Gary Speed: One of Football's good guys.

News of Gary Speed's tragic and untimely death has shocked the football world. I along with thousands of other football fans couldn't believe what I was reading when the news broke early this morning.  Whatever dark place triggered such drastic action the sheer volume and sincerity of the tributes pouring in for the young Welshman is testament to the love and respect he held in the game.  His grieving family and close friends will be absolutely devastated by the tragedy and my sincere condolences are with them tonight.

Speed started his career with Leeds United as a trainee and went onto make 312 appearances for the mighty whites between 1988 and 1996 as they emerged from the old 2nd division to win the Division 1 title in 1992.  He will forever be remembered as part of the awesome four man midfield of Strachan, Batty, McAllister and Speed who carved their names with pride into the history of Leeds United.  Even though he left Leeds for Everton after the fateful League Cup Final defeat of '96 he was still held in high esteem by the Leeds faithful.  So much so that when he was spotted in the exec boxes at the Keepmoat last year when Leeds played Donny he got a fantastic reception " He's Leeds and he know's he is" rang round Donny's B&Q stadium.

Yes Gary Speed was a Leeds hero.  Why he has been taken from us so early remains a mystery but I suspect The Don will already have his arm round his shoulder giving him some comforting words.  RIP Gary Speed, one of Football's good guys gone but not forgotten.