Former Sheffield United forward Jamie Ward has shed light on his time working under the late Gary Speed and shared a telling tale that summed up the beloved ex-Wales manager
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Jamie Ward speaks on a podcast
Jamie Ward has shed light on the man his former manager Gary Speed was
(Image: Undr The Cosh)
Former Sheffield United striker Jamie Ward has opened up about working under Gary Speed, reflecting on what an outstanding individual the late ex-Wales boss and Premier League stalwart was. The football community was left shellshocked in November 2011 upon learning that Speed, who starred for Newcastle United and Leeds United, had tragically taken his own life at the age of 42.
Speed is remembered not only for his high-calibre performances as a naturally gifted midfielder, but also for the warmth and commitment he brought into his managerial role after retiring as a player and taking the reins at Bramall Lane in 2010.
Ward, who had signed for the Blades just a year earlier, reflected on Speed's tenure as head coach before he went on to manage Wales in 2011. He fondly recalled a telling episode when Speed had generously offered to compensate him for assists out of his own pocket due to the lack of such a clause in Ward's contract.
"He was a leader," Ward told the Undr The Cosh podcast. "But, when I joined the club, Speedo didn't play. He was still a player, but he was injured. He'd kind of transitioned onto the coaching staff.
"So, at that point, we knew at some point he was going to be the first team manager. He was a natural leader, wasn't he? From all the clubs that he had captained, to being in the changing room.
"Actually, when he became the manager, he turned around to me, because I didn't have an assist bonus, and he said to me, 'I see you don't have an assist bonus. So, every time you set a goal up, I'm gonna give you £250 of my own money.'
"That kind of tells you what kind of guy he was. Next game, we played Derby away. Put two on a plate for Ched Evans, misses them both.
"I was having a baby at the time, and I was thinking, 'That'd get me a f*****g pushchair if he scored them!' £500. I didn't take any of his money.
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 22: Sheffield United manager Gary Speed looks on during the npower Championship match between Middlesbrough and Sheffield United at the Riverside Stadium on August 22, 2010 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Speed took over as Blades boss in 2010(Image: Michael Regan, Getty Images)
"I didn't set any goals up! But going back to that, it shows you what kind of guy he was, to take it out of your own pocket and give it to someone else."
Reflecting on his initial encounter with the late football legend at Bramall Lane, Ward shared his awe and admitted that he even asked Speed what exactly he should call him in light of such distinction.
"When I turned up, that was the one man that I looked at, and was like, 'Wow.' So starstruck," added Ward. "Because growing up, I'd seen all his career.
"I didn't know what to call him. I said to him, 'What do I call you?' I actually turned around to him and said that. 'Is it Gary, Speedo, Speedy?'
"'Just call me Speedo.' Because I didn't know, and I just wanted to make sure I was getting it right. When he got the manager's job, I asked him again!"
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