Roger Speed, father of Welsh football legend Gary Speed, has died
Roger Speed, father of Welsh football legend Gary Speed, has died.
Connah’s Quay Nomads, of whom Roger was Honorary Patron and long-time supporter, said they learned of his passing overnight.
“It is with great sadness that the club has overnight learned of the passing of the great Roger Speed who was an Honorary Patron to the club and long time supporter as well as the father of legendary Welsh player and Manager, Gary Speed,” the club said.
“Our thoughts are with Carol and the rest of Roger’s family at this time.”
The Football Association of Wales also paid tribute, describing Roger as an incredible supporter of Welsh football who was a familiar figure across Deeside and Flintshire.
Roger’s son Gary was born in Mancot and grew up in the area, playing for Aston Park Rangers and representing the Flintshire primary schools’ side before attending Deeside High School and Hawarden High School.
He went on to become one of Wales’s most capped outfield players, captaining and later managing the national side.
As a player, he won the old First Division title with Leeds United in 1992 and went on to represent Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United.
Gary Speed was in charge of the Wales national team at the time of his death in November 2011 at the age of 42.
He is widely credited with helping to reshape Welsh football’s culture and belief in the years before the country’s qualification for major tournaments.
The FAW said Roger’s support and passion for the game would always be remembered.
“Welsh football holds his son, Gary Speed, deeply in its heart,” the association said. “Cwsg mewn hedd, Roger.”
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