PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has paid tribute to Gary Speed saying 'a light has gone out in the football world'.
PFA chief insists a "light" has gone out in football world
Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has paid tribute to Gary Speed saying 'a light has gone out in the football world'.
Taylor also suggested there was an appetite within his organisation for a public recognition of the late Wales manager.
Former Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United midfielder Speed died at his home on the outskirts of Chester on Sunday.
Friends, team-mates and colleagues have queued up to pay their respects to Speed and Taylor admitted he was overwhelmed by the level of shock.
"I've never known of such grief and loss," he told
Sky Sports News.
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"He was so popular, so friendly and I never heard a bad word about him. A real light has gone out in the football world.
"He was a great legend of a player and every time I saw him he had a smile. It's terribly sad on behalf of everyone. He was one of our finest ever members, our sincere thoughts and condolences to his wife and sons."
Fans have started to leave shirts, scarves and flowers at Speed's former stomping grounds, but Taylor hinted that a more formal tribute could yet be forthcoming from the football world.
"There will be an overwhelming sense that we want do something together to show how loved and regarded he was in the football world," he added.
"Everywhere he went he was surrounded by friends. There is a terrible sense of loss."
