FAW open book of condolence for Speed

The Football Association of Wales have created a book of remembrance for the late Gary Speed following the Wales manager's apparent suicide.

The governing body have created the book in order to allow supporters to leave messages of condolence for the 42-year-old, who was found hanged at his home in Cheshire yesterday morning.

A host of figures in the world of football have paid tribute to the former Leeds United midfielder, along with fans from Speed's previous clubs including Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United and Everton.

"We have had hundreds of messages. My phone hasn't stopped with messages from everyone involved or not involved," said FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford. "It has touched everybody.

"We have had messages from family, friends have called, professional people have called, and they have all been heartfelt messages from people who may only have met Gary a couple of times, which showed the mark of the man. He was such a great person and he is such a loss."

An inquest is due to take place at Warrington Coroner's Court at 3pm tomorrow.