He made his league debut for Leeds on May 6, 1989 in a goalless draw with Oldham at Elland Road in the old Second Division.
Speed went on to play 840 matches and score 134 goals during a career that spanned five clubs - Leeds (312 games, 57 goals), Everton (65, 17), Newcastle (284, 40), Bolton (139, 14) and Sheffield United (40, six).
Speed also excelled at international level where he became Wales' most-capped outfield player (85 games, seven goals).
Only goalkeeper Neville Southall has more caps (92) and the midfielder was recommended for the manager's job by Mark Hughes when he stepped dow in 2004.
He has also become a regular studio presenter and commentator on Sky Sports and makes numerous other television and radio appearances.
Speed is in the process of writing two books. Firstly, his autobiography, and second a collaboration with his business partner Jamil Qureshi on the psychology of achievement in football.
He ran the 2010 London marathon in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, the cancer charity founded by the former England manager.