5 Live Sport Announce Death of Gary Speed (1969-2011)

The world of football was shocked on the 27th November, 2011, when former Leeds, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton midfielder Gary Speed died at the age of 42. He was a former Welsh midfielder and at the time of his death, their manager and coach.

[@nerothewonderpug]

I was driving down to blaydon roundabout when this played and had to stop the car and I think stayed there for a couple of hours in shock. I've never done that before or since. A horrible feeling. Still so sad. Hero

[@Revelian1982]

​​@@danhewett6086 Wales aren't going to win a tournament anytime soon. Having said that, I was also very upset at the news. I was 8 or 9 when I started watching football. My Dad is a Leeds fan, and that Leeds team was the last ever to win the Old First Division before it became the Prem. I remembered his name due to how cool it sound, like Johnny Turbo or Steve Power. Just seemed cool. I followed his career from then on. I believe he broke the record for the most games played in the English top flight. I think the record was eventually beaten by Gareth Barry and may be beaten once more, if it hasn't already by James Milner. He was a solid, dedicated player, reliable full of energy and full of heart. Ten Gary Speeds in a team would have won many trophies. Rest In Peace, Speedo.

[@dane21dc]

Couple of hours? Sure, okay

[@cookslooking10]

It's an actually a well known stat that no one mourned the death of Gary Speed for exactly two hours. Most people only managed one, there was someone who managed three, but never exactly two.

[@stevenknight1198]

2hours? Did you know him?

[@OLLYINWARDS]

I was listening to this in the car on my way to my football match for my local team. I thought when the presenter said, "shocking new coming out from the Welsh football association." that Gary Speed had been sacked. What was to come will send shivers down my spine for the rest of my time. RIP Gary Speed

[@generichuman2044]

People are still searching for answers but it's so pointless. As someone who has been suicidal, let me tell you that it's not always one big thing. In the lead up to my attempt everything bothered me. The TV remote isn't working, of course not because everything is a disaster. The train was late, that's not surprising because my life is a disaster. I was never the victim of abuse, never suffered major trauma or even went through a break up. Something inside of me just suddenly said that life isn't worth it and what's the point of carrying on. I know it's easy to say from a distance but those close to someone who attempts should not be looking for a simple answer. If the person is saved, ask them. Get them to talk and open up about whats on their mind. I guarantee they wouldn't want you to blame yourself and will say that there isn't anything you could have noticed. When the world loses someone like Gary Speed it's important to remember the massive help that a simple conversation can be. Ask your friends and family how they're doing and listen. A 5 minute chat could tell you things you would never have known.

[@documax123]

Great, insightful, comment.

[@adamfox264]

Been there myself. Hope you're doing good ✌️

[@RITWINS]

It`s absolutely dreadful. You hear people say it`s the coward`s way out but you need a hell of a lot of guts to go through with it.

[@neiltrott6049]

Can't believe it's been nearly ten years. Still so hard to take and heartbreaking to think he suffered in silence and never felt capable or willing to get the help he needed. If we can take anything positive from the tragedy, it's that young men need to talk about their mental health.

[@cbak12sg]

Ian Payne demonstrates what a first rate broadcaster he is here in steering the programme through an incredibly difficult transition from normal football talk to the stunned reactions to this awful news.

[@Benikage]

I still cry every time I read about it and talk about it and listen to the tributes and watch the videos. I will forever miss you Gary Speed, and I'm not even Welsh.

[@bennyblanco3260]

So much respect to you 🙌

[@Giveussometruth1]

Never heard this `live` yet for me this broadcast had the most impact for this tragic event. Gary must have been in a very dark place in his mind. The presenter I thought handled the shocking news with great respect and dignity. Whatever Gary thought was so bad in his mind it should never had led to this. Love and respect to Gary, his friends and those that never knew him but still held him with great respect.

