About Gary Speed
Gary Andrew Speed (8 September 1969 – 27 November 2011) was a Welsh professional footballer and manager. As manager of Wales, he was often credited as being the catalyst for the change in fortunes of the national team and as setting the pathway to future successes. Having played for the Leeds United youth team, Speed began his professional career with the club in 1988. With Leeds, he won the English First Division championship in 1991–92, and later played for Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United. He captained the Wales national football team until retiring from international football in 2004. He was the most capped outfield player for Wales and the second overall with 85 caps between 1990 and 2004 until being overtaken by Chris Gunter in 2018, playing mainly as a left-sided attacking midfielder. Speed was appointed manager of Sheffield United in 2010, but left the club after a few months in December 2010 to manage the Wales national team, remaining in this role until his death 11 months later. Rarely troubled by injuries or suspensions, he held the record for the most appearances in the Premier League at 535 until it was surpassed by David James. At the time of his death, only James and Ryan Giggs had played in more Premier League matches than Speed. Including appearances in the Football League and cup competitions, he made 840 domestic appearances. Leeds manager Howard Wilkinson first noticed Speed in a youth team game while the player was playing in a left back position. In September 1992, Speed was pivotal in Leeds' UEFA Champions League first-round tie against VfB Stuttgart.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.