Stars from sport both past and present in Kent have paid tribute to Wales manager Gary Speed who died on Sunday morning.
The 42 year old former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers midfielder is said to have taken his own life at his home.
Tributes have been paid to the Welsh legend from sporting stars that both knew him personally and from within sport in general with a selection of them here:
Former Gillingham goalkeeper Jason Brown played alongside Speed for Wales and had this to say about his former colleague: “Can’t believe what I’ve just seen that Gary Speed as died my prayers thoughts are with his family. R.I.P. Gary Speed.”
“A true honour to have worked and to have known him…….. State of shock.”
Another former Gillingham player to have played alongside Speed is striker Iwan Roberts who was equally shocked to have heard the news:
“It was a privilege and an honour to have known Gary and to have played with him and to have had him as captain and a friend. RIP Gary Speed”
“Thoughts go out to Gary’s family. The world is a sadder place today without this true gent.”
It hasn’t been just football that has paid tribute to Speed with Kent wicketkeeper Geraint Jones offering his condolences:
“Sad news about Gary Speed. Was watching him on football focus yesterday. Welsh football was doing great under his management.”
Double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes from Tonbridge also felt compelled to add her thoughts about the footballer on twitter:
“Blimey what a tragic end to a talented life RIP #garyspeed”
Here are a selection of other sporting stars from Kent to have added their thoughts on twitter:
Gillingham captain Andy Frampton: “Very sad news, legend in the game and a huge shock to all. RIP Gary Speed.”
Dover Athletic manager Nicky Forster: “So very sad the passing of Gary Speed in such a tragic fashion! He will be missed by many no more than his wife and children! RIP!”
Chelsea and former Gillingham defender Ryan Bertrand: “RIP Gary Speed… true Welsh legend and great football role model! RIP Gary Speed.”
Gillingham striker Adam Birchall: “RIP Gary Speed top gut, so sad. Some things are more important than football….”
Ebbsfleet United goalkeeper Preston Edwards: “I was watching this guy on football focus yesterday. Click of your fingers and that happens.”
Former Gillingham midfielder Mark Bentley: “RIP Gary Speed, unbelievable shoking news. Puts is all into perspective when your feeling down yourself. Live everyday as if its your last!”
Former Olympic javelin star Steve Backley: “Just heard the sad news of death of Gary Speed. RIP.”
Gillingham midfielder Lewis Montrose: “Top player Gary Speed!!! Can’t believe it. Legend.”
Kent Academy Director Simon Willis: Just heard the tragic news about Gary Speed, talented player and an emerging young manager. Very sad.”
Former Gillingham striker Darren Byfield: “OMG Gary Speed has died. My heart goes out 2 his family, such a sad sad day. RIP Gary Speed.”
Kent and England captain Charlotte Edwards: “Sad news about Gary Speed only was watching him on FF yesterday. Can’t believe it. RIP Gary Speed.”
Gillingham midfielder Danny Spiller: “Shocked at the news today… What a massive loss for the world of football… RIP Gary Speed, thoughts go out to friends and family.”
Kent spinner Adam Riley: “Terrible news about Gary Speed. He always used to be a nuisance in the midfield against Charlton. RIP”
Former Gillingham striker Darius Henderson: “Really can not believe what I’ve seen……. RIP Gary Speed.”
Gillingham defender Connor Essam: “So shocked at the news Gary Speed is dead. Devastated! RIP Legend in football”
Gillingham defender Garry Richards: “RIP Gary Speed. What tragic news. Legend.”
RIP Gary Speed