Glittering career of football hero

GARY Speed was born in Mancot, North Wales, and supported Everton as a boy.

The midfielder signed as a trainee at Leeds on leaving school in 1988 and made his first team debut at the age of 19. He was a key member of the title-winning side in 1992.

He married childhood sweetheart Louise in 1996, and they had two children, Thomas and Edward. That year the midfielder made his dream move to Everton. He signed for Newcastle United for £5.5m in 1998, where he stayed for four years before moving to Bolton.

He ended his playing career at Sheffield United, and started his managerial career there in 2010. That same year he was awarded an MBE. He became Wales manager in December 2010 and was in the role until his tragic death. STAR At Leeds