It seems to be that I only jump on here for obituaries lately, but the shock of someone like Gary Speed, the Welsh national team manager, passing so suddenly at such a young age seems to make me want to put something down in writing.

Speed was seen to be the consummate professional throughout his long playing and brief managerial career, similar to the on field and off field presence Ryan Giggs had until his recent indiscretions. The difference was Speed was never on the front pages for any scandals, always the back pages for his skill, commitment and determination. His amazing turnaround of the Welsh national side proved his talents and 3 wins on the trot seen Wales hit the giddy highs of 50 in the FIFA world rankings.

The scenes at the football games across the country today, including the 3 top games of Kilmarnock-Rangers, Swansea-Aston Villa and Liverpool-Manchester City, are tantamount to the presence and legacy Gary left not just the game but to life in general. I personally was looking forward to the two epic games between the tartan army and the dragons with Speed at the helm. Here’s hoping the games over the next two years are fitting tributes and I’ll be keeping an eye on Wales along with Scotland in the internationals starting next year.

RIP Gary.