GARY Speed, manager of the Wales football team and former Leeds United and Newcastle United player, has died at the age of 42.

The Football Association of Wales announced the news on its website.

It is believed that he was found hanged at his home.

The statement read: "The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed.

"We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family's privacy at this very sad time."

Speed began his career at Leeds after signing for them as a school boy and went on to win the Second Division title in 1989/90.

He followed that up two years later by winning the First Divison Championship - the last one before it was rebranded as the Premier League.

Speed was part of a famed midfield four, consisting of himself, Gordon Strachan, David Batty and Gary McAllister, which is regarded as one of the greatest of the modern era.

After moving to Everton for £3.5m in 1996 Speed joined Newcastle in 1998 for a fee of £5.5m.

There under Sir Bobby Robson he played in two losing FA Cup finals and also helped the team qualify for the Champions League, before moving to Bolton Wanderers in July 2004. He also had spells as a player and manager at Sheffield United.

A spokeswoman for Cheshire Police confirmed: "At 7.08am today, Cheshire Police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntington, Chester.

"Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead. The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed.

"There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. The family have requested that they are left in peace to grieve at this difficult time. A family tribute will be released at a later date but not today."

After hearing of the news, former Newcastle striker Michael Owen, who lives near Speed's home, tweeted: "Just cannot believe the news regarding Gary Speed. We waved at each other a couple of days ago dropping our kids off at school. I'm numb."

Speed, who was awarded the MBE in the 2010 Birthday Honours for his services to football, leaves a wife and two children.

He was a great supporter of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and undertook the London Marathon to help raise funds.

Lady Elsie Robson said “I’m very shocked and very sad.

“Gary was a lovely boy and Bob thought a lot about him as a player and as a person.

“He regarded him with great respect and he was such an important part of the team Bob had at Newcastle.

“He was a wonderful and generous supporter of our charity and seemed to have a bright future ahead of him.

“I hope those who loved him don’t suffer too much.”

He most recently supported the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation by attending the charity’s golf day in April.

*Tonight's North East Football Writers Association dinner at the Ramside Hotel has been postponed as a mark of respect.