Clubs pay tribute to Gary Speed
leedsunited.com 14/8/13
Gary Speed's parents were guests of honour at friendly at Colwyn Bay....
The parents of Gary Speed were guests of honour at Colwyn Bay for an emotional presentation on Tuesday evening.
Roger and Carol Speed were introduced to both teams ahead of the 1-1 draw and a special presentation took place between Neil Redfearn and the parents of our former title winning star.
“It was a really nice moment,” said Neil. “It was nice to meet his mum and dad and see them at the game, given everything that Gary and his memory stands for at our football club.
“It was an honour for our young players to meet them, and they, like all of us, have an affection for Gary and everything he stood for.”
Alex Mowatt scored a stunning equaliser to earn the Under-21s a draw at Colwyn Bay in their final pre-season outing.
A draw was no less than United’s young professionals deserved – after falling behind to an unfortunate own goal from Lewie Coyle with just 10 minutes remaining – but the impressive Mowatt curled home a free-kick in the final minute to ensure honours ended even.
It had been a good, competitive workout for Neil Redfearn’s team of youngsters, who had controlled the game and dominated in terms of chances.
Luke Parkin had been denied by a fantastic save, Ross Killock hit the upright, and Tyler Denton sent a shot skimming just over the bar, and all those coming before half-time.
The home side, who are managed by former Burnley duo Frank Sinclair and Ady Akinbyi and included Pascal Chimbonda in the starting line-up, were industrious and competitive, but their only real chance of note came in the second period when Alex Cairns had to react well to make a good block.
Their opener was against the run of play when a cross was driven into the box and the unfortunate Coyle turned it home.
But Redfearn’s side were rewarded in the final moments when Mowatt curled a wonderful free-kick into the top corner, leaving the home goalkeeper with no chance.
The youngster clearly enjoyed his goal, and the sizeable Leeds contingent enjoyed the celebrations.
Development Squad coach Neil Redfearn was pleased with the evening and he said: “It was a good game and a tough game. It was a good test in front of a good crowd, and they are a decent side with some experienced players.
“I thought we played really well and were controlled in what we did. Their goal was against the run of play and we would have been unlucky to lose, particularly like that, but what a goal at the end for us.
"Alex is in real good form, and it was a great goal.”
Roger and Carol Speed were introduced to both teams ahead of the 1-1 draw and a special presentation took place between Neil Redfearn and the parents of our former title winning star.
“It was a really nice moment,” said Neil. “It was nice to meet his mum and dad and see them at the game, given everything that Gary and his memory stands for at our football club.
“It was an honour for our young players to meet them, and they, like all of us, have an affection for Gary and everything he stood for.”
Alex Mowatt scored a stunning equaliser to earn the Under-21s a draw at Colwyn Bay in their final pre-season outing.
A draw was no less than United’s young professionals deserved – after falling behind to an unfortunate own goal from Lewie Coyle with just 10 minutes remaining – but the impressive Mowatt curled home a free-kick in the final minute to ensure honours ended even.
It had been a good, competitive workout for Neil Redfearn’s team of youngsters, who had controlled the game and dominated in terms of chances.
Luke Parkin had been denied by a fantastic save, Ross Killock hit the upright, and Tyler Denton sent a shot skimming just over the bar, and all those coming before half-time.
The home side, who are managed by former Burnley duo Frank Sinclair and Ady Akinbyi and included Pascal Chimbonda in the starting line-up, were industrious and competitive, but their only real chance of note came in the second period when Alex Cairns had to react well to make a good block.
Their opener was against the run of play when a cross was driven into the box and the unfortunate Coyle turned it home.
But Redfearn’s side were rewarded in the final moments when Mowatt curled a wonderful free-kick into the top corner, leaving the home goalkeeper with no chance.
The youngster clearly enjoyed his goal, and the sizeable Leeds contingent enjoyed the celebrations.
Development Squad coach Neil Redfearn was pleased with the evening and he said: “It was a good game and a tough game. It was a good test in front of a good crowd, and they are a decent side with some experienced players.
“I thought we played really well and were controlled in what we did. Their goal was against the run of play and we would have been unlucky to lose, particularly like that, but what a goal at the end for us.
"Alex is in real good form, and it was a great goal.”
