Perdita
27-11-2011, 13:35
Gary Speed, manager of Wales' football team, has died at the age of 42.
The Football Association of Wales announced the news on its website.
The statement read: "The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed.
"We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family's privacy at this very sad time."
A spokeswoman for Cheshire Police said: "At 7.08am today, Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntington, Chester.
"Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed.
"There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. The family have requested that they are left in peace to grieve at this difficult time. A family tribute will be released at a later date but not today."
Peter Hain, the Labour MP for Neath, said: "It is an absolute tragedy for his family and Welsh football. He was an outstanding premiership player who was emerging as one of the best international coaches that Wales has had. Wales has been doing very well recently and everybody had high hopes. It is just hard to fathom."
The former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton footballer was appointed manager of Wales in December 2010. He had retired as a player in May 2010.
He took charge of Wales for the first time in February. His last game as manager was on November 12 when the team won 4-1 in a friendly against Norway. Speed appeared on BBC1's Football Focus show on Saturday afternoon, the broadcaster confirmed.
The Football Association of Wales announced the news on its website.
The statement read: "The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed.
"We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family's privacy at this very sad time."
A spokeswoman for Cheshire Police said: "At 7.08am today, Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntington, Chester.
"Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed.
"There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. The family have requested that they are left in peace to grieve at this difficult time. A family tribute will be released at a later date but not today."
Peter Hain, the Labour MP for Neath, said: "It is an absolute tragedy for his family and Welsh football. He was an outstanding premiership player who was emerging as one of the best international coaches that Wales has had. Wales has been doing very well recently and everybody had high hopes. It is just hard to fathom."
The former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton footballer was appointed manager of Wales in December 2010. He had retired as a player in May 2010.
He took charge of Wales for the first time in February. His last game as manager was on November 12 when the team won 4-1 in a friendly against Norway. Speed appeared on BBC1's Football Focus show on Saturday afternoon, the broadcaster confirmed.