Shades of Black

Gary Speed 1969 -
2011

I was all set to write a different post today, one about Sports Direct, Ashley, Llambias and a certain contradiction in statements however all that paled into insignificance following the news of yesterday for today is a very dark day.

Just on the off chance you hadnt heard, Gary Speed, arguably one of the most professional, hard working and talented players ever to pull on the black & white stripes committed suicide yesterday.

What drove him to it isnt clear however as always theres rumours, slurs and general tittle tattle going round the likes of Facebook (does anyone use that anymore?) and twitter.

I don’t want to get dragged into the repeating of rumours or the further spreading of malicious gossip but what has to be said is that if the rumour is true and one of footballs gentlemen died because of some tabloid journalists hunt for a story then this country needs to take a good, hard look at itself.

If one good thing can come from Garys final act then hopefully it does something to change the way this country accepts, craves and feeds the sleazy monster that is tabloid journalism.

For the record, other than his immediate family I cant imagine that the “revelation” would have caused much of a stir, it definitely wouldn’t make me think any differently of a player who clocked up over 200 appearances for us and scored a number of important goals (some of them absolute corkers).

I’ll remember him as a man who always appeared dignified, always acted the model professional and gave our football club some fantastic memories, I hope others will too. My thoughts, and those of every football fan go out to his family and friends.

RIP Gary, Sir Bobby’s NUFC XI has just made its latest and arguably greatest signing.