Gary Speed found dead

Wales football manager Gary Speed was found hanged at his home in Huntington, Chester last Sunday morning.

Police have said that there are no suspicious circumstances regarding the death of the 42 year-old.

Speed had a long and distinguished career, winning the league title with Leeds in 1992 and enjoying Champions League football with Newcastle between 2002 and 2004.

The former midfielder, who also played for Everton and Bolton in his time, also earned 85 caps for Wales, 44 as captain, and secured an MBE in 2010 for services to football.

Upon hearing the news, Speed’s former Wales team-mate Robbie Savage tweeted: “Devastated... He was upbeat on [the] phone yesterday.

“We were laughing together, talking football and dancing... He was a great teammate and a great friend.”

Despite enjoying a less-than-spectacular four months in his first magagerial posting at Sheffield United, Speed was given the Wales job in December 2010.

Despite not seriously challenging for a qualification spot at next year’s European Championships, Wales had been on good form recently; Speed’s side secured a third straight win earlier this month in the 4-1 friendly triumph over Norway.

Speed leaves a wife and two children, and Police have said that a family tribute will be issued later.