Tributes for Wales manager Gary Speed

By Natasia Moore

The football world was united in mourning after the death of popular Wales manager Gary Speed.

The 42-year-old father of two was found hanged at his home on Sunday morning, just a day after appearing on live television and chatting to fellow footballing figures, who expressed shock and disbelief.

Tributes to the former Leeds United, Everton and Newcastle United midfielder poured in from a host of public figures, including Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones.

Heart's Elliw Hughes has this special report listen here:

Speed's former Wales team-mate Ryan Giggs, who was linked with a role in the national set-up when Speed took charge, said he was devastated by his death.

The Manchester United midfielder said: 

'I am totally devastated. Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a team-mate and friend.

'Words cannot begin to describe how sad I feel at hearing this awful news. It goes without saying my thoughts are with his family at this tremendously sad time.'

Former England striker Alan Shearer, who played alongside Speed at Newcastle for six years between 1998 and 2004, formed a close friendship with the Welshman and said: 

'Gary was a magnificent person, bright, fun and a wonderful family man - he lit up every room he walked into.

'I am proud to have been his friend and will miss him dreadfully.'

Cheshire Police confirmed that Speed's body was discovered at the property in Huntington, on the outskirts of Chester, and said there were `no suspicious circumstances''.

Speed was born in Mancot in Flintshire in 1969 he turned out for Flintshire Schoolboys while attending Hawarden High School before making Yorkshire his home when Leeds came calling to herald the start of an illustrious career, which saw him become Wales' most-capped outfield player with 85 appearances to his name.

Speed, who was awarded an MBE last year for services to football, had revitalised the fortunes of the national side since taking charge in December of 2010 and had recently overseen a run of four wins in five games, a streak that had taken them from a record low of 117th in the FIFA world rankings to as high as 45th.