The evidence suggests that Gary Speed could have accidentally ended his life. Which of course makes it even more tragic. The Football Association of Wales announced his memorial match will be played against Costa Rica on Feb 29th. Speed began his international career playing that Central American country.

The mystery surrounding the death of Wales coach Gary Speed unraveled somewhat today at the official inquest.
While the coroner concluded there was not enough hard evidence to record a deliberate suicide, instead of just a cry for help presumably, we did learn that Speed and his wife had been having problems in their marriage and had rowed on the night he died.

The mystery surrounding the death of Wales coach Gary Speed unraveled somewhat today at the official inquest.
While the coroner concluded there was not enough hard evidence to record a deliberate suicide, instead of just a cry for help presumably, we did learn that Speed and his wife had been having problems in their marriage and had rowed on the night he died.

A coroner's inquest into the death of Gary Speed has ruled that the Welsh manager may have killed himself accidentally. The cause of death was ruled a hanging, but the coroner said that "the evidence does not sufficiently determine whether this...
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"I love underwear...it's as simple as that" David Beckham.

You know those women who can juggle ten things at once?

That's not us.

Saturday

- One of our readers named Patrick made our weekend after sending us a link to this abtastic gallery of 'ballers.

Peace out until Monday, Kickettes. Image: The Telegraph.

Xavi appeared in his panties after El Clasico.

We're sure some other stuff happened too, but nothing else was as important or fascinating as that.

GOOD WEEK

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Chris Coleman's appointment as Wales manager was a momentous day for the former Welsh International aswell as been a sad day as he said himself the only reason he got the job he relished most was because his best friend and former Welsh manager Gary Speed was no longer with us.

However Coleman's appointment may go to the Courts after Greek side Larissa who Coleman resigned from last week after claims his staff had not been paid for months.

By Chris Wright

Just a few photos of the 'proudest moment' Chris Coleman's career; his official unveiling as the new Wales manager at an FAW press conference at St David's Hotel in Cardiff a couple of hours ago...

Said Coleman on taking the job:

"We're still all shocked by what happened [with Gary Speed] and we're still grieving and the only way we can put smiles on fans' faces again is to continue to win matches but I don't think we'll ever get over the loss of Gary.

Chris Coleman has been announced as the new manager of Wales, replacing Gary Speed who tragically died a few months ago. Coleman stated that it was such a bittersweet emotion, becoming Wales manager in such sad circumstances, but feels that he can continue much of the good work that Gary had began.

By Chris Wright

The Welsh FA have just confirmed that Chris Coleman will be the new manager of the Welsh national side, following the tragic death of former incumbent Gary Speed in November of last year.

Chief executive Jonathan Ford announced the decision a short while ago, admitted it had understandably been a tough few months for the FAW:

"This has been a very difficult process.

Chris Coleman has been appointed the new manager of the Welsh national team.

An odd fact associated to the appointment of Chris Coleman is that in March 1994 Wales played Norway in an friendly at Ninian Park. It was the solitary game in John Toshack's first spell as Welsh manager (a spell that lasted for little more than a few weeks).

STARTERS
Two big MLS player moves are on the front burner today:
-Philly to sell Sebastien Le Toux to Bolton.
-LA to re-sign David Beckham tomorrow.
dN
Barca beat Real Madrid again! 1-2 today in the 1st Leg of the Copa Del Rey Quarterfinals. 2nd Leg is next Wednesday.

It's official, Robbie Keane is headed to Aston Villa.

The Premier League side confirmed the long-running rumor that the LA Galaxy striker will join Villa for two months during the MLS off-season. The 31-year-old captain of the Irish national team is hoping to stay fit ahead of this summer's European Championships and is the latest in a number of short-term loan deals from MLS clubs to the Premier League.

The inaugural UK Football Academy (UKFA) symposium at Emirates Stadium on February 8th has been renamed The Gary Speed Football Congress by UKFA founder, Raymond Verheijen as a tribute to the manager alongside whom he worked last year to elevate the Wales football team to new heights.

As a player and a manager, Gary Speed was a model professional who embraced a forward-thinking approach and modern methods.

The inaugural UK Football Academy (UKFA) symposium at Emirates Stadium on February 8th has been renamed The Gary Speed Football Congress by UKFA founder, Raymond Verheijen as a tribute to the manager alongside whom he worked last year to elevate the Wales football team to new heights.

As a player and a manager, Gary Speed was a model professional who embraced a forward-thinking approach and modern methods.

By Alan Duffy

Finding a worthy replacement for Gary Speed was always going to be a tricky affair for the Welsh FA, but according to team captain Aaron Ramsey, the suits haven't conducted the process properly at all.

Ramsey has revealed that neither he nor any of his Wales teammates have been consulted over the subject of a new boss, something that disappoints the Arsenal man.

Their Words "The Football Association of Wales would like to announce the staging of the Gary Speed Memorial match on Wednesday, February 29th,2012, ,kick off 7-45 pm. The opponents will be Costa Rica. Gary made his international debut for Wales against Costa Rica back in May 1990 at Ninian Park in Cardiff, and Wales won by a goal to nil.

Wales to play Costa Rica in Gary Speed memorial match

Game will be played at the Cardiff City Stadium on January 11

View the full story here: The Mirror

A news article on 2012-01-04 15:13:19 from: The Mirror

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

A WINNER IN BRAZILIAN HEARTS SOCRATES

We were stuck in transit at an airport when the news broke that Brazilian football legend Socrates passed away on Dec 4 and couldn't write a tribute to him in time. Many football-loving fathers, brothers and grandads out there speak highly of this man whose legacy is well-documented by the passion of the Brazilians.

My Best Stories and Tweets of the 2011 and Gary Speed remembered

Best of my Wife's Stories from 2011As regular readers of this column will know, my gorgeous wife Sarah never fails to brighten our lives with her unique insight and contemporary comments. Here are a couple of my favourite stories of the week from 2011 in which the missus unleashes the full force of her intellect.

Why Liverpool must draw clean line under Suarez row or risk soiling the club's name

Around now it's customary to hand out jokey awards based on events in the past footballing year. But after such a year, and particularly such an ending, jokes are out. For weeks the game has struggled to come to terms with Gary Speed hanging himself.

Stan Collymore victim of vile Gary Speed Twitter tirade

Stan Collymore has revealed he was the target of a vile racist Twitter tirade in which he was sensationally told to 'hang yourself like Gary Speed'.

View the full story here: The Mail

A news article on 2011-12-23 12:21:04 from: The Mail

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

Once again, sorry for the lack of activity on this blog. I'm still looking to hire some full time writers so bare with me on this one. Secondly, apologies is this post has a rather sombre tone it just feels as if, maybe especially towards the latter end of the year, that its not been a great year for football in general.

The death of long time North Korean leader Kim Jung Il was greeted with shed loads of tears by North Koreans living within the secretive Communist state. Kim Jung Il's death has also triggered memories of Jong Sae-Te's heart-wrenching tears before North Korea's match with Brazil at World Cup 2010. It was eye-opening stuff and [.

• Kop That: Newcastle pay tribute to Gary Speed http://t.co/ivsJF03F 23:41:44, 2011-12-17
• Kop That: Premier League elite tracking Derby teenager http://t.co/xd6RHixL 23:23:48, 2011-12-17
• Kop That: Dalglish backs 'humble' Suarez http://t.co/TE9D9I5l 23:23:42, 2011-12-17
• Kop That: Lack of black managers is 'institutional racism' says former FA chief http://t.

