The mother of football legend Gary Speed made an emotional visit to Everton's new stadium to see a special 'talking bench' installed in her son's memory.
Carol Speed attended the unveiling on November 29, 2025, exactly 14 years after the former Wales manager tragically took his own life at the age of 42.
A Legacy of Conversation
She was joined by former Everton and Chelsea midfielder Graham Stuart, who played alongside Speed at Goodison Park. The bench, located outside the Hill Dickinson Stadium, was unveiled before Everton's match against Newcastle United - another club Speed represented with distinction.
Talking benches have been introduced across the UK as a simple but powerful way to encourage conversation, tackle loneliness and isolation, and signpost people to mental health support. They offer a space where individuals can pause, speak openly, or simply sit alongside others without judgment.
Starting Important Conversations
Graham Stuart explained the bench's purpose: "Gary's bench is a great opportunity for people to sit down and talk and to discuss things. Even if it's just a general conversation, because all of a sudden you realise that you share the same issues and problems and thought processes. That's the whole idea of the bench."
Trained mental health staff will be available at the bench on every matchday moving forward, providing a support system for anyone who needs to speak or learn about available support services.
Remembering a Football Great
David Wycherley, vice chair of the Everton Fans' Forum who proposed the bench, explained their motivation: "We wanted to create a bench in Gary's memory because his story teaches us a lesson that we can't ignore. He was the strongest of us, a former captain of many of the teams that he played for."
"As we know, football does bring people together. It starts the chat. But often it's the most important words that go unspoken. So our hope is that the bench will be a marker for people and a reminder of Gary's story and what a great man he was."
The plaque on the bench reads: "IN MEMORY OF GARY SPEED, EVERTONIAN, CAPTAIN, LEADER 1969–2011. A place for what is often unspoken. A place to sit, share and listen."
Gary Speed was found dead by his wife Louise at their Huntington home in Chester on November 27, 2011, leaving behind his wife and two young sons. His death sent shockwaves through the football community and sparked important conversations about mental health in sport.
The bench includes information signposting members of the public to professional mental health support services and crisis resources, serving as both a tribute and a practical resource for those struggling with their mental health.
