(REUTERS)-Wales manager Gary Speed has been found dead at his home. He was 42.
The former Leeds, Everton and Newcastle star was found hanged at his home in Chester, according to a statement from Cheshire Police.
“At 7.08am this morning, (yesterday morning), police were informed of an incident. Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and next of kin have been informed,” the statement said.
Speed was confirmed as Wales’ manager last December and oversaw his first match in charge in February, since when the team has thrived under his stewardship.
The FA of Wales confirmed the news in a statement.
“We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy at this very sad time.”
Speed enjoyed a distinguished 22-year career in football, making more than 700 appearances for Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United.
He was a member of the Leeds team that won the last First Division title in 1992, before the start of the Premier League, and he became the first player to make 500 Premier League appearances during his time at Bolton in December 2006.
Speed also made 85 appearances for Wales between 1990 and 2004, being their most capped outfield player and second highest overall behind goalkeeper Neville Southall.
He was awarded the MBE for services to football after retiring as a player last year, and moved into management soon after the start of last season when he was made Sheffield United boss.
Just a few months later he was approached to take over as Wales’ manager when John Toshack stepped down.
He was confirmed in the role last December and took charge of his first match in February, and although Wales were eliminated from the race for the Euro 2012 finals they had won their last three internationals and were showing signs of real improvement under Speed’s guidance.
Caption
Flashback! Newcastle United’s Gary Speed is seen celebrating after scoring during their English premier league soccer match against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s, Birmingham back in January 2004. (Photo compliments of REUTERS/Paul Sanders/Files)