Gary speed - RIP

[Captain...]

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1851360

All still speculation at this point but sounds like a likely scenario.

It is getting ridiculous now, there is not one shred of evidence about Gary Speed being gay, there may be a story about his private life, but every football forum has at least one post about him being gay, and they are each using each other as further evidence of something that is without evidence. Eventually it will become a self fulfilling prophecy and in 5 years time when ever his name comes up someone will say wasn't he the one who killed himself because he was gay? And someone else will say yeah I think so.

In the end whether it is true or not Gary Speed will be gay, isn't the internet great. Like Tom Cruise (married with kids) is obviously gay and everyone knows it except him.

[MikeyT]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2066812/Gary-Speed-death-rumours-Happily-married-wife-Louise-wasnt-depressed.html

The appalling moment when Gary Speed’s wife found the Wales football manager hanged at their home has been dramatically revealed by police.

Louise Speed called an ambulance at 7am on Sunday after discovering his apparent suicide and was given first aid advice as paramedics rushed to the house.

Today an inquest was told the cause of the 42-year-old’s death had provisionally been given as hanging, with police treating it as non-suspicious.

Police stand outside Warrington Coroner's Office during the opening of the inquest into the death of former footballer Gary Speed. The Wales manager was found hanged at his home by his wife, the inquest was told

Police stand outside Warrington Coroner's Office during the opening of the inquest into the death of former footballer Gary Speed. The Wales manager was found hanged at his home by his wife, the inquest was told

Uniformed police officers accompanied the ambulance crew to the Speeds’ £1.5million property near Chester where they were joined by Detective Inspector Peter Lawless at 8.30am, the hearing was told.

'Mr Speed had been found by his wife who had called the ambulance service and was given advice what to do prior to their arrival,' he told Warrington coroner’ s court.

Asked by Cheshire Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg whether there were any suspicious circumstances, he replied: 'Given my assessment at the scene and information which I have to date, I am not investigating this as a suspicious incident.'

Coroner’s officer Nicholas Hargreaves said: ‘Mr Speed died at his home address on November 27. We are awaiting reports from the post mortem.

'The pathologist Dr Sally Ann Hales has given a provisional cause of death as hanging.'

No family were present at the ten-minute hearing at which the former Wales manager's full name was given as Gary Andrew Speed, and his address as Huntington Hall, Huntington, near Chester.

He was described as a 'sportsman'.

Gary Speed's former agent and best man Hayden Evans addressed the press outside Speed's home in Chester. He asked that the family be left alone to grieve for their loss

Gary Speed's former agent and best man Hayden Evans addressed the press outside Speed's home in Chester. He asked that the family be left alone to grieve for their loss

Mr Hargreaves gave evidence that he had been identified by his 41-year-old wife in a signed statement to police. No further details were given of the circumstances leading up to Speed’s death.

The inquest was adjourned to January 30 next year by which time Det Insp Lawless said he would expect to have completed his investigations.

That is expected to involve specially trained officers speaking to members of Speed’s family, including his two sons, Ed, 14, and Tommy, 13.

The coroner told the packed hearing: 'I am aware that there is great Press interest in this case and I would ask that the Press do respect the privacy of the family at what is obviously a very difficult time for them.'

Earlier a family friend had insisted that Speed had not been depressed and had not argued with his wife before his death.

His agent and best man Hayden Evans said the ex-player was 'happily married' and that his widow was bewildered by his suspected suicide.

'They were happily married and anyone who knows them will tell you that,’ he added. 'This is why it is a mystery.

'We genuinely at the moment have no clue whatsoever what has caused it and I have been with the family all day.

'Everybody is asking the same question and no one has an answer. We are all in shock.'

Speed had appeared happy as he left the BBC studios in Salford on Saturday afternoon after filming Football Focus, posing for photographs with delighted fans.

Yesterday, as tributes to the popular Welshman continued to pour in from across the sporting world, police were preparing for the delicate task of speaking to his 40-year-old wife and their two teenage sons.

As they struggled to come to terms with his death, Mr Evans spoke of how they had been ‘overwhelmed’ by the outpouring of sympathy over the past 24 hours.

‘Gary’s family would sincerely like to thank all the people who have sent messages of condolence and tributes in what is a very difficult time,’ said Mr Evans.

