Speed touched so many people's lives

London: A light has gone out in football and the sport suddenly seems a far darker place.

A fine footballer, good manager and wonderful man, Gary Speed has gone, leaving behind a grieving family, a sport in mourning and countless friends shivering with a feeling of utter desolation. Speed gave so much to the game and he had so much more to give. It's such a waste, such a tragedy.

When news broke of his death on Sunday, a wave of despair swept through the sport he served so well. Speed was so well-liked. He played the game the right way: with commitment, with honesty and with a sense of adventure.

Those seeking Speed's legacy need only look around. It's there in the photographs on the walls of Elland Road, pictures that capture for eternity the image of him and his Leeds United celebrating the 1992 title. For Leeds United fans, and all who love attractive football, memories will never fade of that well-balanced midfield quartet of Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister, David Batty and Speed.

Generous

Only 22 at the time, Speed played with a maturity beyond his years. His intelligence shone through. His legacy can be seen in the sight of Aaron Ramsey and a young Wales side winning four of their last five games, a tribute to the organisation and spirit instilled in them by their manager. Far more personally, Speed's legacy remains in the sporting potential of two young sons. Speed achieved so much in his 42 years. One of the many tragic strands to this numbing story is he had so much more to offer.

After the Football Association of Wales released that sorrowful statement, I received a call from one of his horse racing associates. I mentioned Speed "loved racing", to which his friend replied: "Gary loved everything." And he did. He loved his family, his profession and his many, many friends.

He spent part of Saturday morning organising events for this week, a round of golf with a friend here, a meal with an old team-mate there. Professionally, life was good, Wales were on the rise, even peaking at 45 in the Fifa world rankings after a low point of 117. Speed was enjoying deserved plaudits. As a man, Speed had many qualities. Even after long reflection, it is hard to think of many more popular individuals in his chosen industry.

Incredibly generous with his time, Speed would engage any fan wanting an autograph or photograph. Whenever football is being decried by assorted critics, defenders could always point to Speed, a footballer who never left the fray without his shirt soaked in sweat, who trained as he played, who deservedly was appointed MBE for services to football in 2010. Using that dexterous left foot, Speed manipulated the ball, whether still or moving, over short range and long. He earned respect for his industry, his willingness to play a range of roles and for his remarkable consistency. His dedication to his craft was seen in his holding the record for most Premier League appearances until overtaken by David James. He never let a club down.

Speed was first into training, first to help with community projects and first to the ball. He took responsibility, a trait ensuring frequent association with the captain's armband. From Leeds to Everton, Newcastle to Bolton and Sheffield United, his clubs all shook with pain and disbelief as the dreadful news emerged. Nobody could believe "Speedo", their friend, their mentor, was gone.

He'd seemed indestructible. Just as his name was always on the team-sheet, week in, week out, season in, season out, so Speed seemed part of the football landscape for years to come. Speed leaves so much good behind — and so much anguish that a special person has gone.