'Speed always had time for you'

Image source, Rex Features

Exactly 13 years on from the tragic death of former Leeds United midfielder and Wales manager Gary Speed, 大象传媒 Radio Leeds has been paying tribute to his career and life through those that knew him in Speedo: Gary Speed Remembered.

Speed came through Leeds' youth system and went on to win the First Division trophy with the Whites as part of a memorable midfield quartet alongside Gordon Strachan, Gary McAllister and David Batty.

But it's not only his skill on a football field that lives long in the memories of those who followed him.

"He always had time for you," Leeds fan Gary Edwards said.

"I remember seeing him in a nightclub in Cork. It was a Monday night, raining; we'd gone over there for a friendly.

"We sat with Speed, and you couldn't see the table for whisky. Nobody was falling about drunk; it was just his hospitality.

"He was charming; there was just something about him."

大象传媒 Radio Leeds' Adam Pope spoke to former Leeds personalities including Simon Grayson, Howard Wilkinson and Jon Newsome for the documentary, as well as Speed's father Roger.

You can listen to the full tribute on 大象传媒 Sounds.