Wales manager Speed dies aged 42

Wales manager Gary Speed has died, the Football Association of Wales have confirmed.

The FAW did not reveal the circumstances of the death of the 42-year-old former Leeds, Newcastle and Wales midfielder.

“The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed,” read an FAW statement.

“We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family.

“We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy at this very sad time.”

Sources confirmed that Mr Speed had taken his own life.

A spokeswoman for Cheshire Police said: ``At 7.08am today, Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntington, Chester.

“Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed.

“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. The family have requested that they are left in peace to grieve at this difficult time. A family tribute will be released at a later date but not today.”

The former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton footballer was appointed manager of Wales in December 2010. He had retired as a player in May 2010.

He took charge of Wales for the first time in February. His last game as manager was on November 12 when the team won 4-1 in a friendly against Norway.

Speed had appeared on BBC1’s Football Focus show yesterday afternoon, the broadcaster confirmed.

Tributes to Speed began pouring in on Twitter.

"Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary Speed," tweeted Michael Owen. "We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at school. I'm numb."

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere said he was shocked at the news. "Thoughts are with his family! RIP," Wilshere said on Twitter, while Everton's Tim Cahill paid tribute to him as "the ultimate pro".

Former player Robbie Savage said he had spoken to Speed yesterday morning.

"The world has lost a great man in Gary speed I'm devastated," Savage tweeted.

Real Madrid star Xabi Alonso also offered his condolences.

"RIP Gary Speed. My first PL game game was against him, he showed me in that game what is british football about," Alonso tweeted.

The FAI also issued a statement paying tribute to Speed.

"The Football Association of Ireland, the football management and the players today expressed their sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of the Welsh manager Gary Speed," the statement said.

"He will be sadly missed by everyone and our thoughts and prayers at this this difficult time are with his family."

The FAW described Speed as a ``versatile'' player whose career had been ``exemplary''.

It wrote in a tribute: “All at the FAW admired Gary’s passion for the job and task of taking the team back up the European and World rankings.

“With the qualifying dates for the next World Cup group agreed only last week in Brussels, there was much to look forward to over the next few years.

“That this tragedy should have overtaken someone so young and talented is a huge loss not only for his family and friends but a nation as a whole.”