Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
Andy Pakes previews this Sunday afternoon clash in the first edition of Game of the Week for 2012
Dave Hughes tells us about his sporting hero, Wes Morgan
Growing up, Speed was always one of those players that everyone knew. He enjoyed relative success at every club that he played for, whether that be Leeds, Newcastle, Bolton or Sheffield United. Speed had unquestionable skill as a dynamic central midfielder, and although never afraid to make a tackle, he always played with both his heart and his head, which set him apart from many midfielders of his generation.
My own exposure to Gary Speed as both a player and a manager were heightened when he moved to Sheffield United in 2008. Even before he took on a coaching role under the wing of Kevin Blackwell, he would often conduct interviews on Radio Sheffield and whether United had won, lost or drawn, Speed always conducted himself in an exemplary manner and made appropriate, insightful comments.
He was always destined for management and held the respect of Sheffield United fans for the entirety of his time there, despite results not always being great. However, Speed’s heart always lay in Wales, and it came as no surprise that the man who gained a record 85 caps for his country was called upon by the Welsh FA to take control of the national side last year.
I vividly remember watching his second game in charge against England and commenting how out of their depth Wales looked. Speed always insisted on playing the game in the right manner and brought that approach into management. He worked on getting Wales playing from the back and passing the ball on the floor as opposed to repeatedly deploying long ball tactics. Despite inheriting a squad devoid of confidence and not enjoying the greatest start, Speed’s persistence had started to pay dividends in recent matches. There was a real sense of optimism with regards to Wales’ chances of qualifying for either the 2014 World Cup or the following European Championships with Speed at the helm, and the biggest tribute to his memory would be for the Welsh side to progress to either tournament.
Gary Speed’s death was a deeply upsetting event within football. With the police reporting a suspected suicide, questions will be asked as to why a man who seemed to have nothing but good times and promise ahead of him proceeded to take his own life. It is perhaps the saddest part of the whole tragedy that an investigation will have to take place, and I am sure that the results will be as distressing as the event itself.
All our thoughts at the moment should be directed towards Speed’s wife, his two boys and the rest of his family. Welsh football will almost certainly never be the same again without a man who was the catalyst for their biggest revival in recent years. There are not many football fans up and down the country who will not be saddened by the thought of the game without Gary Speed. A great player, a great manager and a great man. Rest in peace Gary.
You must log in to submit a comment.
