Playing for Something Bigger: Ivy Ellis and CALM Unite for Gary Speed”

The Speed Sock has been created by Ivy Ellis, and we are honoured to partner with them and @calmzone on a cause that’s deeply close to our hearts.

Through this collaboration, Ivy Ellis continues their incredible work in raising awareness around suicide prevention and mental health within the football community — and together, we hope to keep that conversation alive.

100% of profits from the Speed Sock collection will be donated to CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), supporting their mission to stand against suicide and help anyone who feels hopeless or alone.

The three socks are available now at ivy-ellis.co.uk and pay tribute to Gary Speed and his time playing for Leeds United, Newcastle United, and, of course, Wales.

Learn more about prevention against suicide at 11speed.org.uk.

The Legacy of Gary Speed

There are footballers you respect — and then there are footballers you feel you know, even if you only ever saw them from the terraces. Gary Speed was very much in the second category for so many of us.

From Flintshire to Football Fame

Imagine a lad from Mancot, Flintshire — working as a paperboy, playing school football, just a kid with a simple dream: to play the game he loved. And then, unbelievably, he lives it.

He became the kind of footballer who meant something. Dependable. Tireless. Humble. The kind of player you’d always want on your team.

A Career of Consistency and Class

Gary won the old First Division title with Leeds United in 1992, just before the Premier League began. He went on to make an incredible 841 senior club appearances in a career that spanned more than two decades.
He earned 85 caps for Wales and was one of the first men in the Premier League to reach 500 appearances.

Those numbers aren’t just statistics — they tell the story of a man who turned up, week after week, season after season, ready to give everything he had. In an age of big money and bigger egos, Gary Speed kept his head down and his game high.

The Heartbeat of Every Team

What made Gary truly special wasn’t just what he achieved, but how he went about it. Wherever he played — Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton, or Sheffield United — he did the hard yards.

He was the heartbeat of every side he represented, timing his runs perfectly, defending when he had to, attacking when it mattered, and leading by example. He wasn’t the loudest man in the dressing room, but he was often the one everyone listened to.

Leadership Beyond the Pitch

Off the pitch, he was exactly the same. He treated everyone — fans, young players, staff — with quiet respect. There was no arrogance, no ego. Just a man who loved football and carried himself with decency.

When he took on the role of Wales manager, it felt like everything had come full circle. He loved his country, and his vision for Welsh football was clear — he was building something bigger than himself, instilling belief, professionalism, and a sense of pride that laid the foundations for the success that followed.

The Man Everyone Loved

Former teammate Chris Coleman once said:

“I was just drawn to him. The bond had been made. We had that sense of excitement — maybe we’ll be lucky enough to have a career in football.”

And Gordon Strachan, who knew him as a teenager at Leeds, said:

“When I first knew him, he was 17 and ordinary. He made himself a top player. My wife Lesley loved him too.”

That’s the thing about Gary Speed — people didn’t just respect him; they loved him.

Professionalism, Passion, Humility

His story is full of moments that stay with you. A young midfielder, barely 21, helping Leeds United lift the title. The roar of St James’ Park when he wore Newcastle black and white. The pride of standing on the touchline as Wales manager, shaping a team in his image.

Each chapter of his career told the same story: professionalism, passion, and humility.

Gary once said:

“I had a lot of times with Wales when we were getting beaten — and beaten well — and you learn to deal with it. You learn that next time it happens, you roll your sleeves up and give everything for the team.”

That quote sums him up perfectly. No excuses. No self-pity. Just quiet determination.

Remembering Gary

His death at 42 was devastating. The outpouring of emotion from teammates, fans, and even players he’d never met said everything about the man.

But when we think of Gary Speed, we shouldn’t only think of the tragedy. We should remember him in his prime — sleeves rolled up, head held high, giving everything for the badge on his shirt.

If we had to describe him in one sentence, it would be this:

Gary Speed was someone whose presence made everything around him better — his teams, is country, and his sport.

He didn’t shout about it; he lived it. And because of that, he’ll always matter.

A Reminder to Keep Talking

As much as Gary’s story inspires, it also reminds us that we never truly know what someone else might be going through. Behind the smiles, the professionalism, the strength — there can be struggles we don’t see.

That’s why it’s so important to keep talking, keep checking in, and keep reminding one another that it’s okay to ask for help.

This piece is written in partnership with Ivy Ellis and CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) — a leading movement against suicide that stands up against feeling hopeless, isolated, or alone.

CALM runs a free, confidential helpline and webchat, open every day from 5pm to midnight, offering support to anyone who needs to talk.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you can reach CALM at 0800 58 58 58 or visit thecalmzone.net for more information.

Because if Gary’s life and legacy have taught us anything, it’s this: