Roger Speed Dies and Sparks Tributes From FAW, Leeds and Colleagues

roger speed, the father of Gary Speed, has died, sparking messages of condolence across Welsh and English football. The Football Association of Wales confirmed the news and clubs and former teammates have expressed their sympathy for Carol and the rest of Roger’s family.

Carol and Gary Speed’s Memory at the Centre of Tributes

Roger Speed’s family features in several of the responses that followed his death. The Connah’s Quay Nomads noted that Roger had been an honorary patron and a long-time supporter of the club, and referenced thoughts with Carol and the rest of Roger’s family. That public link to Carol also appears in recollections of the Gary Speed memorial 10k fun run organised by Colwyn Bay football club in 2014, which the context says Carol and Roger started in memory of their son.

FAW Statement on Roger Speed’s Passing

The Football Association of Wales released a statement describing Roger Speed as a passionate supporter of Welsh football. The FAW wrote that Welsh football holds Gary Speed deeply in its heart and that Roger’s support and passion for the game will always be remembered. The statement closed with the Welsh phrase contained in the context: “Cwsg mewn hedd, Roger. “

Leeds United, Chris Kamara and Connah’s Quay Nomads Pay Tribute

Leeds United posted a short message expressing sadness at the passing of Roger Speed and extended thoughts to Roger’s family and friends. Chris Kamara, who was at Leeds at the start of Gary Speed’s career, also expressed sadness and sent condolences to family and friends. The Leeds United Supporters Trust said it was honoured to have taken Roger and Carol on a tour of murals featuring Gary a few years earlier and shared its thoughts with Carol and the family.

Roger Speed remained closely connected to Welsh football and to the memory of his son, Gary Speed, who won 85 caps for Wales and enjoyed a long club career that included 841 matches and 135 goals. The FAW has confirmed the passing and clubs have posted messages of condolence; those public acknowledgments are the confirmed responses listed in the available statements.