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Wales football manager Gary Speed has died at the age of 42.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has told the BBC it appears Speed, the national manager for nearly a year, killed himself.

Cheshire Police confirmed he was found dead on 07:08 GMT at his home in Huntington, Chester. They said there were no suspicious circumstances.

First Minister Carwyn Jones called it "devastating news" and said he was deeply saddened

He said: "Our thoughts are with his family at what must be a very difficult time for them."

The FAW said; "We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family.

"We ask that everyone respects the family's privacy at this very sad time."

In a statement, Cheshire Police said: "At 7.08am on Sunday 27th November Cheshire police was informed of a sudden death at an address in Huntington in Chester.

"Officers went to the scene where a 42-year-old man was found dead.

"The next of kin have been informed and have confirmed the identity of the man as Gary Speed.

85 caps

"There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and the family have requested that they are left in peace to grieve at this difficult time.

Police said a family tribute will be issued later.

Speed, born in Mancot, Flintshire, took over the Wales job in December 2010, and earlier this month, said the side's rapid improvement had exceeded all expectations.

A 4-1 friendly win over Norway represented a third successive win for Wales, and Speed's fifth in 10 games as manager.

At the time, he said: "We've progressed further than I'd have thought in this space of time but we've still got a lot of work to do."

'Stunned and saddened'

Speed won 85 caps for his country during a 14-year international career.

He was given the top job in Welsh football despite only having four months managerial experience.

Speed began his playing career at Leeds United after coming through the trainee ranks, and was part of the side that won the last Football League title in 1992, before the introduction of the Premier League.

A Leeds spokesman said the club was "stunned and saddened" by the news.

He was handed his Wales debut as a 20-year-old in the 1-0 friendly win over Costa Rica in May 1990.

He left Leeds in 1996 after 312 appearances to join Everton - who he went on to captain - in a £3.5m move.

Newcastle followed, in a £5.5m switch in 1998. During his six years with the Magpies, he suffered two FA Cup final defeats, but enjoyed a taste of Champions League football.

He then spent four years with Bolton Wanderers after agreeing a £750,000 move.

Speed became the first player to reach 500 Premier League appearances.

He retired from international duty in 2004, having scored seven goals and captaining his country 44 times.

Speed's final appearance came in 3-2 World Cup qualifying defeat by Poland in October 2004.

His tally of 85 caps is a record for an outfield player.

Former Wales international Dean Saunders: "I just can't believe it, I spoke to him last week, I roomed with him all the way through our careers with Wales, I can't get my head round it. I knew him really well and he was always level-headed, I never saw him down in the dumps. He was so fit as well, he was one of those who stayed behind after training doing press ups and sit ups."

Former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage on Twitter: "He was upbeat on phone yesterday we were laughing together, talking football and dancing he was a great teammate and a great friend"

StayDead wrote:RIP. I feel sorry for his family/kids. It must be awful for them.

Steve wrote:

StayDead wrote:RIP. I feel sorry for his family/kids. It must be awful for them.

Tool.