Gary Speed remembered - Paul Abbandonato

Afascinating and moving tribute to one of the greats of British football, a player who enjoyed two decades at the top of his profession

Few men have earned more solid reputations in football than Gary Speed, and the football world mourned his passing when he died in November 2011. Written by a celebrated journalist who followed his career from its earliest days,this bookdetails his life in football and contains interviews with many former friends, teammates, and managers. Regarded as one of the greatest players in Premier League history, Speed broke into the Leeds United team as a teenager and spent 20 years as a professional, winning a Football League champion's medal and 85 caps for Wales. In a career that saw him play for Leeds, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers, and Sheffield United, Speed was always a fan favorite and highly regarded for his skillful, yet combative style. After injuries forced him to stop playing, Speed concentrated on coaching and following three months in charge of Sheffield United, was appointed manager of the Welsh national team. There were some early disappointments, but Wales improved dramatically and won FIFA's 2011 annual award for the team showing the greatest improvement in the year. This heralded the belief that he was leading Wales into a new golden era, which made the news of his tragic death all the more saddening.Gary Speed was one of football's "good guys" and this book is a fitting tribute to a Welsh legend.