Gary Speed

Leeds United

Speed began his career with Leeds United as a trainee when he left school in June 1988, and was Peter Swan's boot boy, before he signed a professional contract on 13 June 1988. Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson first noticed Speed in a youth team game while the player was playing in a left back position. Under Wilkinson, he made his first team debut aged 19 in a goalless draw against Oldham Athletic in the Football League Second Division. He would go on to play in nine out of the ten outfield positions, although he was predominantly a left-sided player. He went on to play a key role, playing 41 of a possible 42 games and scoring seven goals, as Leeds won the Football League First Division championship title in 1992, as part of a midfield that also comprised Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister and David Batty – former Leeds manager Eddie Gray considered it to be one of the greatest midfield line-ups in the modern era. Wilkinson named Speed as the club's player of the season. In September 1992, Speed was pivotal in Leeds' UEFA Champions League first-round tie against VfB Stuttgart. Stuttgart had won 3–0 at home and looked to be going through already. Speed helped Leeds to a 4–1 victory at Elland Road, scoring one of them with a "superb left-foot volley" which he later described as his best-ever goal. Although Leeds went out of the tie on the away goals rule, the club was later reinstated, for Stuttgart had fielded an ineligible player. Speed was selected in the…

Speed played for Wales at youth level and earned three caps for the under-21 team. He played 85 times for Wales, making him the second highest capped player only behind goalkeeper Neville Southall who made 92 appearances until Speed was surpassed by Chris Gunter in 2018. Speed captained Wales on 44 occasions. His first appearance for the national side had come on 20 May 1990 in a 1–0 friendly win against Costa Rica at Ninian Park as a second-half replacement for Glyn Hodges. He did not score until his 27th cap, a 3–2 away defeat in Moldova in a Euro 1996 qualifier on 12 October 1994. Speed's first appearance as captain was during his 46th cap, a 3–0 away win in Malta on 3 June 1998. Speed broke the record held by Dean Saunders for most caps by a Welsh outfield player when he won his 76th against Finland in a Euro 2004 qualifier on 10 September 2003. He captained the side to a 1–1 draw. Speed retired from international football in 2004 after the side's 3–2 defeat to Poland in a 2006 World Cup qualifier.

Speed was a versatile player who mainly played as a attacking midfielder but occasionally played in the left midfield, central midfield, and left-back roles . He is remembered for his knack for directing powerful headers towards goal. He possessed tactical awareness, and could both create and score goals. Regularly a captain, his teammates called him an 'inspirational figure' who led by example and demanded the best from those around him. Sources described him as a "consummate professional" both on and off the field. Described as hardworking and self-critical, he did not display exceptional talent at a young age, and instead developed his technique through extensive training. He had a reputation for fitness and conditioning, adopting an approach to diet and fitness that was uncommon among players of his generation. His fitness allowed him to avoid serious injury and continue playing until age 39, rarely missing a game. He also had a reputation as a friendly and supportive person, who cared for and took an interest in the lives of the people around him; his 'nice guy' persona made him a popular and well respected figure amongst his peers.

Gary Andrew Speed was born in the Welsh town of Mancot on 8 September 1969, the son of Carol and Roger Speed. He was the only member of his family born in Mancot; his parents, his sister Lesley, and later his sons Thomas and Edward were all born in the English city of Chester. He attended Hawarden High School. He supported Everton as a youngster. Whilst at school, he delivered newspapers and played football for Flintshire Schoolboys and Aston Park Rangers. As a youngster, he excelled at cricket and football.