Everton have announced an emotional addition to their Hill Dickinson Stadium to honour Gary Speed ahead of their Newcastle clash today.
The club legend will receive a Memorial Bench, designed to combat loneliness, in memory of his life and service to the Merseyside club.
It comes as his friends and family approach the anniversary of his death.
Speed died from suicide 14 years ago on Thursday.
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A plaque reads: "In memory of Gary Speed, Evertonian, captain, leader 1969-2011. A place for what is often unspoken. A place to sit, share and listen.”
It will be located on the Budweiser Fan Place.
Speaking on the new addition to the ground, Speed’s former Everton team-mate Neville Southall said: "You would never associate Gary with a bench, because he was a fella who seemed to have everything.
"But in many respects it’s very apt. If you sit there and think everybody else’s life is perfect, you can reflect on a man who was a wonderful footballer and a great manager – but still had his own problems."
Everton have announced an emotional addition to their Hill Dickinson Stadium to honour Gary Speed ahead of their Newcastle clash today
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Dave Wycherley, Vice Chair of the Everton Fans Forum, added: "We wanted to remember Gary Speed in the most constructive way, and we hope this bench becomes a lasting legacy.
"Problems feel lighter when shared, and Everton has always been a club where supporters mix, talk, and escape life’s pressures for a while. Football brings out community at its best, and being outdoors helps those conversations come naturally."
Speed, the former Wales captain whose career spanned more than two decades at the highest level of British football, remains a cherished figure among Everton supporters despite spending only a brief period at Goodison Park.
His influence, professionalism and character left an imprint on the club far greater than the length of his stay.
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Gary Speed arrived at Everton in 1996
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Born in 1969 in Flintshire, Speed rose through the ranks at Leeds United, where he became known for his endurance, aerial prowess and intelligent midfield play.
When he arrived at Everton in 1996, the club was navigating a difficult period, but the Welshman’s impact was immediate.
Within months, he was named captain, a testament to both his stature in the dressing room and his reputation for unfailing commitment.
On the pitch, Speed delivered precisely what Everton required: consistency, work ethic and goals from midfield.
Gary Speed was widely regarded across the game as a gentleman
|GETTY
Widely regarded across the game as a gentleman, he was admired for his humility and generosity as much as for his competitive spirit.
His sudden death in 2011 was deeply felt throughout football, with supporters at Goodison Park paying tribute not only to a former captain but to a man remembered with genuine affection.
The Toffees under David Moyes now face Newcastle in the Premier League, with both sides looking to build on their current good form.
Everton enter this match on the back of two consecutive Premier League victories, while, despite a good home record, Newcastle have struggled on the road this season and is currently searching for its first away league win.
In their previous 32 meetings, Everton holds a slight edge over Newcastle United.
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