ENGLISH football will pay its respects to Wales manager Gary Speed this weekend following his death at the age of 42.

Former clubs Leeds, Newcastle, Everton and Sheffield United will all celebrate the former midfielder’s life before their home games.

Leeds, where Speed began his professional career and also won a league title, announced yesterday that they will name a new East Stand suite at Elland Road after him in a ceremony ahead of tomorrow’s Championship match against Millwall.

They will also hold a minute’s applause before kick-off and wreaths will be laid, while the players will wear black armbands.

At Newcastle, where Speed played with such distinction under Kenny Dalglish and Sir Bobby Robson, Speed’s career will be commemorated in the matchday programme, which will include his picture on the cover and a four-page tribute.

Before tomorrow’s 3pm kick-off against Chelsea, the crowd will sing the famous Welsh hymn, Bread of Heaven, while fans seated in the East Stand will be asked to hold up black and white cards which will depict the number 11, the shirt number he wore during his spell on Tyneside.

The Magpies will also hold a minute’s applause, while the club has set aside a paved area next to the Milburn Reception for fans to leave their tributes.

A club statement read: “In order to accommodate supporters' personal tributes to Gary Speed which they may wish to bring to the stadium on Saturday, the club has dedicated a large paved area adjacent to the Milburn reception for fans to lay tributes and to pay their respects.

“The many tributes already received this week will be carefully moved to this area ahead of the game.

At a later date, the Club will consult with Gary Speed's family on what they wish to do with the tributes from Newcastle supporters.’’ Sheffield United, where Speed ended his playing career and took the first step on the managerial ladder, will pay their own respects before Saturday’s FA Cup second round tie against Torquay.

Again, there will be a minute’s applause, while Chris Morgan and former Wales international Robert Page will lay wreaths.

Players and staff will wear black armbands and part of the programme will be dedicates to the former Blades boss, while lasting images of Speed are to be erected in the Bramall Lane car park for the rest of the season.

Everton will remember Speed 24 hours later ahead of their league clash with Stoke.

Former team-mates, including David Unsworth, Graham Stuart and Craig Short, will take part in a minute’s applause, while gates at the Park End of Goodison Park, where fans have left scarves, flowers, flags and shirts, will remain closed until further notice, and official books of condolence have been opened.