THE football world is in mourning today after the death of former Leeds United and Newcastle United midfielder Gary Speed.

Speed, who was 42, was found hanged at his family home in Chester in the early hours of yesterday after apparently committing suicide.

The Wales national manager, who leaves a wife Louise and two children, Edward and Thomas, made more than 280 appearances for Newcastle in a six-year spell.

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

He followed that up two years later by winning the First Division 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, who also won 85 Wales caps, 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 twice, before moving to Bolton Wanderers in July 2004. He also had spells as a player and manager at Sheffield United.

Last night, Sir Bobby’s widow, 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.”

A spokesman for Newcastle said: “Gary was an inspirational and much-loved player at Newcastle United during his time with the club. He was an excellent servant to the club, the ultimate professional, and an exceptional role model for younger players.

“Gary will be deeply missed by everyone at Newcastle United. Our condolences go out to his family at this very sad time.”

Howard Wilkinson, his manager at Leeds, told BBC Radio 5 live: "He had so much to offer as a person and as a sportsman.

"I just find it unbelievable. I cannot start to try to understand what his family are going through."

A Leeds United spokesman said the club was "stunned and saddened" to hear about Speed's death and also described him as a "likeable and popular man" in the football world.

Fans gathered at the Elland Road ground to pay their respects and leave floral tributes and were also joined by ex-player and teammate Noel Whelan, who left a Leeds shirt.

Current Leeds manager Simon Grayson said: "We signed on the same day and played in the youth and reserve teams together.

"We also did all our coaching badges together. He was a good friend and this is a very sad day. Gary was such a popular person and this is a hard time for everybody."

Former Newcastle team-mate Alan Shearer also joined the tributes to Speed, who was awarded the MBE for his services to football last year.

Shearer said: “Gary was a magnificent person – bright, fun and a wonderful family man – he lit up every room he walked into. I am proud to have been his friend and will miss him dreadfully.”

Another former Newcastle player, Shay Given, was in tears before yesterday’s Premier League match between Swansea City and Aston Villa.

Before the match a minutes silence held in memory of Speed quickly changed to appreciative applause with fans chanting: "There's only one Gary Speed".

Tributes were also paid to Speed on Twitter.

Tony Dorigo, who played alongside Speed in the Leeds team which won the 1992 title, said on Twitter: "I'm completely shocked and saddened. A great guy and a better team-mate you couldn't wish for. Speedo, RIP mate."

Manchester United and former Newcastle striker Michael Owen said: "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."

Welsh boxer Joe Calzaghe said: "Gutted to hear Gary Speed has died. Great player and a great guy."

Prime Minister David Cameron also added his tribute.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Gary Speed, who was greatly respected by football fans across the country both as a player and manager.”