BBC Wales recently aired a documentary in memory of former Leeds, Newcastle United, Everton and Bolton Wanderers legend Gary Speed.

For those that haven’t yet seen the documentary, the video has now been uploaded to YouTube and available to view below.

Kelly Jones, lead singer of the Stereophonics, celebrity Leeds United fan and proud Welshman has recorded an acoustic version of the Andy William’s classic “Too Good To Be True” in memory of Gary Speed.

The song is set to feature on a BBC Wales documentary that will pay tribute to the former Leeds, Newcastle United and Everton winger which will be aired on tonight (2/12/2011).

There are times in life when rivalries are set aside and you can have nothing but respect for even your most hated of rivals.

In my lifetime, there have been two instances of tragedy overcoming football fan divide that really stand out – both of which involve the “War of the Roses” rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds.

The first was eleven years ago following the murders of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight, when fans of clubs from across the country came to Elland Road to lay tribute to their memory.

I too was in Turkey for that game against Galatasaray, and when I returned home we went via the Billy Bremner statue to lay a Leeds United shirt we’d scrawled our own messages of condolence on.

It was there that I met a Manchester United fan laying flowers on behalf of his fellow supporters. He was understandably nervous entering enemy territory, fearing he may be an outlet for the Leeds United fans’ anger, but the rivalry between the two sides seemed incredibly petty in light of the tragedy we were there to mourn.

It was one of those ‘some things are bigger than football’ moments that always seem to catch you by surprise, and tonight, I caught news of another one.

Despite the fact Gary Speed tributes have taken place up and down the country, I never really considered Manchester United would hold their own minutes applause. But they did, and credit to the club for doing so – it’s nice to see the football world honouring such an inspirational figure, regardless of his personal allegiances.

But that wasn’t the part that shocked me. As deeply encoded into my DNA as the rivalry with Manchester United may be, I’m not at all surprised to hear they honoured the minutes applause. What surprised me was that the fans went above and beyond that, chanting “there’s only one Gary Speed” from the terraces.

My unreserved respect goes out to the Manchester United fans that took part in that chant tonight, and to all the football fans – regardless of club – that have stood united to mourn the loss of one of football’s true heroes.

As one Twitter user put it, “Gary Speed – played for Everton, Liverpool fans liked him. Played for Leeds, Manchester United fans liked him. Says it all.”

Of all the condolence messages I’ve read, nothing sums up the reaction we’ve seen quite like that tweet – the response has been truly heart-warming and I’ve never been prouder to be a small part of the footballing community.

Like all Leeds United fans, and the wider football community as a whole, it was with great shock and sadness that I received news of Gary Speed’s death earlier today.

A fans favourite at Elland Road, Gary Speed will always be remembered as a club legend for the invaluable contribution he made towards the 1989/90 Championship and 1991/92 Premier League winning Leeds United side.

The Footballing World Mourns

Former Leeds United manager Howard Wilkinson; “The players I worked with represented all colours of the rainbow in terms of character but in Gary’s case he was a star in the true sense. For him – at 42 – to leave us is such a tragic loss.

“He had a life of success to look forward to I’m sure.”

“It’s unbelievable, I’m still struggling to get my head around it. I’ve known Gary since 1988 when I joined Leeds and I’ve rarely come across a better balanced, lovely, genuine person.

“He was a terrific player – not as gifted as some but he made the most of everything he had – worst of all for me I knew his parents, in particular his dad, his lovely wife and family – I just find it very very difficult to come to terms with it.

“I cannot start to try and understand what his family are going through at this time.

“We’re not born footballers and like everyone else they had a talent and that became their job, but basically they are born people and subject to all the stress and strains and the good things that happen to one in life.”

Current Leeds United manager Simon Grayson; “It is an unbelievably sad day, Speedo was a true friend and a very, very popular man. Our sympathies are with Louise, his children, his dad, and all his family.”

“We signed on the same day and played in the youth and reserve teams together. We also did all our coaching badges together. He was a good friend and this is a very sad day. Gary was such a popular person and this is a hard time for everybody.”

