WALES paused their World Cup training session to remember Gary Speed.
The former Welsh captain and manager tragically died 11 years ago today aged 42.
He was in charge of the national team when he sadly took his own life at home.
Still adored by supporters, team-mates and coaches alike, Speed will forever be held in high regard by all connected with Welsh football.
And Rob Page’s side held a minute’s silence at 4pm in Qatar to reflect on a true national legend.
Page and his squad formed a circle on the pitch at the Al Sadd Sports Club on an emotional day for the Dragons.
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Midfielder Joe Allen paid tribute to Speed and said: “Gary was a great man, he’s often in the player’s thoughts.
“He was an inspiration for his performances as a player and as a manager.
“He has played a big part in the journey this team has been through and we remember him very fondly.”
Wales’ Twitter account also shared a touching video montage of Speed, which included Page dedicating their first World Cup campaign since 1958 to the former midfielder.
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Speed played 926 senior matches – including 85 caps for Wales between 1990 and 2004.
The Leeds and Newcastle icon retired in 2010 and took over as Sheffield United manager in the same year – and then succeeded John Toshack in the December.
He won five and lost five of his ten matches as national team boss and remains an inspiration for the current crop.
Wales are making their preparations to play England in their final Group B clash on Tuesday evening.
Page knows his side must win to have any chance of progressing through to the knockout stages.
You’re Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
- Movember, www.uk.movember.com
- Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
