Gary Speed enjoyed two years at the Lane beginning as a player in January 2008 and leaving his post as manager in November 2010.
Speed began his United playing career against Wolverhampton Wanderers after being signed by Bryan Robson. He became a regular for Robson and subsequently Kevin Blackwell during the rest of the season and managed to net four goals including a brace against Bristol City.
The following season Gary Speed now 39 was a fixture in the United team and the Blades began the season very well. However, a back injury received in November saw Speed miss the rest of the season and as a result retire from playing football. Nevertheless, Speed stayed at United and became Blackwell’s assistant manager.
In the Summer of 2010 Speed was offered the vacant Swansea City managers job but turned it down to stay as assistant at Brammall Lane. This decision seemed justified as Kevin Blackwell was sacked just three games into the season making Speed the manager with a three year contract.
Speed was not the most successful manager at United and the Blades struggled near the bottom of the table for the majority of his time as manager. With the Blades in and around the bottom three Speed decided to replace John Toshack as Wales manager and this ended his short stay at Brammall Lane.
Blades director Scott McCabe commented ”This is devastating news. All the thoughts and prayers of the board of directors and staff at the club are with Gary’s family at this very sad time.’
Former team mate Chris Morgan ‘I just cannot believe that Gary has died. He was extremely popular at Bramall Lane both as a player and in a managerial capacity with all the lads. His death is a very sad loss.’
A great player and an improving manager Gary Speed will be missed throughout the footballing world.
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