Gary Speed

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Gary Speed MBE (8 September 1969 – 27 November 2011) was a Welsh footballer and manager. A versatile left‑sided midfielder, he played for Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United, making 677 club appearances and scoring 104 goals in all competitions (535 in the Premier League). He helped Leeds win the First Division title in 1991–92 and was named in the PFA Team of the Year in 1992–93.

For Wales, Speed earned 85 caps and scored seven goals, captaining the side 44 times. He debuted in 1990 against Costa Rica and retired from international football in 2004.

Speed briefly managed Sheffield United in 2010 before taking charge of the Wales national team later that year. As Wales manager, he is seen as a key influence who helped lift the team's fortunes and laid the groundwork for future success.

He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2010 for services to football. Speed died by suicide at his home in November 2011, aged 42. His death prompted widespread tributes, and his work with Wales is remembered as a turning point that contributed to the country’s later achievements.