Former team mate Tony Dorigo via Twitter; “”I’m completely shocked and saddened. A great guy and a better team-mate you couldn’t wish for. Speedo, RIP mate.”

Everton CEO Robert Eldstone; ”Gary was a popular player during his time here at Goodison Park and on behalf of the Board of Directors, management, players, staff and fans of Everton I would like to extend our sympathies to his family at this extremely difficult time.”

Statement from Sheffield United; “”Everybody at Sheffield United is extremely shocked and saddened to learn of the death of former player and manager Gary Speed. Thoughts are with Gary’s family and friends at this distressing time.”

Statement from Newcastle United; “The board, manager, staff and players of Newcastle United FC are today deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Gary Speed.

“Gary was an inspirational and much-loved player at Newcastle United during his time with the club from 1998 to 2004, making 285 appearances and scoring 40 goals.

“He was an excellent servant to the club, the ultimate professional, and an exceptional role model for younger players. Gary will be deeply missed by everyone at Newcastle United. Our condolences go out to his family at this very sad time.”

Former team mate Alan Shearer; “Gary was a magnificent person, bright, fun and a wonderful family man – he lit up every room he walked into. I am proud to have been his friend and will miss him dreadfully.”

Former team mate Stephen Taylor; “It is a sad, sad day. I played with him when I came through the ranks,He helped me through, he was an absolute machine – the best professional in football. He had that aura about him. He always had time for the young lads and helped them feel good about themselves.”

Former International team mate Ryan Giggs; ”Words cannot begin to describe how sad I feel at hearing this awful news. I’m totally devastated. Gary Speed was one of the nicest men in football and someone I am honoured to call a team-mate.”

Elsewhere, a genuinely heartfelt tribute from Robbie Savage summed up the mood, as close friend Shay Given struggled to fight back tears at The Liberty Stadium.

The above is just the tip of the iceberg. Tributes are pouring in by the minute to a model professional whose success was based upon the extraordinary amount of effort he put in to maintaining an incredibly high level of fitness.

The sheer abundance of tributes stands testament to how universally well liked Gary was, and how devastated people are by the news.

I’m sure I speak on behalf of Leeds United fans everywhere when I say my deepest sympathies are with his friends and family tonight.

Whilst it may be small comfort at this moment in time, I hope Gary’s family know just how much joy his career brought to so many. On a personal level, I was still a youngster when Gary was making a name for himself at Elland Road and he was someone I truly idolised.

Gary was the perfect role model for my generation, the greatest example of how far hard work can take you. There’s no denying he had natural talent, but it was the hard work he put in to nurturing that talent that made him stand out from the crowd.

In death, Gary Speed will be remembered as a Leeds United legend, his name forever associated with only the greatest players this club has produced, and that’s nothing less than he deserves.

One of the greatest, most hard-working players I’ve ever had the privilege of seeing personally, whose contribution to our football club will never be forgotten.

RIP Gary. Marching On Forever.

Did you also know that former Leeds United striker Tom Jennings was the first player to score hattricks in three consecutive games? He did so in 1926, and it’s a feat that has only been matched by Liverpool’s Jack Balmer (1947) and WBA’s Gilbert Allsop (1939).

You’ll find both of these facts in just two short paragraphs of Joe Mewis’ new book, Leeds United Miscellany. Alongside them, you’ll find another 160 pages packed full of Leeds United trivia and stats that will provide something of interest for even the most knowledgeable Leeds United fan.

Like Mewis’ previous book Leeds United On This Day the level of research here is quite frankly astonishing – this isn’t just the quick search of Google people like myself do when a post requires some statistical evidence, but a deep delve into the glorious 92 year history of Leeds United FC.

Whether you’re the kind of person who likes to outsmart friends with your extensive knowledge of all things Leeds United, or just an average fan that enjoys learning about our history, this book is sure to serve up plenty of new information for you to enjoy.

Consider it an encyclopaedia of sorts - the kind of tool you’d use to prepare for Leeds United as specialist subject on MasterMind. 

Leeds United Miscellany is out now and available from Amazon and all good book stores.

