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The father of late Newcastle United midfielder Gary Speed says the family still ‘don’t know why’ he tragically lost his life - nearly five years on.

‘Speedo’, who made 213 appearances in a six-year stay on Tyneside, was found hanged at his Huntingdon home on November 27, 2011, at the age of just 42.

Cheshire coroner Nicholas Rheinberg ruled there was no evidence the Wales manager had planned to commit suicide.

And speaking ahead of the five-year anniversary this weekend, dad Roger Speed has revealed the anguish and pain at still not understanding why.

He told the Leader publication: “I talk about what Gary’s done and it’s brilliant. The fans are fantastic – Leeds, Newcastle and Everton.

“He was so well liked, on top of the world, going for the World Cup with Wales.

“The worst thing about it is we still don’t know why. We really miss him.”

(Image: 2016 Newcastle United)

Gary made a total of 677 professional club appearances in his career - racking up 104 goals along the way - and was rewarded with an MBE for services to the game.

The midfielder represented Leeds United and Everton before his stint at St James Park, and finished his playing career with spells at Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United.

Gary took the managerial hotseat at Bramall Lane in 2010, before taking charge of Wales just four months later.

And Mr Speed hopes Gary’s sons Tommy, 17, and Ed, 18, both follow in their father’s footsteps and make their way as professional footballers.

He said: “Hopefully, we’ll see another Speed soon. It’d be fantastic, you can see it in them now, you can see Gary in them.

“He was a leader.

“I miss the boys terribly, they were my world when Gary went. They’ve done extremely well, they’re strong lads, like their dad.

“On my bucket list is for England to play Wales and Tommy to play for England and Ed to play for Wales. A Speed on both sides.”

Both Leeds and Newcastle fans paid an emotional tribute to the former Wales manager in their recent clash at Elland Road.

Mr Speed says despite the support of footballers such as Alan Shearer and Craig Bellamy, the family is still struggling to come to terms with their grief.

He said: “Something just clicked and that was it. I couldn’t believe it, couldn’t get over it.

“Carol (Gary’s mum) answered the phone and just burst into tears. Louise (Gary’s wife) had rung and said Gary was dead.

“We didn’t know what had happened. I never want to go through that again with anything.

“Carol’s struggling. She doesn’t come to the football any more.

“I love talking about him and watching his videos. I know he’s there watching me going, ‘Dad you can’t do that’.”

Gary represented Wales 85 between 1990 and 2004, captaining the side and scoring seven times.

Mr Speed and his grandsons made their way out to France for their country’s incredible Euro 2016 journey, and were overwhelmed by the travelling fans tributes to the midfielder.

He said: “I had a great time in France and Carol said, ‘I wish it could have been Gary’ in the dugout.

“I love Chris (Coleman) to bits and he’s done a fantastic job.

“I was made up for him and the Football Association of Wales have been brilliant to us ever since.

“That proves to me what a person Gary was.”

Days away from the fifth anniversary of Gary’s death, Mr Speed was clear on his son’s legacy and how he should be remembered.

He said: “Gary was a gentleman. People I’ve met remember him and say what a man he was.

“He was good at his job and captained every team he played for. We’re very, very proud parents.

“I want him to be remembered for the gentleman he was.”