Gary Speed Testimonial

Gary Speed's testimonial is a must.

On a day of mourning for not only Wales, but the football world as an entity, any morsel of optimism should be embraced. After the initial grief has been overcome, and we can clear our heads of such an immeasurable loss, our thoughts should turn to the commemoration and legacy of Speedo.

In my opinion, a testimonial match is simply a formality. There should be no question as to whether it is held, but questions as to when and where. We all appreciate the wonders Gary has produced with our national side, and staging such an event would undoubtedly display the respect and admiration that the sporting world holds for Gary.

Of course, the CCS or even the Liberty would be adequate venues. However, I have no doubt that a man of unity could quite easily unite Wales for one last time and sell-out the Millenium. I would hope that football fans from all over, as well as non-fans simply wanting to show their respect, will come together for one game. Although on the surface this may appear optimistic, I have faith that our nation will be willing to display its appreciation and the Millenium will be the venue for our final farewell to a true professional.

So what about the game itself? Of course this is open to opinion, practicality and the FAW however I would vote for a Wales v Rest of the World match. The Welsh team composing of those who've played alongside Gary in a Wales shirt, and the ROW team composing of those who've played alongside him in a club shirt. All with one aim of commemorating the loss of a patriot, a gent and a highly-esteemed footballing great.

In terms of tickets, whatever the FAW decide to charge, I would like the majority of the ticket price to go to a Charity close to Gary's heart. For example he ran the marathon in 2010 for 'The John Hartson Foundation', so this would be an ideal choice and worthy cause.

In essence, I believe that a testimonial match must take place in order for Wales to display the respect we all hold for such a great leader, player, patriot and gent. I have the utmost faith in our nation, combined with the fans of Gary's former teams, to make this a reality.

Gary Speed, diolch yn fawr.

Excellent post - as you say a testimonial is an absolute must. I would be very disappointed if we couldn't fill the Millenium Stadium as we used to when he was captain - anybody who claimed to be a Wales fan during his era should attend to say thank you and goodbye. RIP GARY SPEED.

I agree completely! Quality post!!

superb post completely agree... when the time is right this is a must.....


some tribute def needs to be paid to a legend!

Posted something similar earlier. I think he was held in such high esteem that the top players in the world would want to get involved. Millennium stadium would be packed from fans all over Wales to celebrate a true welsh legend.

Gary Speed's testimonial is a must.

On a day of mourning for not only Wales, but the football world as an entity, any morsel of optimism should be embraced. After the initial grief has been overcome, and we can clear our heads of such an immeasurable loss, our thoughts should turn to the commemoration and legacy of Speedo.

In my opinion, a testimonial match is simply a formality. There should be no question as to whether it is held, but questions as to when and where. We all appreciate the wonders Gary has produced with our national side, and staging such an event would undoubtedly display the respect and admiration that the sporting world holds for Gary.

Of course, the CCS or even the Liberty would be adequate venues. However, I have no doubt that a man of unity could quite easily unite Wales for one last time and sell-out the Millenium. I would hope that football fans from all over, as well as non-fans simply wanting to show their respect, will come together for one game. Although on the surface this may appear optimistic, I have faith that our nation will be willing to display its appreciation and the Millenium will be the venue for our final farewell to a true professional.

So what about the game itself? Of course this is open to opinion, practicality and the FAW however I would vote for a Wales v Rest of the World match. The Welsh team composing of those who've played alongside Gary in a Wales shirt, and the ROW team composing of those who've played alongside him in a club shirt. All with one aim of commemorating the loss of a patriot, a gent and a highly-esteemed footballing great.

In terms of tickets, whatever the FAW decide to charge, I would like the majority of the ticket price to go to a Charity close to Gary's heart. For example he ran the marathon in 2010 for 'The John Hartson Foundation', so this would be an ideal choice and worthy cause.

In essence, I believe that a testimonial match must take place in order for Wales to display the respect we all hold for such a great leader, player, patriot and gent. I have the utmost faith in our nation, combined with the fans of Gary's former teams, to make this a reality.

Gary Speed, diolch yn fawr.

Definately agree would be a fitting tribute to a wonderful player and person

If they had an international break around St Davids day, that would be as good a time as any

If they had an international break around St Davids day, that would be as good a time as any

On one hand yes, it is the national day of celebration, however you'd run the risk of turning a celebratory occassion into a morbid one. Of course the testimonial should be a celebration in itself, so you can never rule anything out.

It would be in the lap of the God's (the FAW)

If they had an international break around St Davids day, that would be as good a time as any

On one hand yes, it is the national day of celebration, however you'd run the risk of turning a celebratory occassion into a morbid one. Of course the testimonial should be a celebration in itself, so you can never rule anything out.

It would be in the lap of the God's (the FAW)

Good point i suppose, just an idea, any days fine as long as this happens.

Gary Speed's testimonial is a must.

On a day of mourning for not only Wales, but the football world as an entity, any morsel of optimism should be embraced. After the initial grief has been overcome, and we can clear our heads of such an immeasurable loss, our thoughts should turn to the commemoration and legacy of Speedo.

In my opinion, a testimonial match is simply a formality. There should be no question as to whether it is held, but questions as to when and where. We all appreciate the wonders Gary has produced with our national side, and staging such an event would undoubtedly display the respect and admiration that the sporting world holds for Gary.

Of course, the CCS or even the Liberty would be adequate venues. However, I have no doubt that a man of unity could quite easily unite Wales for one last time and sell-out the Millenium. I would hope that football fans from all over, as well as non-fans simply wanting to show their respect, will come together for one game. Although on the surface this may appear optimistic, I have faith that our nation will be willing to display its appreciation and the Millenium will be the venue for our final farewell to a true professional.

So what about the game itself? Of course this is open to opinion, practicality and the FAW however I would vote for a Wales v Rest of the World match. The Welsh team composing of those who've played alongside Gary in a Wales shirt, and the ROW team composing of those who've played alongside him in a club shirt. All with one aim of commemorating the loss of a patriot, a gent and a highly-esteemed footballing great.

In terms of tickets, whatever the FAW decide to charge, I would like the majority of the ticket price to go to a Charity close to Gary's heart. For example he ran the marathon in 2010 for 'The John Hartson Foundation', so this would be an ideal choice and worthy cause.

In essence, I believe that a testimonial match must take place in order for Wales to display the respect we all hold for such a great leader, player, patriot and gent. I have the utmost faith in our nation, combined with the fans of Gary's former teams, to make this a reality.

Gary Speed, diolch yn fawr.

Great post, make this a sticky please mods!

Bit to soon to be thinking of a testimonial in my opinion, it is to way to soon and raw in peoples minds. But yes, once the pain has gone and the dust has settled this is something that should be arranged.

But please, can we mourn Gary 1st before talking about this ?

This has to be a sticky, come on mods

Bit to soon to be thinking of a testimonial in my opinion, it is to way to soon and raw in peoples minds. But yes, once the pain has gone and the dust has settled this is something that should be arranged.

But please, can we mourn Gary 1st before talking about this ?

I agree that the initial grief and shock should be overcome before any such event; and this is clearly explained within the opening. However, I would argue that an occassion of this nature would display our national feelings far better than solitary mourning alone.