Sunday 27th November 2011. Football fans awoke after yet another Saturday following their team. As I turned on the radio, I heard the news of a four year old girl who had died in a pile up on the M6. My thoughts were instantly directed towards the girl’s family and those close to her. I personally cannot even dream of how hard this must be to cope with but these thoughts were soon pushed aside for many people. Just a few hours later at 12:30pm, I received a message from a Huddersfield Town supporter that simply read ‘Gary Speed is dead?!’
I didn’t believe the text, not because I didn’t think it possible but because I didn’t want it to be possible. Growing up in Leeds, I was often found talking about their players in the playground despite being a Sheffield United fan and it was my neighbour who first told me about Gary Speed. The stories of his goals always kept me entertained and I dreamt of seeing him play one day.
The years went by and I continued to watch him on TV as often as possible throughout his time at Everton, Newcastle and Bolton. It was his Newcastle career that made me realise the quality he had and how he was able to control the game. His movement and desire on and off the ball coupled with his impeccable professionalism away from the pitch were first class. He worked tirelessly in his career to maintain his fitness levels so that he could play as long as his body allowed it. As well as this, he never once appeared to take his opportunity for granted. Players who have gone on to establish solid careers such as Robbie Savage and Shay Given have shown in their own ways what he meant to them, as have millions of people around the world.
The day ‘Speedo’ pulled on the Sheffield United shirt for the first time, I knew how lucky Blades fans were to have such a player at our club. Speed was just the player we needed at the time, someone who could put their foot on the ball and send a pass to anywhere they wanted it. I know his time at the Lane was short, but there wasn’t a single Unitedite who wanted him to leave the club. I appreciate his reasons for leaving the Blades and I’m sure it was a tough decision for him but ultimately he left for his dream job.
This is not a time to dwell on what could have been had he taken different roads in his lifetime. Instead, it is a time to remember the footballer and manager loved by every single set of fans. That was what was most special about Gary Speed. Fans like us loved him for what he could do and how he went about that. For me, this was shown by tributes on social networking sites and at games such as that at the Liberty Stadium.
Moments like this bring everyone, whether involved with the game or not, together and Gary Speed MBE will be a name that stays with hundreds of people for ever. All I can hope is that these thoughts help the friends and families of Gary and the young girl this morning get through this tough period. Every life is precious and every individual has the right to support from everyone, no matter how it is they are feeling.
Rest in Peace Gary Speed.
Written by Eddie Chapman, We Are Going Up’s Sheffield United blogger
Eddie tweets at @eddiechap
Tags: Gary Speed, Leeds United, Sheffield United
Nicely written piece.