Welsh football mourns Gary Speed
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Article summary
The Football Association of Wales praised national team manager Gary Speed's "passion for the job" after announcing the 42-year-old's death on Sunday morning.
Article top media content
Article body
Wales manager Gary Speed has died at the age of 42, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) announced in a statement on Sunday.
"We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family," read the statement. "All at the FAW admired Gary's passion for the job and task of taking the team back up the European and world rankings."
Speed, appointed Wales manager in December last year, was a versatile midfielder as a player. He started his career at Leeds United AFC, where he won the First Division title in 1991/92. He went on to play for Everton FC, Newcastle United FC, Bolton Wanderers FC and Sheffield United FC.
Speed won 85 caps for his country – more than any other outfield player – between 1990 and 2004, many as captain. He made 535 Premier League appearances, the third highest total in history.