[@JamesMurray1991]

Yeah because that horrible bastard Barry Bennell sexually abused him

[@jpm051978]

Sleep easy Speedo. You’ll be forever remembered at Elland Road and I’m sure at all other clubs you represented no, matter how short a time you were there. Even now, almost 9 years on I still struggle to accept this happened. You were one of my heroes growing up watching Leeds through the late 80s and early 90s and will never forget your first ever goal for the club. A stunning half volley at the South Stand end against Bradford in our Promotion season. A great player, a great man. Thank you for all the memories.

[@JCAquarius2009]

My heart goes out to Gary's family. My father committed suicide on my sisters birthday. We never knew why. None of us can understand the terrible place in their minds that makes people do this, but I do know that when they do it, they are in such a dark place that they dont think rationally and it doesnt mean they are being selfish as some people will say. I miss my father every day, and I felt guilty that I didnt know there was anything wrong. I was overseas at the time

[@footyguy01]

Don't feel guilty mate! I suffer from clinical depression myself & there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING you could've done! Really! The person affected may never show signs or they may suffer openly for all the world to see. Either way all you can do is try & be a friend. You'll never truly understand the depths of pain involved or why. Just know it wasn't your fault! Even if you could've stopped it that time, if his mind was made up he would've gone some other time. Condolences to you. R.I.P. Speedo!

[@alunchurcher7060]

Gary was a true gentleman I was lucky enough to of met him on to few occasions but I found him a great man to have conversation with especially about sport and football generally. The years have flown past fast, like everyone I was shocked to hear of his death, a great man still much missed by all who knew him. RIP mate.

[@ramwinter2622]

11 years ago today. My dad was the first person to tell me at lunchtime the tragic news of his death just under 24 hours after his appearance on Football Focus which I recall watching as well. It was hard to take in for everyone that day and it’s still surreal to this day. RIP Gary Speed 🕊

[@djalland1]

I remember listening to this live in a state of absolute shock. Listening back it's striking how the first few minutes of this wasn't broadcasting as such, it was a group of men just trying to process the sudden death of a friend, which makes it so much more poignant.

[@jaradoref]

I couldn't believe it when I heard this tragic news. I even decided as a referee to hold a minutes silence at an U14's match because of this. RIP Gary, sorely missed

[@MrRobertjohn15]

Was there at Swansea match when announced. The ground was silent all match with us all brothers and sisters in tears. Whole of football mourned rightly

[@martynclark6905]

Brave faces doesn't necessarily mean brave mind unfortunately RIP Speedo

[@dominewimbury2039]

Still weird and shocking nine years on. RIP Gary

[@rockriff8889]

Remembered with affection and fondness.R.I.P. Gary Speed forever in our hearts..Toon Army.

[@harold5337]

RIP Gary As a Leeds fan, this hit me hard, as Gary was a great player and a huge part of our club. Always on the pitch and rarely injured. RIP Legend

[@jordswales9685]

Rest in peace speedo❤️

[@jeremypowell7609]

Remember the day so well. Incredibly sad and devastating particularly for his family and friends. He will never be forgotten by geninue football fans ....Welsh or not . One of my fav players . RIP Gary ...

[@tortoisetamer486]

Glasgow Rangers fan & more importantly a football fan, Even till this day the death of Gary Speed still saddens me deeply, such a intelligent, talented, handsome guy so sad 😢🇬🇧

[@wolves2502]

Very very upsetting. I watched the Football Focus programme the day before which Gary Speed appeared on. I had supported Wales since after the 2010 World Cup. I lost 2 night's sleep after that news.

[@The87gunner87]

R.I.P Gary Speed...legend...

