As Wales prepare for their historic Euro 2016 semi-final against Portugal tonight, there has been one name mentioned almost as much as star player Gareth Bale.
Former Leeds United star Gary Speed made 85 appearances for Wales as a player and took over management of the national team in 2010. He is credited by many with sowing the seeds of their current success before his untimely death in 2011, aged 42.
His father, Roger Speed is in Lyon for the match and there were emotional scenes last night when he met other Welsh fans.
We're all in tears . Lovely moment pic.twitter.com/JIR4xjqQyQ
— Caroline Barker (@carolinebarker) July 5, 2016
BBC journalist Caroline Barker recorded footage of Wales fans greeting Roger with hugs and chanting both his and his son’s name.
Roger Speed being mobbed by fans in Lyon, hugs, tears, brilliant pic.twitter.com/DzsLFir98X
— Caroline Barker (@carolinebarker) July 5, 2016
“What a reception, he’d have been proud,” Roger told Wales Online.
“We were in the restaurant and I went to the window and all the Welsh fans were singing, they were chanting my name and I was in tears.
“They really are fantastic supporters, the best in the world.”
Here’s a little extra sport. Watch the latest BallTalk for the best sports chat and analysis: Euro 2016 – Can Wales win Euro 2016?
