Speed sent text about taking life

Speed, who played for Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United, was found hanged at his Cheshire home on November 27 last year by his wife Louise.

Mrs Speed told the inquest into his death at Warrington Coroner's Court that she had had a text conversation with Speed, 42, just days before he died. The inquest heard he had talked in terms of taking his life but that he "dismissed it", saying that he was "excited" about the future with his wife and two sons.

Mrs Speed said the text referred to their "ups and downs" but went on about "how important the boys were" and about "moving forward".

The inquest heard that the couple "had words" on the night before he was found dead after they had been to a dinner party at a friend's house.

"We walked in the house and we had an exchange of words about something and nothing," Mrs Speed said.

Source: PA

Source: PA

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