Yeboah Shocked As Football Mourns Speed

Ex-Ghana striker Tony Yeboah has paid glowing tribute to his former Leeds United teammate Garry Speed who died Sundayday at age 42.

Speed, until his death was Wales manager, was found hanged at his home in Cheshire.

He appeared on BBC's Football Focus show a day before his death.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. It is believed to be suicide.

Yeboah said he was shocked by the death of his best friend whom he described as ''responsible and a family man.'

'I could not believe it. He is very calm and didn't have any problem,' Yeboah told Joy FM yMonday.

'The last time I spoke to him was two weeks ago when I was in London. He's a family man and very responsible so this came as a shock.'

Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in for the late Speed who won 85 international caps and had been national team boss for 10 games.

Speed made his name at Leeds and played a key role as United won the First Division title in 1992.

The midfielder went on to play for Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United before injury forced him to retire in May 2010.

He joined the coaching staff at Bramall Lane before replacing Kevin Blackwell as manager just weeks into the new season.

He was appointed manager of Wales in December 2010 and the 4-1 friendly win over Norway on 12 November represented a third successive win for Speed's team - his fifth in 10 games as manager.

Cheshire Police confirmed Speed's body was discovered at 07.08 GMT at his home in Huntington, Chester, and said there were no suspicious circumstances. Sources said that he had been found hanged.

Current Leeds manager Simon Grayson said: 'We signed on the same day and played in the youth and reserve teams together.

'We also did all our coaching badges together. He was a good friend and this is a very sad day. Gary was such a popular person and this is a hard time for everybody.'

Former Wales team-mate John Hartson added: 'When I got the news, it was shocking and heart breaking. Bobby Gould told me. I didn't really want to face people. It's such a tragedy. He was such a lovely fellow.

Bobby Gould, who made Speed Wales captain, said: 'I'm stunned and a few tears have been shed. It is so sad.'

Robbie Savage, who is currently appearing on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing programme, also played with Speed for Wales and told BBC Sport: '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.

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs, who played alongside Speed with Wales for 13 years, said 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.

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

Howard Wilkinson, his manager at Leeds, told BBC Radio 5 live: 'He had so much to offer as a person and as a sportsman. --sportinglife.com