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Fans pay tribute to NUFC legend Gary Speed

Dec 4 2011 by Ruth Lawson, Sunday Sun

AN emotional St James’ Park paid tribute to a North football hero yesterday as fans, friends and colleagues celebrated the life of Gary Speed.

Clutching each other for support, former teammates of the much-loved player joined thousands of supporters in a minute’s applause in tribute to Speed who committed suicide at his Cheshire home last Sunday.

Steve Harper, Shola Ameobi and Steven Taylor, who played alongside Speed during his six-year stint at Newcastle, fought back tears throughout the moving scenes before the Magpies’ clash with Chelsea.

Assistant boss John Carver could be seen in floods of tears as he stood on the sidelines, being comforted by fourth official Mark Halsey - also pals with Speed - during the tribute which ended up lasting much longer than the planned one minute.

The Wales manager’s death is said to have hit Carver hard as he became close friends with the dad-of-two, having worked with him during his time as number two to Sir Bobby Robson.

But loyal Toon fans kept spirits high as they chanted “stand up for Gary Speed” and the advertising hoardings surrounding the pitch were emblazoned with “Gary Speed - Legend”.

Despite losing 3-0 to Chelsea, the fans continued to pay their respects throughout the match and came together in further rapturous applause and cheering as the eleventh minute passed - marking the number Speed wore during his time in Toon.

The club postponed part of their tribute to Speed after his wife Louise said she wanted to come to St James’ Park to thank the Geordies for their support.

They had intended to sing Welsh hymn Guide Me Thou, O Great Redeemer, also known as Bread of Heaven, to remember the life of the former Toon midfielder at the Chelsea game, but it has now been rescheduled for the next home game on December 17.

There were further touching tributes outside the stadium as mourners lay flowers and football shirts at a shrine which has been growing daily since it was erected last week outside the Milburn stand.

One fan placed a Newcastle shirt saying: “May you rest in peace Gary. I hope you have found the peace you sought.

“I hope your family find strength and a way to live after this. May they find peace too.

“To Louise and the boys, my heart breaks for you and I hope you feel Gary around you in the coming days, months and years.”

Another tribute read: “Thanks for the hard work and dedication you gave to NUFC and football in general. You were a good man and leave a beautiful family behind. Keep Sir Bobby company.”

Page 2 - Steven Taylor: He was inspirational >>