REMEMBERING GARY SPEED

November, A month where Christmas is nearing and Men across the world are sporting long bushy moustaches In support of Men’s Prostate Cancer and Mental Health. While It Is a season to be Jolly and jovial, It is also a stark reminder of just how serious these ailments are. On this day exactly 1 year ago, the Football community was dealt a harsh blow when Legendary Welsh Footballer Gary Speed died at the age of 42. On the anniversary of his passing, it’s important to take a moment to, not only reflect on a fantastic career, but also to reflect on issues like mental health and depression. Gary Speed’s death left a huge hole in the Football World, a moment which we will never forget. Tributes flowed in from all parts of the world and a minute’s silence was observed in a number of matches throughout Britain. But as the matches kicked off and the season rolled on, many fans, friends and family were left bewildered and inevitably asking questions. What could possibly cause a man, who seemingly had it all, to do something so horrific? 

Football is a Rollercoaster world, when you’re on top, you’re untouchable, but when you’re not, it’s Hell. In countries where Football Is Life, sometimes the pressures run so deep, it becomes a matter of life or death. Former Colombian Footballer Andreas Escobar was fatally shot after an own goal sent his country crashing out of the 1994 World Cup. Justin Fashanu, who gained considerable fame back in the Early 1980’s, was another victim of the pressures and prejudices within the Football community. In an era where being a Gay Footballer was extremely Taboo, He found himself constantly at odds with, not only his coach, but other Footballers as well. This ultimately led to his untimely death in 1998 after an allegation was made against him by a 17 year old boy, who claimed Fashanu had Sexually assaulted him. Fashanu was found hanged in a deserted garage on May 3, 1998, Much like Gary Speed’s death in 2011. So my next question is this, why are Footballers constantly living there lives on a knife edge? It is not uncommon for Footballers to receive Death threats at one time or another during their career. Even a superstar like David Beckham was subject to such backlash and hate back in 1998. After receiving a Red Card during a match against Argentina, Beckham was the fuel for all English fans fury. A burning effigy of Beckham was displayed outside English Pubs across the country. Maybe it’s time to, as Michael Jackson once said; take a look at the Man in the Mirror. Maybe we should examine ourselves before we see a change in these types of incidences. Could Gary Speed’s death have been prevented, maybe/maybe not. But maybe we can also do our bit by choosing the way we act or treat our top stars in the game. Maybe we should take a step back and look at the overall picture rather than the 90 minutes on the field. So Instead of getting caught up in the heat of the moment, we should instead think before we crucify our heroes.  

To the best of my knowledge there was nothing particularly dark, heinous or controversial about Gary Speed’s life on and off the park. He was a real tough and uncompromising player who led by example. He was also the sort of player who received little fanfare or attention away from Football. In an era where Footballers are more often spoken about in the tabloids for there off field antics, Gary Speed was the total opposite. Rather he was a family man, a real man’s man in the old fashioned sense. While his death is shrouded in mystery and, to a lesser extent intrigue, I have opted to remember the wonderful memories Gary left us on the field. My memories are of a man who, Every Monday night, would enter my living room and show everyone why he was one of the longest serving Footballers in English Premier League History. Those are moments which I will always treasure and ones which I am truly grateful for and will never forget. R.I.P Gary Speed.