Everton honours Gary Speed with memorial bench ahead of Newcastle clash
Everton have announced an emotional addition to their Hill Dickinson Stadium to honour Gary Speed ahead of their Newcastle clash today, reports BritPanorama.
The club legend will receive a memorial bench, designed to combat loneliness, in memory of his life and service to the Merseyside club. This tribute comes as his friends and family approach the anniversary of his death, which occurred 14 years ago on Thursday.
A plaque on the bench reads: “In memory of Gary Speed, Evertonian, captain, leader 1969-2011. A place for what is often unspoken. A place to sit, share and listen.” Located in the Budweiser Fan Place, it aims to provide a space for reflection and conversation.
Speed’s former Everton team-mate Neville Southall remarked on the significance of the bench, noting, “You would never associate Gary with a bench, because he was a fella who seemed to have everything. But in many respects it’s very apt. If you sit there and think everybody else’s life is perfect, you can reflect on a man who was a wonderful footballer and a great manager – but still had his own problems.”
Dave Wycherley, Vice Chair of the Everton Fans Forum, expressed hope that the bench “becomes a lasting legacy” that encourages support among fans. He noted, “Problems feel lighter when shared, and Everton has always been a club where supporters mix, talk, and escape life’s pressures for a while.”
Speed, the former Wales captain whose career spanned more than two decades at the highest level of British football, remains a cherished figure among Everton supporters despite spending only a brief period at Goodison Park. His influence, professionalism, and character left an imprint on the club far greater than the duration of his stay.
Born in 1969 in Flintshire, Speed rose through the ranks at Leeds United, where he became known for his endurance, aerial prowess, and intelligent midfield play. Arriving at Everton in 1996, he made an immediate impact during a challenging period for the club. Within months, he was named captain, a testament to both his stature in the dressing room and his reputation for unfailing commitment.
On the pitch, Speed delivered exactly what Everton required: consistency, a robust work ethic, and goals from midfield. Widely regarded as a gentleman in the game, he was admired not only for his competitive spirit but also for his humility and generosity. His sudden death in 2011 was deeply felt throughout football, with supporters at Goodison Park paying tribute to a man remembered with genuine affection.
As Everton prepares to face Newcastle in the Premier League, the match carries added significance. The Toffees enter this contest on the back of two consecutive Premier League victories. In contrast, Newcastle, despite a strong home record, has struggled away this season and seeks its first away league win. Historically, Everton holds a slight edge in their previous 32 meetings, a detail that adds to the intrigue of the upcoming clash.
As the fixture unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of how sport intertwines with personal history, with the memory of Gary Speed casting a long shadow over the day’s events.
