FOOTBALL will be all the poorer for the tragic loss of Gary Speed, who was the epitome of a sporting role model, both as a player and, latterly, as a coach and manager.

Having had the privilege of having watched him play and to have dealt with him off the field during his three and a half years with Wanderers—which, of course, was just a short section of his extended playing career — I could not speak too highly of him as either a footballer or as a man.

He was the consummate professional who was as dedicated as he was talented.

Speedo, who joined Wanderers from Newcastle in 2004 in what many outsiders believed was the twilight of his career, made an immense contribution to the club’s fortunes, establishing itself as a Premier League force and twice qualifying for Europe.

On the field he was an inspirational driving force; off it he was a credit to his profession, always available, honest and frank in his assessment of performances — both his own and his team’s.

He frequently punctuated his interviews with lighthearted, sometimes self-depricating, comments which would be accompanied by that engaging smile and a flash of his pearlywhite teeth.

During his Reebok spell, he became the first player to make 500 Premier League appearances, acknowledging the fact with typical modesty.

Always destined for a coaching or managerial role after his long playing career ended, it was no surprise to see him tackle those roles with the same professionalism.

Although his time in club management was brief and relatively unremarkable, he appeared to have answered his calling as manager of his beloved Wales.

His sad passing at such a young age is a tragedy for the game, but most of all, for his family.”