Leeds and Newcastle fans set to pay tribute to Gary Speed on Sunday

Leeds United and Newcastle United fans will pay respects to Deeside’s Gary Speed when the two teams play each other at a packed Elland Road on Sunday.

Fans of both clubs will be invited to join in an emotional minute’s applause in the 11th minute, in honour of the No 11 shirt Gary wore throughout his playing career.

Speed played more than 400 times collectively for Newcastle and Leeds.

Members of Gary Speed’s family will be at Elland Road on Sunday. the tribute comes just a week before the fifth anniversary of the former Welsh international’s death on November 27.

NUFC.CO.UK

Leeds United Official Announcement:

‘Club urge supporters of both sides to unite.

As we head towards Sunday’s sell out game against Newcastle United, supporters from both clubs are planning to pay respects to a legend, Gary Speed.

Speed was an inspirational icon and wore the famous number 11 shirt for both Leeds and Newcastle, making over 400 combined appearances.

His tragic death on 27th November 2011 shook the footballing world, especially supporters at Elland Road and St James’ Park.

Members of the Speed family will be in attendance at Elland Road on Sunday and in the 11th minute of the match we ask supporters of both Leeds United and Newcastle United to join together in a minute’s applause as we near the fifth anniversary of Gary’s passing.

The last time Newcastle United came to Elland Road back in 2003, the game ended in a 2-2 draw with Alan Shearer scoring either side of goals from Mark Viduka and Alan Smith.

Whilst United legends such as Lucas Radebe and David Batty featured in white that day, there was also a true Leeds legend lining up in the black and white of Newcastle.’

Speed started his career at Leeds, he scored 58 goals in 312 appearances between 1988 and 1996 winning the league title once.