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What Everton meant to Gary Speed

Anticipating an emotional Everton tribute for Gary Speed before Sunday's kick-off, and from Evertonians during the game against Stoke City, Barry Horne recalls what Everton meant to the former player and fan; also, Speed's reaction when he heard David Moyes considered signing him in 2004.

He was the boyhood Blue, who lived his childhood dream. Speed became a proud Everton captain, marked his debut season with a number of crucial goals and his outstanding performances saw him named the club's Player of the Year.

?It is a great shame that there was uncertainty and misinformation surrounding his departure that made things unpleasant,' said Barry Horne, the former Everton midfielder and long-time friend of Speed.

David Moyes considered signing Speed in the summer of 2004 but his interest was not made clear to the Welshman until after he had joined Bolton.

"The flak I've had in the past wouldn't have made any difference to my decision," Speed said in an interview in December 2005. "I haven't reacted at all to the flak and people can read into that what they like. That wouldn't have influenced my decision at all.

"Would I have considered Everton if I'd heard earlier? God, yes! Obviously I'd have considered it. In those situations sentiment goes out of the window. When I first signed for Everton from Leeds I said then I didn't sign for Everton because I'm an Everton fan.

"I signed for Everton (in 1996) because they were a great club and I wanted to be successful. If I was coming from Newcastle and Everton were interested again, obviously it would be a privilege and an honour to be linked. The only time I'm not an Evertonian is in the 90 minutes I play against them."

Quotes or other material sourced from Daily Mail

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