Speaking outside the family’s home, he added: ‘They have been overwhelmed by the support – it really has helped. You can imagine how Louise is feeling.’

Officials at the Welsh Football Association promised to support the family and offer them a ‘shoulder to cry on’ in the coming weeks.

Chief executive Jonathan Ford said: '‘I’ve no understanding of why it happened, I don’t know the answer and I don’t think we ever will.

‘At the moment our thoughts aren’t with that – they are with Gary’s family.

‘He was a family man, he loved his wife and children.

‘We will do whatever we can to help Louise and the boys.’

Both Speed’s sons are promising sportsmen, 14-year-old Ed is a talented footballer and his 13-year-old brother Tommy a keen boxer.

Shocked fans of the clubs Speed represented over his long career – including Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton Wanderers – left photographs, shirts and bouquets of flowers outside their grounds.

At the Welsh Assembly building in Cardiff, flags were flying at half-mast.

Cheshire Police confirmed that Speed’s death was being treated as ‘non-suspicious’.

An inquest will be opened and adjourned today in Warrington.

Friends have told how he seemed happy and planning for the future when he appeared as a guest on Football Focus which was filmed in Salford on Saturday - an account borne out by the photograph of him beaming alongside a delighted fan.

It was taken as he walked out of the studios with former teammate Gary McAllister at 2.30pm.

And yet just after 7am on Sunday, his wife is understood to have discovered his body hanging in the garage of their home.

Louise, 40, was a constant figure of support throughout his career.

Speed’s parents Roger and Carol were being comforted by family and friends at their neat semi-detached home in nearby Queensferry.

A friend said: ‘The family are far too upset to say anything at this terrible time.’

Prime Minister David Cameron described the reaction to Gary Speed's death as 'incredibly moving'.

He said: 'I was watching Match Of The Day last night and watching people, crowds, absolutely silent and footballers revering his memory.

'I think it has been extremely moving. Obviously here in the north, where he played for so many of the iconic teams, I know he meant an enormous amount to people and people feel very, very sad on his behalf and on his family's behalf.'

During Football Focus on BBC1, Speed talked enthusiastically about his team’s improving fortunes and his hopes for success in World Cup qualifying matches next year.

Presenter Dan Walker, who spent four hours on and off camera with him, said: ‘He was as bubbly as I’ve known him. He was talking about his kids, how they were really coming on, and talking about playing golf next week.

‘Even small things like how he’d just got into Twitter. It’s awful to think someone who was so gifted and so well liked with the rest of his life to look forward to has been cruelly removed. He was in such a good mood about the show and said he’d love to come back before Christmas.’

A book of remembrance was opened at the FAW headquarters in Cardiff and hundreds queued up to sign it.

Speed's assistant manager Raymond Verheijen said his boss was 'adored' by Wales stars such as Gareth Bale, Craig Bellamy and Aaron Ramsey.

He said: 'I remember him as a beautiful person, a very stable person full of energy.

'Every time he stepped into a room he energised the place. You could see the players adored him. They really looked up to him.

'He was the perfect example of practice what you preach and the players really followed him.

'When we sat down with one player for individual talks you could see how open the players were to listen to his advice.'

Speed went to the same school as former England star Michael Owen, Hawarden High School, where he met his future wife.

Yesterday staff there paid tribute, saying he had regularly taken the time to return and help inspire pupils.

‘He remained in contact with the school and was generous in giving of his time to attend a number of presentations,’ said head teacher Roger Davies.

‘As manager of our national team, Gary presented himself as a superb role model for the young people in our community.

Robbie Savage, who played alongside Speed for Wales, said his former teammate had been ribbing him on Saturday about his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.

‘I just can’t believe it,’ said Savage. ‘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.

Players and fans held a minute's silence in memory of the Wales manager before the match between Swansea City and Aston Villa

Gary Speed's former teammates and opponents have been paying tribute to him after he was discovered dead on Sunday.

Rio Ferdinand tweeted: 'RIP Gary Speed - a great professional. Never knew him but seemed a real decent fella. Thoughts go out to the family at a devastating time. '

Joey Barton said: 'Really felt for Shay Given there. Know he was really close to Speedo. Very emotional that, true professional, its what GS would of wanted.'

