Everton manager David Moyes is the latest in a host of football figures that have paid tribute to the late Gary Speed following his apparent suicide yesterday.
The Wales manager is believed to have taken his own life after he was found hanged at his home in Cheshire at the age of 42.
Speed, who played for his boyhood club Everton between 1996 and 1998, was praised by the Toffees boss Moyes.
"It is extremely sad and upsetting to hear the news on Gary Speed," Moyes told the club's official website. "Gary was a great servant to Everton during his time at Goodison and myself and the rest of the squad were as shocked as the rest of the footballing world when we heard the news.
"It's hard to understand and obviously the thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with the club are with the family at what is a very difficult time."
Club chairman Bill Kenwright added: "Gary was everything a footballer should aspire to be. Committed but elegant, hard-working but full of style, a player who didn't know how to give anything other than 100 per cent to the football club he played for.
"He loved football as much as football loved him and will be hugely missed as a player, a manager and a man."
An inquest into the death of the former Bolton Wanderers midfielder is expected to open within the next 24 hours.
Danielle Joynson
