I tried to write this blog yesterday...couldn't; my thoughts would not fall into place - it is strange how hard the death of someone you don't really know can impact you so much. Gary Speed's tragic passing yesterday was not met with the usual standard sorrow but with almost nationwide upset, numbness and a sense of loss.
That is a sign of the man. When you see the reaction from those in the game, other celebrities and supporters it is clear the loss of Gary Speed will be felt for a long time. He was, by all accounts, a top professional, player and more importantly person. His ability as a player seemed to be transferring to management with Wales improving rapidly during his tenure.
The fact that we are talking about Gary Speed in the past tense does not make sense and everything I seem to do since hearing that news reverts back to thoughts of him and the sadness his passing will cause.
Sadly with the media in the UK the focus will soon turn to how and why. That is not, other than for the direct family and friends, important. What is important is to focus on his achievements as a person and the memories that he has created - these can never be removed.
As a Newcastle fan I hold a special place in the my heart for Gary Speed. He was, as Sir Bob coined, a 'blue-chip' player; someone the club - both on and off the field - could rely on. Alongside Rob Lee he is my all time favourite Newcastle player; it's no coincidence that after we sold him our form started to worsen. I saw him as a future manager of Newcastle and it saddens me greatly that we will never even get to discuss this as an option
His death has hit the football - and wider - world hard but our grief can be nothing in comparison to what his family must be going through. I hope and pray that they find the strength to move on from this.
Football is all encompassing in the UK; almost everything we do has some link to the sport - work conversations, pub discussions, TV viewing, etc. The emotion we put into the game suggests it is important...the events of this weekend confirm that it is not. Shankly may have been a legend but he could not be more wrong when stating football "is not a matter of life & death...it is more important than that"
RIP Gary Speed - you will be missed
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