A year on, RIP Speedo

There are those events where people say “Where were you when…”, well a year ago today, Sunday 27th November 2011 is a day like that, a day I will always remember. It is the day when the world found out the tragic news of the death of Gary Speed. It’s one of those moments when you just can’t believe the news you are hearing, total shock.

Football is a very partisan sport, people like to divide themselves into their factions but the outpouring of feeling towards Gary Speed transcended that. He was extremely popular within the game, loved by players, journalists and fans alike. Stadiums across the country, Elland Road, St James Park, Goodison Park, Reebok Stadium became focal points for peoples tributes. The sight of Leeds United, Manchester United, Newcastle & Everton shirts lying next to each other on the steps of Billy Bremners statue was particularly poignant.

Hearing the emotional outpourings of John Hartson and Bryn Law on the radio and television, seeing the tributes around grounds across the country show how popular, respected and loved Gary was. It’s unusual in the modern era for players to be universally popular but Speedo will always be remembered with great affection by supporters of all of his former clubs.

For me Speedo was a player I grew up with, he was starting out his playing career at Leeds when I was attending my first games at the age of six. He was practically ever present in the great Championship winning midfield with Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister and David Batty. Like many fans of my generation he was my favourite player. He was quick, hard working and scored some great goals.

I can’t believe it’s a year since that tragic day, the memories seem so recent. Gary Speed will never be forgotten and always remembered with a great deal of fondness and affection by a great number of people. Thanks for the memories Gary.

Gary Speed
8th September 1969 – 27th November 2011