Private funeral for Speed

Gary Speed’s funeral will take place this week and a memorial service will give members of the public the chance to pay their respects.

Tributes have poured in for the Premier League legend since his death on November 27, with grounds around the country holding a minute’s applause.

A statement from the League Managers Association on Tuesday read: “The funeral of Gary Speed will take place later this week.”

“The funeral, including the service, is private and will be for family and close friends and is by invitation only.”

“At this time, Louise Speed and her family wish to express their deep appreciation for the very generous and clearly heartfelt tributes paid to Gary and his memory by the public and all forms of the media.”

“Mrs Speed is especially grateful for the sympathetic way that the media has respected the family’s privacy in these extremely distressing circumstances.”

“She is also acutely aware how Gary touched the lives of so many people and that each of them would wish to thank him for the joy he brought to them.”

“Accordingly, a memorial service to celebrate Gary’s life will take place soon and hopefully this will allow as many people to attend as wish to be there to pay their final respects and tributes to Gary.”

The inquest into the Wales manager’s death, which was reportedly a suicide, was adjourned on November 29 until next year.