[@That_Random_Bloke]

Terribly sad. RIP Sir

[@danielhowe7362]

The pain never goes away! What a Professional and what a guy!! RIP X

[@dave123c1]

Gary speed was someone i took for granted , he was around from when i was a young kid , he was just there , a symbol of football and what a top player and role model should be , someone i thought would be around for many years to come and hes gone , just like that , God Bless

[@alocohc]

He was a very handsome lovely guy. sadly missed,

[@Cockel100]

A legend and a true professional. From a liverpool fan. RIP

[@MichelleLouise2012]

I am from the same North Wales stock as Gary and I can vividly remember what I was doing when I heard this news on 5Live. I honestly thought I'd misheard or it was a joke until I saw Robbie Savage on BBC News. Then the grief and tears followed. I still cannot believe this wonderful football and man is no longer with us. Nos da, cariad.

[@jonathanSXo]

Be it Leeds the Toon Wales or any other team, football in general lost a Gentleman that day, R.I.P to a great man

[@aidenfieldsend9186]

Im a man utd fan it doesnt matter he achieved a lot in his career 58caps for wales wow rest in peace legend x

[@SLaYDaRtH]

Quite irrelevant to announce yourself as a man u fan

[@louisdnd934]

Still thinking about you Gary even though I never saw you play I was born in 99, would've loved to see you play in 92 for the whites ...

[@yossibenayoun5642]

Remember growing up me dad was a toon fan used to always say how good Speed was, think every set of fans he played for held him in the same regard. such a shame. RIP

[@tchub2]

Oh Gary Gary Gary Gary Gary Gary Gary Gary Gary Gary Speed. RIP Speedo

[@dominewimbury9644]

Still chills me

[@wullielove8680]

Still send shivers down my spine even today RiP

[@jordanthomas167]

Truly missed gar ❤️ I bet you're proud of you're team 😔😔❤️

[@TemplePhantom]

I look at Speed's face in this vid and its so hard to accept this guy has gone. I remember him vividly bossing the midfield for years in the premier league and you just cannot imagine what demons forced him to end his own life in such a shocking way.

[@RamboMonkey]

R.I.P GARY you was a legend LUFC MOT !!! May you R.I.P KID!!!

[@user-zz5wk8dr3w]

I have worked with addiction and depression in the past and also as a male thats went threw his 30s and into my 40s,tell you what it messed with my head as I'm sure it does us all,the brain is a weird place sometimes and I wish you all the best men

[@graemefarrell4983]

My mam called me when it happened i cried me eyes out.. Shay given brought it on.. Loved him as, a, player and a, human being.. Cant understand it to this day..

[@raveplane89]

soo sad!! speedo to get us to the world cup in spirit!

[@MrFitzek]

i was in work that sunday when i heard via text message etc and was deeply shocked and saddened all that day and for weeks after.if i hadnt been in work i would of heard this clip.even hearing it now makes me get goosepimples and makes the hairs go up.i'm welsh and was brought up with gary speed.deeply shocking still and sad.rip garyx

[@baxxynufc]

rest in piece gary, i for one wont forget what you did for my club x

[@garylovell6017]

Peace, not piece.

[@joshualloyd8775]

I think everybody was heartbroken by this in Wales. 💔

[@davidmunro4479]

Lovely man.

[@andrewhawkes4967]

I think Gary had an argument with his wife, went to the garage and thought his wife would find him in a bad state. I cant believe he wanted to take his own life. I do believe he put himself under personal pressure.

[@liammahoney-su1ew]

listening to this on the 12th annivesary

[@philippacowhig-morris5583]

Only liking due to repect for him..RIP Gary Speed.

[@chump5874]

Still seems unreal.

[@GRANNYMC1]

That was hard hitting. So so sad.

[@bacondren4129]

Rest easy Gary

[@_XPERIA_]

R.I.P. Gary

[@mrperfectedkelly]

Everton Legend

[@lukeconer298]

love you speedo rip sir. leeds united

[@ThaneDT]

RIP great player great man

[@scousepgc]

proper good footballer, great loss

[@Danny_LDS]

OH GARY!