The new away kit has come in for a fair amount of stick since it’s release. But could it be worse? Are there sports manufacturers out there capable of producing a more ridiculous kit than the glow-in-the-dark effort we’ve been lumbered with? See for yourselves…

Newcastle United goalkeeper kit – Puma

Goalkeepers often get short changed when it comes to the kit they’re lumbered with. They have to stand out from the rest of the team so you can easily spot them out of the corner of your eye in a congested penalty area.

Most club’s choose illuminous colours, or something that contrasts with the main kit. Newcastle United however decided a horrible brownish colour was the best bet – reminds me of nicotine stained wallpaper in a pub, getting increasingly darker the further up the wall you look.

Aston Villa away – Nike

I know what you’re thinking – ‘That pattern would look lovely on my kitchen floor’.

You’d be right too. That design wouldn’t look out of place on anybody’s kitchen floor. As a football shirt however, I’m not convinced.

Everton goalkeeper kit – Le Coq Sportif

I can only assume the logic behind this truly historic effort was that it camouflages the keeper from oncoming strikers. The Everton keeper can therefore hide until the striker gets right up in front of him, snatch the ball and boot it up the other end of the pitch before the striker realises what’s happened. Clever, but a truly awful kit nonetheless. Probably explains why Andy Lonergan didn’t want to play for them!

Bradford City away – Nike

Clearly what happened here was, Nike had already designed kits for all the good teams and by the time they got to Bradford City they had simply run out of ideas. Since Bradford sell roughly the same amount of kits as Pontefract Collieries, they figured a pink kit wouldn’t damage the reputation of a sportswear giant too much – after all, who will ever see it?

Juventus away – Nike

Someone at Nike clearly likes a touch of pink in their kits. Realising they’d lumbered Bradford City with the same colour, they gave Juventus an enormous star too – just to show they cared.

Brighton away – Errea

I deliberately left Brighton’s kit ’til last just in case it blinded anyone and you were unable to read the rest of the post. Sorry about that.

I hope the above examples have made you realise, it could be worse. Bradford City are a perfect example – already a football club nobody cares about, they’re now wearing pink to try and catch people’s attention.

Preston North End, Leeds United and Andy Lonergan have finally agreed terms to make the highly-rated goalkeeper Simon Grayson’s third addition of the summer.

Lonergan ticks none of Ken Bates and Simon Grayson’s usual boxes in that he was neither free, over 30 and or an unknown player Leeds United fans have to Google.

Leeds United were believed to have been close to a deal with Lonergan earlier in the summer only for it to fall through due to wage demands. Grayson revealed that the former Preston man was always his first choice and that he was delighted to be announcing his arrival.

“Contrary to the speculation we weren’t chasing a lot of goalkeepers, Andy was always my number one choice, and I’m delighted we could bring him here.”

The deal represents good business for Leeds United not only because they’ve got the signature of a highly-rated goalkeeper who was attracting interest from Everton, but also because the rumoured fee was believed to be just £200,000. That means the sale and replacement of Kasper Schmeichel has netted the club somewhere in the region of £800,000.

Preston North End sites are today claiming the deal to take Andy Lonergan to Elland Road could fall through as the club and player struggle to agree personal terms.

It’s claimed a fee for the Preston stopper was agreed on Monday and that he underwent a medical at Thorp Arch the following day.

However, the keeper who Darren Ferguson once said he valued at £20m when fighting off interest from the Premier League has had several wage increases during his 11 years as a professional at Deepdale, meaning Leeds United are now struggling to meet his expectations.

Alleged interest from Coventry City and Everton means Lonergan is unlikely to accept any offer below his own personal valuation and that Leeds United may have to offer much more than originally intended to secure his signature.

Who will be arriving at Elland Road and who will be departing?

January is fast approaching and the transfer rumour mill is going into overdrive. With Leeds in such a good league position we are being linked with a host of Premier League players while some of our own are being linked with moves to top flight clubs.

So which rumours look feasible and which are nothing more than a massive post-Christmas guff?

In

Alan Smith from Newcastle

Many would like to see the return of the prodigal son, for others there are few worse possibilities.

