Bale: Wales to battle on in Speed's honour

Football has united in grief as it attempts to come to terms with the death of Wales manager Gary Speed.

The Welsh flag flew at half-mast outside FIFA’s Swiss headquarters and fans paid tribute at grounds around the country following Speed’s suicide at the weekend.

The Cardiff City Stadium, where Wales played most of their home games under the leadership of the 42-year-old, hosts a Carling Cup tie tonight between the Bluebirds and Premier League Blackburn on what is expected to be an emotional ­occasion.

And Gareth Bale, one of the young stars of a resurgent Wales team, said the players must pull together and earn a place in the World Cup finals in Speed’s memory.

Speed had overseen an impressive turnaround in the fortunes of the national side, with three wins in four games ahead of the World Cup qualifying campaign, which starts next year.

Spurs winger Bale said: “It was a massive shock, I don’t think anybody ever thought anything like this would happen.

"Everyone is devastated and it’s a massive loss to everyone in football. A tragedy no one can get their heads around. Our condolences go out to his family and his kids.

“It’s a hard time. We were on the up, he changed the way we play and the whole mentality of our game.

“It’s a massive loss, but we will try and carry on the best we can in his honour.”

Wales have been drawn in ­World Cup Qualifying Group A with Belgium, Serbia, Scotland, Croatia and Macedonia.

Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford believed that under Speed there was a great chance of reaching the finals in Brazil.

He said: “Rio has always been his destination. I was there at the draw and we looked at each other when each of those teams came out and agreed every one of those matches was winnable.

“The future was bright. The last few games were packed with positivity. We were on a roll and there was a great optimism about the place that the team had a fantastic ­opportunity to qualify for 2014.

“He was a true professional, a gentleman and the players wanted to play for him. It wasn’t just players – it was the fans, the staff, everyone around him. It’s such a sad loss.”

Speed’s death on Sunday morning was a massive shock even to those closest to him, such as Wales assistant manager Raymond Verheijen.

The Dutchman accompanied Speed to a meeting in Belgium last week to plan their ­qualifying fixtures for the World Cup.

And he told how Speed fought Wales’ corner passionately during lengthy discussions to win them the match schedule they wanted.

“You could see Gary was at the beginning of a successful career in management,” said former Chelsea and Manchester City coach Verheijen.

“We had a seven-hour meeting in Brussels last Wednesday. It was terse and vigorous, and we had to battle to get a favourable fixture calendar for Wales.

“Gary fought so much for it – he put so much life into it. He put in an enormous amount for Wales over there.

“He had a strong, lively and combative personality. I worked intensively with him for 12 months.

“On Tuesday we were in our hotel, and we extensively analysed his first year in charge. He wanted to get Wales to the 2014 finals in Brazil.”

Verheijen is struggling to come to terms with the death of the former Leeds, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton midfielder.

“I didn’t see it coming,” he added. “Gary was a lively person, an intelligent man and always cheerful.

“Recent results have been very good, but at this moment they count for nothing. Our thoughts are only with his family.

“I’m speechless when I think of the contrast between last week and now.

“I’ve spoken to everyone in the Wales squad and literally no one foresaw what was coming.

“The entire team and staff will be at his funeral, and it will be a very emotional service.”

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THE FOOTBALL WORLD PAYS TRIBUTE TO GARY SPEED

Wales legend Neville Southall: “I’d love to see Wales play a game in an international week against players from his former clubs. Get some of the Newcastle lads down, some from Everton, Bolton, Sheffield United, Leeds, pack the Millennium [Stadium in Cardiff] and everyone can pay their respects.”

FIFA president Sepp Blatter: “Gary Speed was a hugely talented player and a great servant for both club and country who will be greatly missed. He will always be remembered as a model professional and a fantastic ambassador for the game. Having attended the draw for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualification, it was clear to all there that he was a man who exuded enthusiasm and passion for the game.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: “You knew Gary Speed was a great player – very good in the air, fantastic work-rate and very intelligent on the football pitch. As a manager, he had started to turn things around for Wales. It is extremely sad. All we can do is express our condolences to his family and his friends.”

Professional Footballers Association chairman Gordon Taylor: “I’ve never known of such grief and loss. He was a great, legend of a player, one of our finest ever members. Our sincere thoughts and condolences to his wife and sons.”

Bolton and Wales full-back Sam Ricketts: “Even though I have been injured, he always kept me involved, inviting me down to matches. The fact he was such a nice guy makes it harder to accept the news. It’s very tragic.”