Gary Speed, the manager of the Wales football team and a former Leeds United, Everton, Bolton Wanderers, Sheffield United and Newcastle United star, was found dead at his home this morning. It has been confirmed that Speed, who was Welsh, hanged himself at his home in Chester in north west England not far from the border with Wales. He was just 42.
Gary - a boyhood Everton fan - was manager of Wales since 2010, during which time they were in the same group as neighbours England during the Euro2012 qualifiers. Despite Wales failing to qualify for the tournament they were officially one of Europe's most improved teams under Speed. He was also manager of Sheffield United for a brief spell in 2010.
He also played for Wales 85 times between 1990 and 2004, scoring 7 goals.
Found dead: Wales manager Gary Speed, with his wife Louise, attending Shay Given's Fashion Kicks event held at Lancashire County Cricket Club in ManchesterPolice say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, which is thought to be suicide. He leaves his wife Louise and two sons.
As news of the tragedy struck, tribute flooded in for the Wales boss who only retired from playing last year after winning 85 caps for his country and scoring seven goals.
A hastily-arranged minute's silence was then held at Swansea City's Premier League match against Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium in south Wales after the news broke today.
Former teammate Shay Given, now Villa's goalkeeper, was seen in floods of tears before the match.
The Football Association of Wales today confirmed that their manager had died.
In a statement, the FAW said: '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 Cheshire Police spokesman added: '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 and the family have requested that they are left to grieve in peace.
'The death will now be a matter for the coroner.'
Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given in floods of tears before today's Premier League match against Swansea City in south Wales. The match finished 0-0.
Shay Given deep in thought before today's match kicked off, shortly after hearing the news of Gary Speed's death
Players hold a minute's silence in memory of Wales manager Gary Speed before the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Aston Villa at Liberty Stadium
Former Wales teammate Robbie Savage - now a Strictly Come Dancing star - speaking about the death of Gary Speed on BBC News Within minutes, thousands of messages of condolence had been left on Twitter.
Ex-Wales boss Mark Hughes said: 'I'm devastated. He was a privilege to work alongside and call a friend. My thoughts are with his family.'
Bobby Gould, who made Mr Speed Wales captain, added: 'I'm stunned and a few tears have been shed. It is so sad.
'He was a great pro. He would play anywhere for you - left back, left wing, centre of midfield, wide left. It's such a tragedy.
'People are just stunned. I saw John Hartson earlier and I said "have you heard about Gary?". The big man just cried and cried. We cuddled each other.
'He's gone home (from the Liberty Stadium). That is his respect towards Gary to say 'I can't work this afternoon'. Speedo was his pal. They were buddies.
'Gary was the ultimate professional.'
Mr Speed's family home at Huntington Hall in Cheshire, where he was found dead at the age of 42
In mourning: Huntington Hall in Cheshire, where Mr Speed lived with his wife Louise and two children
Pundit: Gary Speed appearing on BBC show Football Focus with Gary McAllister yesterdayMr Speed was a guest on the BBC's Football Focus show on Saturday with host Dan Walker.
Today, Mr Walker tweeted: 'Staggered by the news of Gary Speed's death.
'Was with him for most of yesterday. I genuinely cannot believe it. Thoughts with his family.'
Mr Speed - who was with Gary McAllister on the show - told Walker that there was nothing like playing football.
Speaking on BBC News today, former Wales teammate Robbie Savage said: 'I just can't believe it. He was my mate and he's gone.
'I've got very close to Gary in the last few years - the guy is a trooper, he's left two gorgeous kids behind and a beautiful wife. He had everything, he had everything.
'I spoke to him yesterday and we were laughing and joking - he was saying make sure you don't get a two off Craig (Revel Horwood, the Strictly Come Dancing judge) tonight, you know. That's what Gary's like - he always thinks about other people.
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