GARY Speed, manager of the Wales’ football team, has been found hanged at his home at the age of 42.

Cheshire Police confirmed he was found dead on the outskirts of Chester, where he lived, and said there were “no suspicious circumstances”.

A spokesman said: “At 7.08am on Sunday, Cheshire police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntington, Chester.

“Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed.

“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. The family have requested that they are left in peace to grieve at this difficult time.”

Sources confirmed Speed was found hanged.

The Football Association of Wales also announced the news of Speed’s death on its website and expressed its condolences to his relatives.

It said in a statement: “The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed.

“We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy at this very sad time.”

The former Leeds, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton footballer was appointed manager of Wales in December 2010 after retiring as a player in May last year.

Speed appeared on BBC1’s Football Focus on Saturday afternoon. Awarded the MBE in the 2010 Birthday Honours for his services to football, the former Hawarden High School pupil leaves wife Louise and two sons.

A family tribute will be released at a later date, police said.

Former Wrexham FC favourite Mickey Thomas paid tribute to Speed admitting he still could not believe what has happened.

“I’m stunned, shocked, devastated,” said Thomas, who first met Speed at Leeds United where the Flintshire youngster was an apprentice.

“I never thought I’d be on the phone talking about the death of Gary Speed. It’s tragic news – news that has not just shocked Wales but the whole footballing world.

“Wales have lost a truly amazing guy. He could have been the country’s greatest manager ever. He was a wonderful man, a true gentleman who nobody had a bad word for.

“I just feel so sorry for his family, his two boys and his wife. I can’t imagine how they are feeling. It’s shocking news and I’m struggling to come to terms with it all.

“He had turned things around in Welsh football and at long last; the players look as if they have belief in themselves. But that’s the kind of guy Gary was. He was a great influence on other people.”

Speed’s son, Ed, plays at Wrexham FC’s School of Excellence and is a talented midfield player in the under-15s side.

His father would attend midweek training sessions at Collier’s Park and weekend matches whenever he could.

Parents said Speed was down-to-earth, chatty and friendly with the rest of the parents. Speed’s father, Roger, likewise follows Ed’s progress closely.

A spokesman for Hawarden Rangers also paid tribute, saying: “Gary was making enormous strides with the national team and was a close friend of the club, having helped coach one of our junior teams when his two sons, Ed and Tommy, were both playing at the club.

“It is a tragic loss of a great person, footballer and friend. Our thoughts are with his family at this extremely sad time. RIP Gary.”

Doncaster Rovers and former Wrexham manager Dean Saunders, a former international team-mate of Speed, remarked on his dedication to his craft as a player. “He was so fit – he was one of those players who would stay behind all day in training. I can’t believe what’s happened,” Saunders told BBC Radio Five Live.

Robbie Savage, who played alongside Speed for Wales for nine years, broke down in tears as he reflected on the loss of his friend.

“I spoke to him on Saturday morning. We were laughing and joking. He was in high spirits. I can’t believe it,” he said.

“He came to Strictly Come Dancing (where Savage is a contestant) three or four weeks ago and he and his wife sat with us.

“After my routine, I ‘high-fived’ him and we had a drink in the bar afterwards. He was larger than life.

“He is my mate and he’s gone. I’d grown very close to him in the last few years.

“He’s left two gorgeous kids behind and a beautiful wife. He had everything.”

Vauxhall Motors, official sponsors of the FAW, issued the following statement: “Everyone at Vauxhall sends their condolences to Gary’s family, his friends and colleagues at the FAW and the whole of Welsh football.

“Gary was a truly great player, manager, servant and ambassador over many, many years for Wales. This is a tremendous loss not just for Wales but for the whole of the football family.

“Gary afforded Vauxhall great co-operation, support and friendship in our first year of official sponsorship and was an incredibly popular guest at Vauxhall events.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go to Gary’s family at this very difficult time for them.”

FAW chief executive, Jonathan Ford said: “I, and all of the football family of Wales, am devastated by the news of Gary’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family at this difficult time.’

FAW president, Phil Pritchard, added: ‘I am completely shocked by this terrible news and my thoughts are with his family. We will do whatever we can as an association to help them in this difficult time.’