Stan Collymore wrote: 'Sincere condolences from my family to Mr & Mrs Speed and Gary's 2 boys. Frightened and confused as I'm sure many are right now.'

Lee Dixon tweeted: 'In the States. Heard the tragic news very late. Totally shocking. A true Pro. A pleasure to be in his company. Thoughts to Gary's family.'

Tom Huddlestone wrote: 'RIP Gary Speed!! Thoughts to his family and friends!! 1st shirt I swapped in the premier league, when he was at bolton £perspective Don't take things for granted!! RIP Gary Speed.'

Micah Richards said: 'R.I.P gary speed!!! A true legend!!!'

Mark Bright tweeted: 'Today feels like one huge nightmare, can't process Gary Speed's death, 42yrs old, his job going well, couple young kids, seems so wrong.'

Boy George tweeted: 'Shocking about Gary Speed! What a sad story! My thoughts and prayers to his loved ones!'

Comedian John Bishop tweeted: 'Enjoyed the day at the match but the Gary Speed news really does put it in perspective. God bless to him and his family.'

‘I spoke to him yesterday and we were laughing and joking – he was saying make sure you don’t get a (mark of) two off Craig (Revel Horwood, the Strictly judge) tonight. That’s what Gary’s like – he always thinks about other people.

‘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.’

Speed’s former Newcastle United teammate Shay Given, who attended a charity fundraising fashion event with him in May, was seen in floods of tears on television as a minute’s silence was held at Swansea City’s match against Given’s team Aston Villa.

Thousands of fans sang Welsh hymns and joined in the chant ‘there’s only one Gary Speed’.

At Anfield, Liverpool’s Welsh star Craig Bellamy asked not to play against Manchester City after hearing the news.

Speed, who was awarded an MBE in the 2010 Birthday Honours, retired from playing only last year after winning 85 caps for his country.

He represented Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton Wanderers during his long career.

Both Speed’s parents were from Chester but he was born in the Welsh border town of Mancot and was always proud to represent his country. His father Roger played football for Wrexham before returning to his trade as a joiner.

Speed made his league debut for Leeds United in May 1989 and was a member of the team which went on to win the league title in 1992.

He was a familiar face in his home village and at the Grosvenor Arms pub in nearby Aldford.

Neighbour Stephen Smith, 36, said: ‘It is such a shock. I’m an Everton season ticket holder and shouted his name from the terraces at Goodison Park.’

Helen Hewitt, who has a cottage near Speed’s mansion, said: ‘I cannot believe it. He was such a lovely man.

‘Parcels would be delivered for him here and he would come and collect them.

‘He would always wave from his big, black Jaguar car.’

He had a keen interest in sports psychology and after taking over from John Toshack a year ago was able to get the best out of young players such as Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey and Tottenham’s Gareth Bale.

Ramsey tweeted: ‘I was given the tragic news this morning. To say I am devastated is an understatement.

‘My thoughts and prayers go out to Gary’s family and friends. Today the world has lost a great football manager but even more sadly a great man. He will be missed by all.’

Former Wales manager Mark Hughes said: ‘I’m devastated. He was a privilege to work alongside and call a friend. My thoughts are with his family.’ Another ex-Wales boss, Bobby Gould, chose Speed to be the team captain.

Gary Speed's former agent and best man Hayden Evans addresses the press outside Speed's home in Chester. He asks that the family be left alone to grieve for their loss

Gary Speed's former agent and best man Hayden Evans addresses the press outside Speed's home in Chester. He asks that the family be left alone to grieve for their loss

He said: ‘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 (Welsh footballer) John Hartson earlier and I said, “Have you heard about Gary?”. The big man just cried and cried. We cuddled each other.’

Manchester United and Wales footballer Ryan Giggs said: ‘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.’

A Downing Street spokesman said: ‘The Prime Minister was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Gary Speed, who was greatly respected by football fans across the country both as a player and manager.

‘The Prime Minister’s thoughts are with his family and friends on this very sad day for fans everywhere, especially in Wales.’

Labour leader Ed Miliband tweeted: ‘Tragic and shocking news about Gary Speed. Fantastic servant of Leeds. Mourned by football. Deepest condolences to his family.’

