Hartson: Our boys will do it for Speedo
CHRIS COLEMAN and his Wales stars will have tragic Gary Speed in their hearts as they arrive in France.
So believes former Wales striker John Hartson, who is convinced Chris Coleman and his stars will honour Speed’s legacy with a “Let’s do it for Gary” mantra – and the performance of their lives in France.
Speed died while manager of Wales, with a coroner recording a narrative verdict after the inquest was unable to be certain he had intended to take his own life at his home in Huntingdon, Cheshire, in November 2011.
His death hit Welsh football hard, but Wales have risen Phoenix-like, with Coleman leading the nation to their first major tournament for 58 years.
And 51-cap Hartson says Speed’s memory is all the inspiration Wales need to make sure they do their nation proud as they head to France.
“Chris has been different class because the players were in mourning for 18 months after Gary Speed,” said BBC pundit Hartson.
“I know Chris thought long and hard before taking the job, but he has re-galvanised the group.
“They are doing it for Gary and every time, before they go out in the dressingroom, it’s ‘Let’s do it for Speedo, it’s what he would have wanted’.”
Wales midfielder Robbie Savage echoed that, saying: “He was our leader and was doing so well for Wales.
“To lose him was devastating, but Chris Coleman deserves a lot of credit for the way he handled the situation.
“He was room-mate with Gary, best pals. For him to take over in the circumstances, it had to take its time. But the way he has put his stamp on the team slowly, but surely is incredible.”
And, with Real Madrid Galactico Gareth Bale leading the way, Hartson is convinced Wales have a chance.
“They are the golden generation – Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Wayne Hennessy, Chris Gunter and Ben Davies. They all played under-18s together, under-21s.”
Savage added: “Bale is the best player in that group.
“You can talk about Harry Kane and England, but Bale for Wales is undoubtedly the best player, the stardust. Unquestionably.”
Now, Bale’s battlers are grouped with England, Russia and Slovakia, with Welsh fans dreaming of a place in the knock-out phase – and maybe, just maybe, even more.