Player Thursday: Don’t Forget Gary Speed

Image by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images/Zimbio

I don’t recall a lot about Speed, as when I started watching football regularly, it was already towards the end of his footballer career. Although passed his peak, Speed in Bolton still made an impression in my head. As little as I watched Bolton, Speed was the few names that stuck. After few years in Bolton, he joined Sheffield United, a club currently in League One, and ended his player career there.

'Football’ can be the one word that summarizes his life, since he is never far from football. After he retired from playing, he turned to coaching. He was the coach of Wales national team before the tragedy happens. It was a shocking news to the football world, and no one, including his wife and close friends know why he had chosen to end his own life. He had a lovely family, amazing friends, a good career, out of all people, he would probably be the last person to commit suicide, but he did, and left his family behind.

Even facing problems, suicide should be the last option of the person, or should it even be an option? There are always friends and family who love you, and would like to share your problems and worries. Talk to them! Plus, I always believe, as long as we are still breathing, there is always hope.

I may not agree with Gary Speed’s decision, but he was a great footballer, and let’s always remember him as one. R.I.P. Our thoughts and prayers with his family and friends.