Incredibly, today marks the eight year anniversary of the passing of former Newcastle midfielder and Wales national team manager, Gary Speed, with fans taking to Twitter to express their feelings.
Newcastle supporters, and football fans in general, were left numb in 2011, when news broke that Speed, still only 42, had died, having taken his own life.
Speed was an integral part of the Newcastle side between 1998 and 2004, making 213 appearances and scoring 29 goals during that time.
He also won 85 caps for the Welsh national team, and scored seven goals for his country.
His total appearances at Newcastle was only surpassed by his time at Leeds, where he made 248 appearances, having signed for them as a trainee in 1988.
He joined Newcastle after a brief spell at Everton, and after he left Tyneside, he went on to make 121 appearances for Bolton Wanderers.
A short spell at Sheffield United followed, who he went on to manage after retiring from playing.
He then got the opportunity to manage his country, and was still in the role at the time of his death.
Speed’s partnership with Rob Lee was legendary
He is remembered at Newcastle for being a cultured player, with a superb left foot, and was always one of the late Sir Bobby Robson’s favourite players.
He and Rob Lee formed a formidable midfield partnership at Newcastle, and is often used as the measuring stick for central pairings at Newcastle ever since.
Fans were quick to share their feelings and condolences on Twitter today, as they replied to Newcastle’s official account’s post commemorating one of their finest players of the modern era.
If you are struggling with depression or any mental health issues, please call the Samaritans Helpline FREE on 116 123. They are always available to help you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You are never alone.
Here are some of the comments from Newcastle fans:
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