Only one Gary Speed

I was devastated to hear about the death of Gary Speed at the weekend. He was six years older than me and a footballer who I grew up watching. I must have seen him play live over 50 times for Wales and for his club teams competing against Liverpool. I also met him when I was a child and still have the football signed by him and the rest of the Wales squad. He was a gentleman of the game and I’m sure anyone with an interest in football was upset with the news.

His international career coincided with when I first started watching the Welsh team and he played in some of the best performances I have ever seen. He played in the great team managed by Terry Yorath that came so close to qualifying for the 1994 World Cup, beating Belgium on the way. He also captained Mark Hughes’ side which very nearly made it to the 2004 European Championships, losing to Russia in a play-off after beating Italy in the group stages. 

His death has touched many people. Despite his tough tackling style he was a footballer who opposing teams’ fans had nothing but admiration for. I was at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening and was moved to hear Liverpool fans singing ‘There’s only one Gary Speed’. It’s not very often Liverpool fans sing about former Everton players.

It seems as though Gary took his own life. Lots of people have been making comparisons with Robert Enke, the German international goalkeeper who took his own life in 2009 following a long struggle with depression. We don’t know what prompted Gary to do this but the one positive that can be taken from this sad event is that it has got people talking about suicide. While there was only one Gary Speed he will be one of over 5,000 people who will take their own lives in the UK this year with 80% of those being men (based on Office of National Statistics figures for 2007). Suicide is clearly a bigger problem than most of us realise.

I urge anyone who feels despair to speak to someone about it. A family member, friend or doctor will be able to help. If you use our services talk to our staff. You may have been given you a card advertising the local crisis line. You can also go to the nearest A&E or call the Samaritans 24 hours a day on 08457 90 90 90.

Thanks for the wonderful memories Gary. Rest in peace.