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RIP Gary|
Submitted:
05/31/12
Description:
A stunning tribute in yellow, white and blue flowers here for United's former Midfielder Gary Speed. The shot coming from the Football League Championship game against Millwall at Elland Road on the 3rd December, 2011.
On the 27th November, 2011 it was reported that Gary Speed the Welsh International and Leeds United legend had died. Found by his wife Louise at 7.00am the same morning. She telephoned the police and ambulance service who confirmed him as being dead. His death was announced to the Football Association of Wales a few hours later. Initial reporting of the tragedy said that Gary Speed had hanged himself. The official inquest that was taken in late January recorded a narrative verdict giving the cause of death as hanging but that: "the evidence does not sufficiently determine whether this was intentional or accidental". The tragic news soon spread to the thousands of Leeds United fans throughout the world who immediately took to the message boards and social network sites. It was decided amongst the supporters that a tribute to the United legend should be made at the following game away at Nottingham Forest. Gary Speed wore the Number Eleven shirt for Leeds. It was arranged by the fans that on the eleventh minute of the game the United fans would sing his name for eleven minutes. A further tribute for Gary Speed was also arranged for the next home game against Millwall. Members of the Leeds Utd Forum WACCOE got together and arranged for a banner to be made. The banner 30ft x 8ft would show the Leeds United badge that was used during Speeds era and also Speeds face with the words "GO ON GARY SPEED GET ONE YOURSELF SON". The words a reference to the television commentary that came just before his goal in a 4-0 win over Sheffield United. A win that helped Leeds win the League and gain promotion in 1989-90. Gary Speed started his time with Leeds United at an early age in 1987, joining The Whites straight from school. It was manager Howard Wilkinson who first noticed his abilities, at the time Speed was playing in the Left Back position. It was under Wilkinson's managership where Speed made his First Team debut at the age of 19. A versatile player Speed played in nine out of the ten outfield positions but it was always on the left where Speed would shine. Gary Speed soon became a regular in Wilkinson's first eleven making 12 appearances and scoring 3 goals in United's push for promotion in 1989-90. The player went on and played an instrumental role in United's Championship win of 1991-92. Notably Speed was part of that famous United Midfield that also included Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister and David Batty a midfield that Leeds legend Eddie Gray called the greatest Midfield lineup of the modern era. Gary Speed stayed with Leeds up until 1996 before he moved to Everton the club he supported as a boy. He made 312 appearances for Leeds and scored 57 goals. Leeds United: McCarthy, Connolly, Kisnorbo, Lees, Pugh, Brown, Snodgrass, Howson, Clayton, White, Becchio. Subs: Sam for Howson. Thanks To: Neil for this great pic. Views:
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