Gary Speed Remembered: A 13-Year Tribute to His Life and Career

Exactly 13 years after the tragic death of former Leeds United midfielder and Wales manager Gary Speed, BBC Radio Leeds has presented a tribute to his career and life through the perspectives of those who knew him, featured in “Speedo: Gary Speed Remembered.” Speed progressed through Leeds’ youth system and went on to secure the First Division trophy with the Whites. He was a key member of a notable midfield quartet, playing alongside Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister, and David Batty. However, it is not solely his footballing ability that endures in the memories of his followers. Leeds fan Gary Edwards stated, “He always had time for you.” Edwards recalled, “I remember seeing him in a nightclub in Cork. It was a Monday night, raining; we’d gone over there for a friendly.” He continued, “We sat with Speed, and you couldn’t see the table for whisky. Nobody was falling about drunk; it was just his hospitality.” “He was charming; there was just something about him,” Edwards added. For the documentary, BBC Radio Leeds’ Adam Pope interviewed former Leeds personalities, including Simon Grayson, Howard Wilkinson, and Jon Newsome, as well as Speed’s father, Roger. The full tribute is available to listen to on BBC Sounds.