Wales Manager Gary Speed has died aged 42

According to sources, the Welshman was found hanged at his home 07:08 GMT in Huntington, Chester. Cheshire Police later confirmed the reports and confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances. The death comes as a huge shock to the sport’s world, since he was seen only a day prior on BBC program Football Focus.

Since the sad news broke, many from the sporting world have been quick to pay tribute to the Wales manager.

Ex-Wales manager Mark Hughes said: “I’m devastated. He was a privilege to work alongside and call a friend. My thoughts are with his family.”

The man who handed Speed the Welsh captaincy added: “I’m stunned and a few tears have been shed. It is so sad.”

International team-mate Ryan Giggs shared his emotions by revealing he was “totally devastated.”

“Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a team-mate and friend,” he said.

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

Speed’s Leeds boss Howard Wilkinson: “He had so much to offer as a person and as a sportsman.

“I just find it unbelievable. I cannot start to try to understand what his family are going through.

“Gary had a lot of talent and that talent became his job. Footballers are subject to all the stress and strains of things that happen in life.

“He was a star in the truest sense. For him at 42 to leave us is such a tragic loss. He had a life of success to look forward to.”

Current Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish explained: “It was best for us to make the decision for Craig. He was very close to Gary, who was a mentor to him, and he admired and looked up to him.

“Bellamy was upset and football is not as important as grieving and I made the decision.

“Football becomes irrelevant at times like this but he was a well-respected man in football for his ability and as a person.

“I signed Gary for £5m from Everton and he did a fantastic job at Newcastle. It would be disrespectful to Gary if we didn’t get on with the game so we have to do that as best as we can.”

Speed’s assistant coach Osian Roberts emotionally opened up about the tragic news saying: “It is tragic news, totally unbelievable.

“We looked forward to Wales camps because he led by example from the front, making people work harder, demanding more and everyone wanted to do their best because he was a generous person.

“I know I speak for everyone when I say everyone in the Welsh camp is devastated.”

Former Welsh international Robbie Savage shed a tear for his close pal, adding: “I spoke to him yesterday and he was in high spirits. I just can’t believe it. He was my mate and he’s gone.

“He’s left two gorgeous kids behind. Gary was [a professional]. He was one of the fittest guys. He looked after his body.

“He was a great team-mate, a great manager.

“He was joking yesterday [on Saturday about Robbie being on Strictly Come Dancing], saying don’t get a two off Craig [Revel Horwood].”

Prior to taking up the position of manager for his country, the Welshman enjoyed an illustrious playing career, enjoying spells at Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton. He also captured 85 caps for his country during a 14-year international career.