'Never forgotten' - Leeds United captain Liam Cooper leads tributes to Gary Speed on anniversary of death

Leeds United captain Liam Cooper has led tributes to Whites midfield hero Gary Speed nine years after his death.

Speed, who spent eight years as a professional at Elland Road having graduated from the academy ranks, was part of the 1992 First Division title-winning side under Howard Wilkinson in LS11.

Here, fans and former players pay tribute to the football legend on the anniversary of his death:

@LiamCooper6 Nine tears since Gary Speed left us, gone but never forgotten. If you do feel down please speak to someone, we can get through anything together. @mindcharity @andysmanclubuk #LUFC #RIPSpeedo

@JohnHartson10 Gary Speed.. 9 years today, gone but not forgotten.

@EFL Remembering the great Gary Speed, nine years on from his tragic passing. Always in our hearts.

@MrPaulRobinson Go on, Gary Speed, get one yourself son #lufc

@DebbieFishman08 Gone but never forgotten, 9 years ago today we tragically lost #LUFC legend Gary Speed. Thoughts are with his friends and family.

@LUFCHistory On This Day 2011. Leeds United and the footballing world lost the great Gary Speed. A gentleman, a champion and a legend of Elland Road.

@RITGK We miss you Gary Speed. Always in our thoughts.

@ABetterGoal 291 starts, 21 subs, 57 goals, second highest scorer for Leeds in the league cup, captained the side on only one occasion... there will only ever be one Gary Speed... in our thoughts today. #LUFC #GarySpeed #GetOneYourselfSon

@SmithLeedsUtd Nine years since you passed away, so why does it still feel like yesterday, we will never forget that fateful day, in our hearts, you will always stay. Rest in peace Speedo Never ever forgotten special legend, sleep well.

@YeboahBelieveIt Gone but never forgotten. RIP Gary Speed #lufc

@TSSLUFC Such a shame #EFC v #LUFC will be played in an empty stadium, I'm sure both sets of fans would have used the occasion to pay tribute to a former hero.