don't know dying, but this makes no sense.

He was a consumate professional as a footballer and a manager, he had everything that anyone could dream of.

I am just dumbstruck.

When you hear of some players like Collymore and Gazza suffering from depression and mental health issues, it really comes as no surprise when you look at their careers.

I can't think of anything negative to say about Speed, I can't think of any negative news stories, no kiss and tells, no fights in clubs, nothing.

If he was suffering from depression I wonder if the Wales job had a negative effect on him, I mean it is less than a part time job really, he may have had too much time on his hands unable to bury himself in his work and things got on top of him.

If this has been caused by some scum journalists then we need to look at ourselves, at our society and how we feed off these stories. Whatever crap is printed in papers is done so because we lap it up, we love celebrity misery because it makes us feel better about our lives. I hope if there is a story it will never come to light, but it will, of course it will, the rumours have already started and soon they will become fact. The internet will soon by full of speculation and eventually the truth will out and whatever it is he did or was will still have the devastating effect on his family that he wanted to avoid.

There is no reason that makes this right, there is no way to explain this, I really really feel for his family in all of this, not only have they lost a loved one they are going to have suffer weeks/months of speculation.

[acooling08]

He`s decent....

You could say that I'm Yanntastic.

I'll get my coat.

[MPH]

Are you for real? No-one should be made captain just because someone they know died. What about Billy Sharpe? His kid died, which is a lot worse.

You my friend, are a moron.

RIP Gary Speed.

Slight over reaction, mate. No need to call someone a moron for making an emotion-based suggestion.

[chuck'em]

Gary Speed may never have played for a team the majority of us support on here, and I think it's probably fair to say none of us knew or met him, but his death has made such an impact because here was someone who seemed every inch the consummate professional.

Speed wasn't seen falling out of nightclubs at 5am like some players, he wasn't known for shagging around or getting into fights or racked with a gambling addiction. Here was an intensely private man who seemed to live life without incident on or off the field, professional on the field and a family man off it. That's why his death has come as a massive shock. It shows that even the most outwardly confident, professional man can be wracked with inner demons he can't defeat.

You don't need to live a shit life to suffer from mental illness. Depression or mental illness can strike any one of us at any time and it can be tough for a bloke to admit that they're struggling, especially in a world of machismo like football. Now I'm just speculating on his mental state, but as Finnegan said; happy, healthy people don't suddenly decide to take their own lives. There was clearly something very wrong in Speed's mind that would have seemed irrational to us but impossible to live with for him.

It's genuinely scary to think of such a successful man being killed not by a physical illness such as cancer or an accident, but by the inner workings of his mind. Something he could neither live with nor apparently talk about. That's why it has had such an impact, it could happen to anybody and shocks like this really bring that fact home.

It's time mental illness and depression stopped being stigmatised. It isn't a sign of weakness to seek help, it's actually the complete opposite.

Great post.

I know it still isn't confirmed as a factor in his death but I thought people had a better understanding of depression now but apparently not. Just because someone seems to have a perfect life doesn't mean anything. The fact that he has lots of money, a family and is doing well at work means nothing. There usually will be a trigger to start an episode but it is an incredibly unpredictable illness.

If depression turns out to be the reason I hope it will help people understand more about it. It can affect anyone at any time and it doesn't matter what their current life circumstances are. I would reccomend people read Stan Collymore's tweets over the last week on his ongoing battle with depression.

R.I.P Gary Speed

[Fox92]

I'm not sure if it's been mentioned in this thread but there are rumours that the press had something on him, possibly that he was gay.

I have just read something on the internet (obviously nobody does know, so maybe it is speculation) and somebody stated that the Sun (yeah, its the Sun again!!) were going to print an article about his private life. It did not say whether he was gay or anything like that, but if it is true, then something in his private life may have caused him to do it

[iamafox]

I'm very sad to hear about the tragic death of one of the greatest Welsh players of all time. Gary Speed was a true professional who always gave everything and as a manager, he was destined to lead Wales into major international tournaments. My thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.

R.I.P mate

[AmyLGK]

If it's true that the press were going to print something about him then they should be held accountable for his death. I'm sick to the back teeth of the media destroying peoples lives for a quick buck and then leaving them to pick up the pieces! I'm sure we've all done things we're not proud of, but that doesn't give the media any right to report personal things to the world. I'm all for freedom of speech - but a bit of bloody common sense and respect wouldn't go a miss either! There are some stories that need to be told, but I very much doubt this to be one of them.

If he took his life cause of a news story then he must have been so desperately ashamed or terrified. It is just so tragic.

RIP Gary.

[davieG]

If it's true that the press were going to print something about him then they should be held accountable for his death. I'm sick to the back teeth of the media destroying peoples lives for a quick buck and then leaving them to pick up the pieces! I'm sure we've all done things we're not proud of, but that doesn't give the media any right to report personal things to the world. I'm all for freedom of speech - but a bit of bloody common sense and respect wouldn't go a miss either! There are some stories that need to be told, but I very much doubt this to be one of them.

If he took his life cause of a news story then he must have been so desperately ashamed or terrified. It is just so tragic.

RIP Gary.

If true the media are only partly to blame because the buying public obviously make it worth their while as I've no doubt that their sales increase as a result.

I wonder if it would have been different if he was aware of the respect he had achieved and now being displayed if it had been more visible. The football world is prolific and very quick at condemning the bad side of the game and vociferous in their pursuit of rivalries but not quite so public and strong in showing their respect for players of other clubs etc. Perhaps we can all learn a lesson from this and be a bit more tolerant and appreciative of our rivals.

RIP Gary Speed thoughts are with your family.

[AmyLGK]

If true the media are only partly to blame because the buying public obviously make it worth their while as I've no doubt that their sales increase as a result.

I wonder if it would have been different if he was aware of the respect he had achieved and now being displayed if it had been more visible. The football world is prolific and very quick at condemning the bad side of the game and vociferous in their pursuit of rivalries but not quite so public and strong in showing their respect for players of other clubs etc. Perhaps we can all learn a lesson form this and be a bit more tolerant and appreciative of our rivals.

RIP Gary Speed thought are with your family.

Good points and good post. I'd put the thumbs up emoticon in here but it's smiling and I don't feel it would be appropriate.

[millzi]

Obviously a massive shock but I will rarely say RIP to anybody who takes their own life. If he had a major mental problem then fair enough but he never came across like that type of guy. If its over something petty then I sympathise greatly with his family but have no respect for him.

I can't help but agree with you. Suicide is such an act of selfishness that I just cannot condone. It's not just his family he's leaving behind, it's friends and a whole nation as well!

Firstly my sympathies to all of Garys family and may he RIP.

Ive spent the day going through video footage of GS and yesterday on FF was very interesting,Lots of very praying like hand gestures,he also seems very tense and almost fetal shaped body positions at times.When i viewed other footage hes generally more motive and relaxed.I also noticed lots of 1 leg grabbing around the other where as in other footage he sits quite open stanced.This hooking/grabbing of a leg action often signifies a yearning to keep something locked in (not to speak out).Also lots of lip biting again signs of anxiety.

I know its easy to spot for anyone trained in this science after the tragedy but there is no way anyone could have forseen this from FF alone.Especially as theres no knowledge of any kind of major upset or upevils in GS life.A true tragedy.

Great bit of analysis that, top work.