Having been hard pressed for opportunities at Newcastle recently, suggestions have grown that Smith could be making his return to Leeds. There is little doubt that he would be a good acquisition for most Championship teams and he certainly has the ability and desire to tough it out in this league but is he what Leeds really need?

Whether he joined on loan or permanently he would easily be the biggest earner on the books and that can hardly be fair on the players who have scrapped and fought to get us where we are now. Aside from this, the last thing we need – when in such a good position as we are – is a division amongst the fans. Opinion is still divided on Smith, he is loved and loathed in equal measure. If he were to join, the inevitable disapproval would filter through to the players and would do nothing for the rest of our season.

Verdict – Thanks, but no thanks!

Jonathan Woodgate from Tottenham

Another ex-player. Harry Redknapp has openly called him one of the best defenders in the country and the Spurs boss is keen for Woody to get back to full fitness and for that he needs games and a loan spell is seen as the ideal solution. As ‘Arry states, there’s no doubt that, when fit, Woody is a class act – Real Madrid didn’t sign him for nothing!

With Leeds in dire need of a solid defensive unit, a move to the club he started his career at seems an obvious suggestion for Woodgate. However, it’s a well-known fact that successful defences are based around solid and consistent partnerships and if Woodgate is unable to play every game the required partnership is never going to materialise.

The problem with defenders moving mid-season is the time it takes to integrate into the team and with Woody only available on loan it seems much more likely that he’ll head to an injury ravaged team that has no choice but to bring in temporary players – Wolves, West Ham, Sunderland and Blackpool are all more likely destinations.

Verdict – It would be nice if not at all the best move for either party. Either way, very unlikely.

Could Dunne be appearing in a white shirt soon?

Richard Dunne from Aston Villa

Reportedly having been involved in a training ground bust up with Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister, Dunne has been made available for transfer in January. The 31 year old joined Villa from Man City just over a year ago and despite holding the Premier League record (since football was invented in 1992) for the most own goals and most red cards, he’s certainly a quality defender if possibly slightly past his best.

He probably wouldn’t get into a top Premier League team but there’s also little chance of the Irish international dropping down to the Championship. There are a host of Premier League clubs who would take him on, though if reports are to be believed, Celtic looks the most likely destination for Dunne.

Verdict – No chance!

Michael Johnson from Man City

Possibly the most likely of all the rumours is that of Leeds fan and former mercurial midfield maestro, now injury ravaged beer swiller, Michael Johnson making a loan move to Elland Road. Having stated his desire to play for his childhood team and with next to no chance of him breaking into the Man City team in his recent condition it looks like a low risk, convenient move for all parties.

With Kilkenny off to the Asia cup there could be a place for a central midfielder in the Leeds side.

Verdict – Chances look good.

Matt Tubbs from Crawley Town

Who? A non-league striker you say? We had one of those once. Whatever happened to him?

There’s a lot to be said for low risk gambles but do we really need another striker? We have plenty of strikers, two of which could be “the next Jermaine Beckford” – going by the names of Davide Somma and Mike Grella.

Tubbs, 26, has scored 15 league goals this season – heading into his prime as a non-league player.

I thought we were aiming for the Barclays Premier League not the Blue Square Bet Premier League!

Verdict – Not happening.

Could Beckford really be back at Leeds so soon?

Jermaine Beckford from Everton

Has he not hit the 20 goal mark yet? Who would have guessed?

Rumours surfaced that David Moyes was willing to send Beckford back to Leeds on loan to boost his confidence and get the striker firing on all cylinders.

Verdict – A-grade rumour mill nonsense.

Andy O’Brien from Bolton

He came in on loan and immediately proved a calming influence on the back line. He’s the type of experienced player that could be vital should Leeds find themselves in a serious promotion push as the season progresses.

He has spoken out about his limited chances at Bolton and seems to be angling for a permanent move to Elland Road. It’s not yet clear whether his newly discovered ability to pouch goals at vital times (for the wrong side) is going to affect his prospects.

Verdict – An extended loan would be brilliant but as he’s available for free in the summer Bolton could be looking to cash in.

