The striking red dragon stood tall and strong ascending its beauty along the earthy green surface. It’s long arched back thrusting up into the air propelling its long, slender tail to slam down and send vibrations across the land.
Claws poised. Fire bubbling and bursting ferociously out of its snout. The white dragon approached.
The legend of the Welsh red dragon stretches back to the Roman era where two great dragons, the red and white fought in a tremendous battle that stretched over several years before one stood victorious.
The red Welsh dragon.
It was in 1485 after the Battle of Bosworth that the legend of the red dragon was embraced and established into Welsh history. The influence of Henry Tudor used the dragon as an acknowledgement for the Welsh victory over Richard III. It was 416 years later before the design of the Welsh flag was accepted with the dragon standing proudly at its forefront in 1953.
The career of Gary Speed spanning over 20 years and 800 games represents bravery, power, wisdom, loyalty and a true symbolization of the courageous and fierce Welsh dragon.
For clubs Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United Speed remained a constant fan favourite and was adored by all staff from kit men to players and managers. A true gentleman of sport Speed was the model professional whose influence was just as important off the pitch as it was on.
Born in Mancot, Wales, Speed was a classic midfielder with both attacking and defensive attributes bolstering his repertoire. An attacking left sided player he was gifted and agile, wise and creative whilst when used more centrally he was efficient, tenacious and always burnt out the remaining fire in his belly with a tireless work ethic.
For country Speed was an instrumental figure in ever changing squads since earning his first cap at U21 level. Making 85 caps in his 14 year international career he is the 2nd highest Welsh capped player behind Neville Southall of the 1982-1998 era.
Hardworking, honest and self-critical with a modern approach to diet and fitness Speed was able to maintain his contribution to country until 2004 when he retired from international football at age 35 and continued another four years at club level.
But Speeds contribution and influence on his country didn’t stop there. Tipped by fellow Welshman Ian Rush and Robbie Savage to become a future manager, Speed’s commitment, bravery and leadership hadn’t gone un-noticed.
Speed was soon back at Sheffield United where he had finished his playing days, announced as manager in 2010 three games into the start of the season following the sacking of Kevin Blackwell. The 41 year old was unable to steer the club from relegation as the blades were relegated to League One where they still remain.
Nonetheless Speed’s outstanding credentials as a manager were suited to the Wales job where his heart and loyalty thumped as one. In a time of struggle and change for the Welsh national side Speed took over at the start of 2011, making an instant impact by granting 22-year-old Aaron Ramsey the armband and youngest ever Welsh captain.
By the time 2011 and Speed’s Welsh managerial stint had come to a close his country was awarded the ‘Best Movers’ of the year award having gained more ranking points than any other nation.
Wales had moved up a staggering 62 places under Gary Speed, moving from rank 112th in the world to 48, a position they are still yet to emulate.
The Welsh dragon and Gary Speed are a symbol of Welsh power, pride and bravery. Speeds hunger and willingness to succeed battled for 23 years as player and manager. He made an international, national and club impact, forging vast amounts personal relationships to players, fans and everybody else involved with football along the way.
The dragon staked its history in 1953 when it took the flag and 15 years later another Welsh red dragon was born.
By Liam Curtis
Gary Speed by Blog Gallery
