Football mourns loss of Gary Speed

Gary Speed, who took over as Wales football coach just 11 months ago after playing for his country a record 85 times, has died. He was 42. The Football Association of Wales announced Speed's death yesterday without giving the cause. Local police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Speed's death. Speed is survived by his wife and two children. "We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family," the FAW said in a statement. "We ask that everyone respects the family's privacy at this very sad time." Speed, whose 85 caps is a Welsh record for an outfield player, had only become Wales coach in December in a move that had long been predicted by former team-mates and commentators. Only goalkeeper Neville Southall, with 92 appearances, played more games for Wales. Fitness Last year, Queen Elizabeth II gave Speed the Member of the British Empire award in her annual Birthday Honours list for his services to football. "Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary Speed. We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at school. I'm numb," Manchester United striker Michael Owen wrote on twitter. "He has died aged 42. So sad. He lived local to me and we knew his family. He leaves behind 2 sons. Tragic." Admired for his dedication, fitness and consistency in a 20-year playing career — as well as a knack for goals — Speed started out with Leeds and won the English league championship with the club in 1992. Plaudits Moving on to Everton and then Newcastle, Speed became the first player to play in 500 Premier League games and held the record with 535 until it was surpassed by goalkeeper David James in 2009. Ryan Giggs has also since passed the mark. Speed scored in every topflight season in which he played until dropping out of the Premier League in 2008 when he joined Sheffield United. With injuries finally beginning to affect him, Speed became a coach at Sheffield United and formally retired from playing at the end of the 2009-10 season. He became Blades manager early in the following campaign but was soon approached by Wales after John Toshack resigned as coach. Speed led the team to five wins from 10 matches, including a 4-1 win over Norway two weeks ago, earning plaudits for the side's style of play and emphasis on youth. "We've got talent in abundance and I'm fortunate to be in that position," Speed said after the November 12 win in Cardiff. Factfile *    1969: Born on September 8 in Mancot, Flintshire, Wales. *    1988: Signs professional terms with Leeds, making debut aged 19. *    1996: After 312 appearances for the West Yorkshire side, during which he scored 57 goals, Speed completes a £3.5-million (Dh16.1 million) move to Everton. He went on to be captain. *    1998: February — Joins Newcastle for £5.5million. *    2006: December — Becomes the first player to make 500 Premier League appearances when he features in Wanderers' 4-0 win over West Ham. *    2008: November — A back injury ends Speed's season, leaving him to concentrate on a coaching role. Appointed Sheffield United manager on a three-year contract as successor to Kevin Blackwell. *    December 14 — Speed takes up position as national coach of Wales.