[@JCAquarius2009]

That comment was for Orvs101 who felt it necessary to add to my hurt at the loss of my father by posting his spiteful message and to email it to me

[@Helmdep]

I saw him on football focus the same day, he was excited about the Wales football team. Later that day he took his own life. I don't get it, so very sad

[@96EricCantona96]

There's only 1 Gary Speed. 1 Gary SPEED !!

[@siobhanlr]

R.I.P speedo

[@JCAquarius2009]

How dare you disrespect my father like that. Why would you come onto a site like this and be so spiteful. If you had any understanding (which you obviously dont) of the hell that people go through you wouldnt make such a comment. Show some respect to Gary Speed and the others whose lives have been lost this way. I loved my father and he chose to not show his daughters the pain he was going through. I suggest you get counselling for the way you feel, you are very angry

[@mufcevo]

SPEEDO!

[@SuperCrj123]

RIP Speed wales miss you

[@mathiasdolk1706]

RIP.

[@dominewimbury9120]

four years ago today. One minute they are talking about my team MCFC then this!

[@bigben559]

Nufc loves u

[@MrTomwatson24]

to this day I just dont get it RIP Gary

[@kisbie]

@usernameemanresu And I have heard the rumours that Speed was harbouring repressed memories of something traumatic in his childhood, but that will never be anything other than conjecture.

[@MrFitzek]

still get goosepimples listening to this.still very sad. the whole thing is still clouded in mystery.speed and his wife had a an argument over "something and nothing" and then went for a drive and had a kip in the car????..very strange..it must of been quite an argument to then go for a drive afterwards.i personally think she told him she was leaving him or that they should seperate..just my opinion.rip gary speed

[@ashleygreenwood8407]

RIP GAZZA

[@ImNewAndHere2Stay]

......so sad!

[@hyllaf]

we need a staue of this GREAT MAN asap - come on welsh fa, stick your finger out!!!

[@JCAquarius2009]

@rusty0010. So glad that you are in the UK. What people dont realise is that when they send an electronic transmission to a private email address containing offensive material, they come under UK law. And this is an offence. For you to call my father a coward was intentionally done to cause me distress and your utter disrespect for Gary. Are you calling him a coward too? You are one sick individual and I promise you will regret the email you sent me.

[@fastfootedone]

it makes you wonder.....word is that they had had a huge argument..... i hope that's not the case, but who knows.....

[@jamesalemons]

what does Jonathan Ross know about football?

[@Ali74]

@MrCrusader363 yep its Dowie, also Michael Gray.

[@FIshfood500]

Did he kill himself?

[@marka9183]

He did depression nothing else to blame,a silent killer

[@MrHairyNeck]

WHY????????????????????????

[@MrHairyNeck]

Still doesn't make sense. He was on Match of the Day hours earlier LAUGHING.

[@MrHairyNeck]

***** My friend gets depressed and when I say 'why are you depressed', he says I don't know.

[@davidwacko6623]

only 1 gary speed

[@siobhanlr]

a year on tuesday

[@mufitino84]

o gary gary gary gary gary gary gary speed

[@lovepet1015]

I just whatched this and decided to ask my mom bc I have the same last name..... he’s my cousin

[@fazeneymar7826]

Lovepet 101 rip

[@ParkLaneTottenham1]

Shame that Savic was mentioned in the same segment.

[@kisbie]

@usernameemanresu It's not so much the demands of the job as the preening macho culture, which condemns those with more fragile mental states to keep their feelings to themselves rather than seek proactive help. In taking his own life, Speed is an extreme case, but there remain many others in the game who have had to suffer demons in silence.

[@user-lu9pc6dc9f]

still dunno why he did it

[@TemplePhantom]

Why? What a terrible waste.

[@paulallan1000]

His wife was to blame,,but everyone is too afraid to say it.

[@christnumber2]

No it wasn't, as today we have found!

[@terrybunch7313]

Speed did the right thing. Life is a prison of senseless suffering and cruelty. The only escape is to die. Better to do on your own terms than from disease or accident.