Jason Morrison from Strømsgodset IF

The Jamaican international midfielder has been on trial at Leeds and played in a couple of behind closed door reserve friendlies. He is rumoured to have returned to Jamaica.

Verdict – Maybe not, unless on a short term contract.

Steve Morison from Millwall

He looked excellent at the beginning of the season and is obviously a talent Millwall would be reluctant to lose. However, I’m not sure if this rumour has any serious grounding and a 27 year old striker is probably the last thing we need.

Verdict – Unlikely.

Out

Max Gradel to Wigan/West Brom

The Ivorian has been on top form recently and his performances have reportedly attracted the attention of Premier League clubs Wigan and West Brom.

He’d need a solid season of quality performances before a Premier League club made a move for him. With Gradel being under contract until 2012 hopefully his next taste of top flight football will be with Leeds United.

Verdict – Unless we receive a ludicrous offer I can’t see him leaving.

Would Bradley Johnson be missed?

Bradley Johnson to Stoke/Bolton/Wigan/Rangers/Burnley

Having stalled on a new deal, claiming all he wanted was equality; rumours of Johnson’s exit have been met with indifference by Leeds fans. And though he has responded better than most would have expected with some impressive performances, there are many fans that wouldn’t be too sad to see the back of him.

It’s surprising that so many Premier League clubs are being linked with him with most fans believing his level to be somewhere around League One or Championship.

Verdict – It’s bye-bye Bradley if a decent offer comes in.

Ramon Nunez to be released

The Honduran was signed on a short term deal that expires in January and, despite brief glimmers against Cardiff, he hasn’t made the impact many had hoped.

Verdict –It seems unlikely that he’ll be given a new contract.

Amdy Faye to be released

Like Ramon Nunez, his short term deal is set to expire and he hasn’t made much of an impact.

Verdict – Probably won’t be around for much longer.

Lubo Michalik to Carlisle

He has openly played down his future at Elland Road and is certainly not in Simon Grayson’s plans so would probably be open to a permanent move or possibly an extended loan deal to Carlisle.

Verdict – If Carlisle want to stump up the cash or extend his loan he’ll leave.

I’m sure even more players will be linked with a move to Leeds but hopefully Simon Grayson has some targets in mind to keep our season on the right track.

Millwall and QPR move level top of the Championship with consecutive wins that leave their goal margin at +7 each. It was a case of newly promoted vs newly demoted at the Den, with last years League One play-off winners destroying Hull City 4-0 in one of those games where it’s unfortunate that they both couldn’t lose. Meanwhile, QPR had things rapped up early against our Yorkshire rivals, Sheffield United with all three of their goals coming in the first 23 minutes of the match.

After a poor start to the campaign, Kevin Blackwell has been sacked by Sheffield United after a humiliating home defeat at the hands of former Blades manager, Neil Warnock.

Barnsley also took all three points beating Palace 1-0 thanks to a McCarthy own goal in the first half. Elsewhere, Donny drew 1-1 at home to Bristol and Middlesbrough’s match away to Leicester ended goalless.

An injury time winner from Grant Holt gave Norwich City their first victory of the season over Scunthorpe United, and the only other team to take all three points today was Swansea who battered Preston 4-0.

Outside the Championship, Leeds United youngster Tom Lees scored in Bury’s 2-1 win over Oxford United.

It’s the exotic seaside resort of Blackpool that will be covering the back pages tomorrow though after they started their Premier League campaign by battering Wigan 4-0. The result didn’t flatter Simon Grayson’s former club either, and in truth, they should have scored more! The problem they may have now however is that few teams are going to underestimate them after that game.

Finally, Jermaine Beckford made his début for Everton coming on as a sub with 20 minutes remaining of their 1-0 defeat away at Blackburn. Becks will be disappointed by his first game in the Premier League as he failed to make an impact and barely got a touch of the ball.

It’s off to Nottingham tomorrow for the Whites who currently find themselves alongside opponents Forest in the relegation zone (might be a bit early to be concerned?). A full preview of that match can be found here.