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who signed Speed when he was manager of Newcastle, said that it had been difficult to concentrate on his side’s match with Manchester City yesterday afternoon.

But he added: ‘I think it would be disrespectful to Gary if we didn’t get on with the game so we’ve just got to try and get on with it as best we can.

‘He was a very respected man in and around football, not only for his ability but for the guy as a person.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2066812/Gary-Speed-death-rumours-Happily-married-wife-Louise-wasnt-depressed.html#ixzz1ff26jyTc

[chuck'em]

It is getting ridiculous now, there is not one shred of evidence about Gary Speed being gay, there may be a story about his private life, but every football forum has at least one post about him being gay, and they are each using each other as further evidence of something that is without evidence. Eventually it will become a self fulfilling prophecy and in 5 years time when ever his name comes up someone will say wasn't he the one who killed himself because he was gay? And someone else will say yeah I think so.

In the end whether it is true or not Gary Speed will be gay, isn't the internet great. Like Tom Cruise (married with kids) is obviously gay and everyone knows it except him.

In what way is that a self fulfilling prophecy?

[Captain...]

In what way is that a self fulfilling prophecy?

Because the more people spout this crap the more people will believe it, then when the actual reason/verdict is given it will be so unnewsworthy that no one will even pick up on it and all that will remain are these rumours imbedded at the back of people's minds that he was gay. Then when all the dust is cleared and people forget about the facts there will just be this underlying belief that he was gay and with no evidence to back it up or deny it it will just start to be accepted as one of those facts. If people start to believe he was gay then he will end up being gay and people will be adamant that it is true.

Even now, ask yourself and your friends do you think he was gay, see how many people say that they think he could be or that it "makes sense." That is all because of the internet. No paper could publish that or even allude to it. We create rumours and then spread them to the point where it might as well be true.

For example Tom Cruise is gay or Lady Gaga is a man.

Edited 6 December 2011 by Captain Shrapnel

[Fox92]

Speed is getting burried this weekend, but the inquest is still adjourned isn't it?

I thought they didn't do this untill the inquest was over

[Salieri]

Speed is getting burried this weekend, but the inquest is still adjourned isn't it?

I thought they didn't do this untill the inquest was over

They would have carried out a postmortem therefore laying him to rest is not an issue. They seem to be satisfied with the cause of death but the inquest will look into why he took his own life.

Whether any answers to that question are found is another matter.

[Tuna]

Search for Duncan Ferguson on twitter...two stories circulating re Gary Speed, 1 in particular gathering speed. Would explain a lot if true. I do say 'if'.

[John Matrix]

that is ****ed if true

stop gossip mongering though

Edited 8 December 2011 by John Matrix

[Uncle Albert]

Another rumour, wish these as bastards would leave Gary Speed and his poor family alone.

sad bastards*

[Leicester_Loyal]

Probably bollocks, but you never know.

[ramboacdc]

Search for Duncan Ferguson on twitter...two stories circulating re Gary Speed, 1 in particular gathering speed. Would explain a lot if true. I do say 'if'.

ive heard one but i dont think ive heard the other. could you PM it me please?

[MikeyT]

Wales football manager Gary Speed has been laid to rest during a private ceremony in North Wales.

Only family and close friends were invited, but a public memorial service for the former Everton, Leeds and Newcastle midfielder is being planned for the new year.

Speed was found hanged at his home in Cheshire last month .

Police said there were "no suspicious circumstances".

Former Wales, Arsenal and Celtic striker John Hartson, who was unable to attend the funeral because he was opening a specialist cancer centre in Swansea called Maggies , thanked Speed's widow for urging fans to support his charity.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Louise Speed called on people to make donations to two cancer funds - The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and the John Hartson Foundation - in tribute to her husband.

Hartson set up the charity after being diagnosed with brain, lung and testicular cancer in 2009.

The father-of-five, who at one stage was on a life support machine, overcame the odds to make a remarkable recovery.

"I am incredibly touched by Louise's calls for people to back my charity. Gary was always very supportive of the foundation," he said.

"He even played in a charity match to raise money for it on his own birthday as well as running the London Marathon in aid of it. That's the kind of man he was.

"It means an awful lot, especially as some of the money from my foundation will go towards the Maggies centre, which is a cause very close to my heart.

