FRIENDS and former clubs of Flintshire football legend Gary Speed paid tribute to him on what would have been his 55th birthday over the weekend.

It is now nearly 13 years since the former Wales international footballer and manager took his own life, aged 42 years old.

In his heyday, Speed was a much-loved and hard-working midfielder for Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United.

Speed, born in Mancot, also earned 85 caps for Wales and is high up on the Premier League's all-time appearance-makers with 535 of those to his name.

The former Hawarden High School pupil and Aston Park Rangers player was Wales manager when he took his own life on November 27, 2011.

Sunday (September 8) would have been the football legend's 55th birthday and many took the time to remember him.

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Presenter and friend Dan Walker, who worked alongside Speed on the BBC, said: "Gary Speed would have been 55 today. I know his death still produces strong emotions for so many people… and not just football fans.

"I try and use today as a reminder to reach out to someone who might be struggling… to send a message to a friend or catch up with a family member and see if they are ok or need to talk."

Former club Everton FC wrote: "Gary Speed would've been 55 today. Always in our hearts, Speedo!"

Leeds United wrote: "Forever in our hearts, today we remember #LUFC legend Gary Speed on what would have been his 55th birthday. Rest in peace, Speedo."

Newcastle United Tweeted: "Speedo. Today we remember #NUFC legend Gary Speed on what would have been his 55th birthday."

Bolton Wanderers said: "Today would've been Gary Speed's 55th birthday. Gone but never forgotten, Speedo."

Much work has been done since Speed's death to help raise awareness of suicide.

In 2022, a group of over 100 Leeds United fans raised over £60,000 in aid of two charities in memory of their beloved midfielder.

They completed a 92-mile charity walk from Speed's hometown to Leeds' home ground; Elland Road.

The funds raised were donated to both Andy's Man Club and Samaritans UK.