Trivia

Captain of the Welsh national team having won 79 caps thus far (2004)

Won the old First Division title with Leeds United in 1992 as well as a Charity Shield medal the same year

Experienced soccer player who has served Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers over a 16 year playing career. Gary is the record appearance holder in Premiership football having played in England's top division since its formation in the 1992-1993 season.

He was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to sport.

He was leading the Wales football team since December 2010. Despite failing the Welsh team to qualify for 2012 European Football Championship in Poland and Ukraine, their world ranking improved to 45 from 117 after three consecutive victories.

At 19 years old, he made his debut for Leeds United in the old First Division of English Soccer with Gordon Strachan, David Batty, and Gary McAllister. In 1991-1992, they took Leeds to the last championship before the formation of the Premier League.

He also played for Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton, and Sheffield United. He was the first player to play 500 games (535 in all) in the Premier League. He made 85 appearances for Wales, second only to goalkeeper to Neville Southall. He retired in 2004 when Wales failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

He was the only member of his family to be born in Wales. His parents and sister were born in Chester, England. He is survived by his wife, Louise Speed; and two teenage sons, Tommy Speed and Ed Speed.

Chester, Cheshire, England (June 2010)

Ended his six year stay with Newcastle United to join fellow Premiership side Bolton Wanderers for a fee of around £750,000. (July 2004)