Savage to give Speed his special thank-you

ROBBIE SAVAGE intends to thank Gary Speed for his support during his torrid departure from Birmingham — by catching his fellow Welshman with a crunching tackle in the first minute of Blackburn’s clash with Bolton tonight.

Savage called Speed for advice after coming in for harsh treatment from fans and club officials following his decision to hand in a transfer request.

The 30-year-old was banned from playing or training with the first team and became a hate figure to Birmingham fans, who abused him at reserve-team matches and even in the street.