Leeds serve up a fitting Gary Speed tribute

GARY Speed was remembered in style by his first club Leeds on an emotional evening at the City Ground as Simon Grayson’s men beat Nottingham Forest 4-0 in the npower Championship.

A minute’s applause was held and players from both teams wore black armbands in tribute to Speed, who started his career at Elland Road and won the last old First Division title with the club in 1992. Robert Snodgrass, Jonny Howson, Luciano Becchio and Adam Clayton all scored for the Whites before Forest’s Andy Reid was sent off late on.

In the 11th minute, the Leeds fans sang Speed’s name for 11 minutes constantly – a reference to the fact he wore the No 11 shirt during the title-winning season – and, fittingly, Snodgrass’s opener came during this emotionally-charged period. Manager Grayson revealed that an impassioned pre-match pep-talk from assistant manager Glynn Snodin, a former Hearts player, laid the foundations for the win.

“Glynn said some words to the players about Gary,” said Grayson. “I’m sure the players were aware of him and what he meant to this football club. I couldn’t have said what Snod said because I couldn’t have held myself together. It was a passionate talk to the players.”

Elsewhere, leaders Southampcame from behind to equal their post-War record of 21 straight home victories in all competitions as they beat Nick Barmby’s Hull City 2-1. Scotland striker Craig Mackail-Smith scored the only goal of the game as Brighton beat Derby 1-0 at Pride Park. Derek McInnes saw his fine start as Bristol City manager continue as his side came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at Watford.