There’s only one Gary Speed

GARY Speed's family were last night struggling to come to terms with his death — as those who played alongside him paid heart-felt tributes.

Tony Haylock, husband of Gary's sister Lesley, said: "We are just numb with disbelief. The whole family is."

The body of 42-year-old Wales manager Gary was found early yesterday in the garage of the home he shared with wife Louise and their two teenage sons.

Hours earlier the ex-Everton, Leeds, Newcastle and Bolton midfielder appeared on BBC1's Football Focus, seemingly in good spirits.

Gary's death left his legion of friends within the game both bewildered and grief-stricken.

John Hartson, a close friend and former Wales team-mate, was so upset he could not commentate on Swansea's match against Aston Villa. He left Swansea's Liberty Stadium in tears.

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CLICK HERE TO READ TRIBUTE FROM FELLOW FORMER WALES HERO JOHN HARTSON

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He later said: "Gary Speed's death has left me totally devastated. A son, a father and a husband. I'll miss you Speedo. Heartbroken."

Robbie Savage told how he spoke to Gary on the phone on Saturday morning. He said they joked about Savage's preparations for Strictly Come Dancing — and how judge Craig Revel Horwood would react.

He added: "We were laughing and joking — he was saying make sure you don't get a two off Craig tonight. That's what Gary's like — he always thinks about others.

"I just can't believe it. He was my mate and he's gone.

"I've got very close to Gary in the last few years — the guy is a trooper, he's left two gorgeous kids behind and a beautiful wife. He had everything."

Robbie, an up-and-coming midfielder when Gary captained Wales, said he always looked up to him.

He added: "I could always go to him with my problems."

Wales and Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs added: "I'm devastated. Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a team-mate and friend.

"Words cannot begin to describe how sad I feel at hearing this awful news."

Players at both yesterday's Premier League games wore black armbands and fans were asked for a minute's silence.

Before the Swansea game home supporters and Villa fans united to chant: "There's only one Gary Speed." And the minute's silence turned into a round of applause that echoed around the stadium.

Villa keeper Shay Given, who played for Newcastle with Gary, was overcome with grief — his face crumpling in tears before the game started.

At Anfield, where Liverpool took on Manchester City, there was also a minute's silence. Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish, who signed Speed while managing Newcastle, said: "He was a smashing lad.

"I think the most important thing at this time is his wife and kids. They must be absolutely devastated. At times like this football becomes a wee bit irrelevant."

At Everton, fans tied shirts bearing the words RIP Gary to Goodison Park's gates.

Police were called to Gary's £2million home in Huntington, Cheshire, just after 7am. Officers said there were no suspicious circumstances.

Gary made more than 700 club appearances during a 22-year career as a player.

At one stage he held the record for most Premier League games, turning out 535 times.

He was also Wales's most capped outfield player, with 85 appearances. He got an MBE in 2010.

Gary retired from playing last year after a spell with Sheffield United. He managed the Yorkshire club briefly before landing the Wales job in December.

After a rocky start, the side improved and Gary recently led them to three successive wins for the first time since 2008.

News of his death was announced by the Football Association of Wales.

Former Wales bosses Mark Hughes and Bobby Gould told of their sadness.

Hughes said: "He was a privilege to work alongside."

Gould, who gave Gary the Wales captaincy, added: "People are stunned. I saw John Hartson and I said, 'Have you heard about Gary?' The big man just cried and cried. We cuddled each other."

Among others to pay tribute was Manchester United's Michael Owen, who lived near Gary. He said: "I cannot believe the news. I'm numb."

Gary's ex-Newcastle team-mate and TV pundit Alan Shearer said: "I am proud to have been his friend."

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey, made captain of Wales by Gary, said: "Today the world has lost a great football manager but even more sadly a great man."

Dan Walker, who hosted BBC 1's Football Focus during Gary's appearance on Saturday alongside ex-Leeds star Gary McAllister, said: "I cannot believe it."

PM David Cameron's spokesman said: "His thoughts are with Gary Speed's family and friends."

Gary's parents Roger and Carol are comforting his wife Louise, 41, and sons Tommy, 13, and Ed, 14.

Neighbor Stephen Smith said: "It's a shock. I used to sing his name from the terraces." Fans yesterday set up Facebook tribute pages to Gary. One wrote: "The guy was top class as a footballer and manager. But most importantly, as a person."