The world of British football was shocked when Leeds United legend, Gary Speed took his own life in November 2011. Speed was manager of the Welsh national team at the time and has since been credited with beginning the turnaround of their fortunes which has since seen them qualify for three tournaments, including this year's World Cup.
However, Speed was suffering from mental health problems which many - even his closest friends - were unaware of. Former Leeds United defender and teammate of Speed's at Newcastle United, Jonathan Woodgate has spoken of his shock at hearing the 'devastating' news, as well as explaining his sadness that his former teammate didn't feel he could speak to those friends. Speaking to Under the Surface podcast, Woodgate said:
"Gary was an incredible person, he’d do anything for you. He’d pick up the phone and ring you out of the blue. I used to keep in contact with him on the phone, and then for that to happen, and it was out of nowhere. I was devastated. I think Newcastle were playing that day and I was watching Shay Given and Craig Bellamy both crying, and it was a real sad time.
