Town striker Michael Chopra has paid tribute to his former Newcastle United team-mate Gary Speed, whose death at 42 was announced earlier today.

Chopra tweeted: “RIP Gary Speed thoughts are with your family. Proud to have known and played with such a great guy in Speedo - #totallydevastated.”

Several other current members of the Blues squad have similarly paid their respects, keeper David Stockdale, a fan of the Leeds side which Speed helped to the 1992 Football League title, amongst them: “Sad news today. Leeds legend and sadly missed. Watched him at Elland Road a lot. Thoughts are with his family and friends. “

Former Blue Titus Bramble, like Chopra a team-mate of the Wales manager at St James’ Park, also paid tribute: “RIP Gary Speed. I'm in total shock. One of the greatest guys I've worked with in football. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Ex-Town skipper Jason De Vos added: "Condolences to the Speed family. Gary was a tough opponent, a top pro, and as down-to-earth as you get. Sad loss for football."

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

Sindre94 added 14:27 - Nov 27 Rest in peace Gary Speed! As a Norwegian I respect you highly, a football gentleman. Condolances to family and friends<3
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BlueITFC added 14:28 - Nov 27 RIP Gary Speed. Thoughts are with his family
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Lightningboy added 14:57 - Nov 27 RIP Gary...totally shocked & stunned...after a slow start he'd really turned the Welsh team around and we looked like we were finally going places under him...really upsetting news...my thoughts go out to his family & friends. RIP X.
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awayfan added 15:00 - Nov 27 RIP Gary Speed. Someone I looked up to for the way he conducted himself as a player, a manager and a man. Sincere condolences to his family.
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Ipswich24 added 15:10 - Nov 27 RIP Gary Speed I remember growing up watching him play for Leeds Everton and Newcastle a great professional and a very proud man
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ITFC4daprem added 15:13 - Nov 27 RIP never saw this coming wonder how Collins will of reacted
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MarkITFC added 15:16 - Nov 27 RIP Gary
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irishtim added 15:24 - Nov 27 un real shocked dont kno wat to say. Great player r.i.p
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bluelady added 15:24 - Nov 27 Puts all into perspective doesnt it.....a massive loss to both football and the world in general a charming guy who was a great inspiration
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Lovetown added 15:54 - Nov 27 I'm so sad to here that! Suicide, it makes you think doesn't it about what pressure managers are under! It's surprising to say the least! He seemed like such a nice guy! Rest in piece Gary. My thoughts are with his family and people close to him x
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CornardBlue added 16:20 - Nov 27 RIP Gary a true gentleman.
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Tractamatt added 16:21 - Nov 27 A true gent, a great player my thoughts are with your freinds and family.This brings so much into perspective.
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potter84 added 16:44 - Nov 27 I'm in shock as is everyone. RIP great man I always admired ur style in football sad sad loss for all.
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Bluewelshman added 17:55 - Nov 27 Rest in peace Gary. Shocked is not the word...dumfounded and amazingly saddened by the tragic death of a Welsh football legend and hero. All of my thoughts are with the family at this time.
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evansblue added 18:04 - Nov 27 Gary Speed was really starting to turn things round for wales and recent results had been excellent. A sad loss to football. My thoughs are with his family and friends. RIP Gary Speed
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jert16 added 18:06 - Nov 27 Crazy news.. RIP, fantastic player, great competitor!
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Dissboyitfc added 18:35 - Nov 27 absolutely shocked, it certainly puts things into perspective.... a very sad loss....RIP
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broomfield123 added 18:50 - Nov 27 Many people in the world of football could learn a few things from speed in how to conduct themselves both on and of the pitch. Football means nowt in these situations
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dannysigma added 18:51 - Nov 27 As a Welshman, a football fan and a human being I am shocked and saddened beyond both words and belief. RIP Gary.
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tractorgirl56 added 19:06 - Nov 27 i was shocked to hear the news today. my sincere condolences to his family and his close friends. don,t know what to say. r.i.p gary.
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broomfield123 added 19:54 - Nov 27 Just hope and pray that the family get the love, care , support and space they need
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scooterblue added 20:53 - Nov 27 stunned. one of football's true gent's.
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runaround added 21:39 - Nov 27 R.I.P Gary, my thoughts are with your family
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Suffolk_n_Good added 23:04 - Nov 27 Shocked, RIP Gary, thoughts with his family & friends
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Tractastic added 23:28 - Nov 27 Great player and was destined to go on to be a great Wales manager. A huge loss to British football and huge sympathies to his family. I still cant believe it!
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