"I spoke with Gary's father Roger last night to say I could not make it to the funeral because I was opening the centre here today - but my thoughts are with him and his family and I will be attending the memorial service in February."

Edited 10 December 2011 by MikeyT

[Captain...]

Search for Duncan Ferguson on twitter...two stories circulating re Gary Speed, 1 in particular gathering speed. Would explain a lot if true. I do say 'if'.

Looks like it's bollocks someone made it up: http://loudtwitter.com/rumours_duncan_ferguson_gary_speed_wife/

The Duncan Ferguson & Gary Speed's wife rumours are untrue. Bloke who started them has admitted it and deleted his account every1 RT

Some people really are sick to just make something like that up not only heaping more misery on a dead man's wife and kids but also dragging an innocent man in to it...

[Mack]

I am informed by someone inside Football circles the probable reason for his decision to hang himself is known.

I can only assume that out of respect for his wife and kids this information is not being given publicly, as I also understand some media outlets are also aware.

I am party to the information and will also not be sharing it for the same reasons.

I would imagine somewhere along the line someone will spill the beans for financial gain.

[John Matrix]

^^ doesn't know anything

[Mack]

^^ doesn't know anything

And what do you base that on?

[Narborough_fox]

Can we not please speculate. We'll never know the reason why, just let him rest in peace and leave it be.

[Leicester Lass]

The inquest into his death is held later on today.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-16760925

[Fox92]

The inquest into his death is held later on today.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...-wales-16760925

I remember reading it was today.

I still don't understand this because, although everyone will want to know why he died (including me), how will they know? They have said before that they are not treating it as suspicious and if he did take his own life without leaving anything then surely nobody will ever know why? Nobody knows what someone else is thinking.

Anway, I just hope Gary Speed isn't remembered for anything that has happened in the past few months, the man was a fantastic footballer and looked to be becoming a good manager as well.

[Guest Basildon Fox]

Just hearing the summing up of it on Sky. Very sad and it sounds like his marriage was going through 1 or 2 problems culminating in an arguement with his wife before he killed himself.

[Mack]

Seems like it's all starting to come out.

From what I have heard from reliable sources he was no saint.

[Guest Basildon Fox]

Seems like it's all starting to come out.

From what I have heard from reliable sources he was no saint.

And what do you really know/been told? It is easy to say that I heard this and that about him but then not say anything just makes you look one of these

1. A bit of a bullshitter.
   
2. A bit of a knob by comming on here to say I know something you don't.
   
3. Both of the first 2.
   

Now I do not believe for 1 minute you are any of the above so spill the beans on what you know or STFU!

[Mack]

And what do you really know/been told? It is easy to say that I heard this and that about him but then not say anything just makes you look one of these

1. A bit of a bullshitter.
   
2. A bit of a knob by comming on here to say I know something you don't.
   
3. Both of the first 2.
   

Now I do not believe for 1 minute you are any of the above so spill the beans on what you know or STFU!

It's not my place to make that public.

You may have no respect for his family but I do.

However the whole sickly endless minutes silence and tributes thing after his death for me was way over the top.

Poor old Gary Abblett died so young of illness but no one gave a monkey's. Speed took his own life and left his family to pick up the pieces, I have little sympathy with that, but we've been over all this before.

Now please... go and use your ample keyboard warrior skills on some 12 year old that gives a ****.

[Guest Basildon Fox]

It's not my place to make that public.

You may have no respect for his family but I do.

However the whole sickly endless minutes silence and tributes thing after his death for me was way over the top.

Poor old Gary Abblett died so young of illness but no one gave a monkey's. Speed took his own life and left his family to pick up the pieces, I have little sympathy with that, but we've been over all this before.

Now please... go and use your ample keyboard warrior skills on some 12 year old that gives a ****.

Number 3 then.

[Super_horns]

Just hearing the summing up of it on Sky. Very sad and it sounds like his marriage was going through 1 or 2 problems culminating in an arguement with his wife before he killed himself.

Yet the inquest gave a narrative verdict..sounds like he did mean to kill himself at some point if not there and then.

Interesting point made between the reactions to Gary Speed's death and Gary Ablett but that is another talking point I guess.