The news that Gary Speed has died at the age of only 42 is both shocking and tragic. While lots of the mainstream media seem to be turning this story into the usual circus we need to remember that this is very much a personal tragedy for his friends and family. Gary Speed was not only a very good footballer, but by all accounts he was a thoroughly decent and good man.
Everybody who knew him and who has recently been in contact with him seems genuinely shocked at the news. Whatever the details of what really went on - and that is a matter for his family and not us - the truth remains that the most important people now at this sad time are his family. Our thoughts and best wishes go to them.
In the meantime, the best tribute we can pay Gary Speed as football fans is to remember a great footballer, a promising manager and most of all a credit to the game of football and to give his family the space to deal with their sad loss.
