The footballing world was sent into shock yesterday by the death of Welsh manager Gary Speed at the age of 42.
Speed had no connection with any of my teams, but I wanted to pay tribute to a man that was a model professional and a son, husband, father and friend that will be truly missed my many. He was that kind of man. Fans of all teams admired and respected him.
When I woke up on Sunday morning and saw the headline on the BBC website, I just couldn't believe it. Finding out the sad facts behind his death was equally tragic and shocking.
This was a young manager who seemingly had everything going for him, but no-one, not even his closest friends seemed to have any idea of what feelings he was hiding behind his genuinely bubbly public demeanour.
Robbie Savage said it best on last night's
606 Football Phone In
on BBC Five Live:
"I just can't understand it. The world was at his feet. I just can't believe it."
As a player, Welshman Speed touched the hearts of many. He had 23 years in the game, turning out for five clubs, and ...