Newcastle pay tribute to Gary Speed

Ex-Toon player's children and father walked onto the pitch

View the full story here: The Mirror

A news article on 2011-12-17 22:55:42 from: The Mirror

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

The tribute to Gary Speed planned at St. James' Park was postponed from the Chelsea game, at the request of Gary Speed's wife Louise, and will take place this afternoon before the game against Swansea. Gary Speed with wife Louise shortly before his death last month Louise and other family members will join fans today at St [.

The tribute to Gary Speed planned at St. James' Park was postponed from the Chelsea game, at the request of Gary Speed's wife Louise, and will take place this afternoon before the game against Swansea. Gary Speed with wife Louise shortly before his death last month Louise and other family members will join fans today at St [.

Venue: St James' Park, Newcastle. Date: Saturday 17th Dec, 2011. Kick-off: 3.00pm. Referee: Lee Mason. With the Magpies still lickng their wounds after a 4-2 mauling by some powerful Canaries, they return to their nest at St James' Park to face another bird attack, this time from the Swans of Swansea.

Shola Ameobi believes that the Newcastle players will take inspiration from the tribute to be paid to Gary Speed before Saturday's game against Swansea City. Gary Speed tribute before the game on Saturday They will also take inspiration from the memory of a former great player for Newcastle United, who was much loved in the game.

Shola Ameobi believes that the Newcastle players will take inspiration from the tribute to be paid to Gary Speed before Saturday's game against Swansea City. Gary Speed tribute before the game on Saturday They will also take inspiration from the memory of a former great player for Newcastle United, who was much loved in the game.

When I first read Ian Joy's tale I was struck with just how personal Joy allowed himself to be. He told his story of depression with no shame and truly opened himself up to what he went through. His candid approach led me to reach out to him.
Initially, I had absolutely no intentions of interviewing him.

The football world is still trying, and failing, to come to terms with the loss of a legend.

The shocking news on the sudden death of Wales manager Gary Speed brought the country to a stand-still. Since the announcement there has been an endless amount of tributes for the 42 year old husband and father, showing just how much he meant to not only football, but the UK itself.

What a year 2011 was for Football! We have had fireworks, management fallouts, enthralling top-of-the-table encounters, relegation scraps and transfer embargos to drive any football fan round the twist. So without wetting your appetite any further, here is In The Stands' top ten football moments of 2011.

Gone too soon

It has been a difficult period for the sport. This weekend, Socrates, the cerebral and commanding midfield general of the 1982 and 1986 Tele Santana led Brazilian teams passed away, battling the physical ravages of alcoholism. Last week, Gary Speed the effervescent Wales manager and Leeds standout tragically ended his life for reasons as yet unknown.

Gary Speed funeral this week

Private service will be for family and close friends, with a public memorial service planned for the new year

View the full story here: The Mirror

A news article on 2011-12-06 11:36:21 from: The Mirror

This news item has been reproduced from today's media.

With all of Liverpool's rivals for the top four places picking up three points over the weekend the pressure is on Kenny Dalglish's men to continue the form and keep up with the pack.
Former Reds defender Dominic Matteo feels that it is matches against the likes of Fulham that are the must win games should Liverpool want to get back into the Champions League places.

• Kop That: Alan Shearer and his wife offer support to Gary Speed's family http://t.co/DsAdnf8J 23:30:51, 2011-12-04
• Kop That: Fulham gag players from speaking publicly http://t.co/UYwPwsk1 23:16:08, 2011-12-04
• Kop That: Kenny Dalglish warns Liverpool against complacency ahead of trip to Fulham http://t.

An extra show from Glory Glory Leeds. The Gary Speed Memorial Show. Listener emails and tweets and clips from Gary's former team mates and other associates, remembering the LEGEND that was once Leeds United's brightest hope. I shed many a tear recording this tribute. I hope you will enjoy it and remember Gary happily, after listening.

Gareth Bale was among several players to make a personal tribute to Gary Speed this weekend. Image: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Europe.

There were substantial scorelines, touching tributes and what must have amounted to an entire deck of cards across the European leagues this weekend.

Why waste time pontificating?