Wales manager Gary Speed was found hanged at his home in Chester this morning.
On a sad day for the footballing world, Sports Mole has looked back over the 42-year-old's career as a way of paying tribute to 'Speedo'.
Born in the small Welsh village of Mancot, Speed went on to join Leeds United in 1988 and made his debut as a 19-year-old.
He would go on to play a key role in the midfield alongside the likes of Gary McAllister, Gordon Strachan and Eric Cantona as Leeds secured the First Division title in 1992 ahead of Manchester United.
Speed also featured in the 1996 League Cup final for the Whites, although he was on the losing side as Aston Villa ran out 3-0 winners at Wembley.
A £3.5m move to Everton materialised later that year and he went on to score 15 goals during a two-year stint on Merseyside.
Despite being appointed Everton's club captain, Speed left Goodison Park in 1998 in a £5.5m transfer to Newcastle United.
His spell at St James' Park would see him become an idol for the Toon Army faithful, playing over 200 matches for the Magpies.
Somewhat surprisingly, Speed was allowed to leave the club in 2004 for Bolton Wanderers, where his career continued to flourish under Sam Allardyce, despite his advancing years.
During his tenure at the Reebok Stadium, Speed became the first player to surpass 500 appearances in the Premier League era.
A headed goal against Reading in 2007 ensured that Speed would end his career at the highest level, having scored at least one goal in every season.
When he left Wanderers for Sheffield United in early 2008, he had amassed 535 appearances in the Premier League, a record only recently beaten by goalkeeper David James.
His spell at Brammall Lane was restricted by injuries and he eventually retired in 2010 aged 41, but he still made enough of an impression to be appointed the club's new manager in August of that year following the sacking of Kevin Blackwell.
Just four months later the Welsh Football Association came calling for his services and Speed obliged by signing a deal to coach a country that he made 85 appearances for as a player – a Welsh record for an outfield player.
Having endured a difficult start to his time in charge of the Dragons, Speed's side began to improve both their performances and results during 2011, including victories over Switzerland, Montenegro, Bulgaria and Norway.
Speed is survived by his two sons and his wife Louise.
More:
> Tributes poor in for Speed
> Upset Bellamy 'asks not to play'
> Video: Minute's silence for Gary Speed
> Swansea game goes ahead despite Speed's death
> In Full: Welsh FA statement on Speed death
Liam Apicella
