Former Wales rugby star Gareth Thomas has paid tribute to Gary Speed, who died on this day in 2011, aged just 42.
A minute’s applause was observed at every Premier League fixture and at the Wales-Australia rugby game in the Millennium Stadium six years ago.
As a Newcastle United fan myself, Speed was one of my heroes growing up due to his never say die attitude and respect for his teammates, opposition and the officials. He was an iconic figure in the sport.
This video from 2011 of Gareth Thomas sums up why Speed was so well respected not only football circles, but among all sports fans.