Gary Speed Remembered As Memorial Talking Bench Unveiled

Everton's first talking bench was unveiled at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, a lasting tribute to Gary Speed, one of the Club's most admired former players.

Gary's mother Carol, former teammate and Everton ambassador Graham Stuart, David Wycherley, Vice Chair of the Everton Fans’ Forum who proposed the idea of the bench, and Michael McCarthy of Newcastle's Fan Advisory Board were all present as Everton supporters visited the bench for the first time.

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.

Everton’s bench, dedicated in honour of Speed and with the full blessing of his family, bears the message:

“IN MEMORY OF GARY SPEED, EVERTONIAN, CAPTAIN, LEADER 1969–2011.

A place for what is often unspoken. A place to sit, share and listen."

Wycherley explained the motivation behind the idea.

 "We wanted to create a bench in Gary's memory," he said. "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. Hopefully it will remind people to slow down, to check in with each other and to talk and just ask that extra question about how people are getting on in life. But also to listen as well. Sometimes it's just as important to be that listening ear for the people around you."

Stuart added: "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 and credit to the Fans' Forum. There will be trained mental health staff available at the bench and every matchday moving forward they will be around as a support system so that if anybody does feel the need to speak, or learn about the support available, they can."

Despite the wet weather a large number of supporters quickly congregated around the bench.

Among them was Sam - a 22-year-old participant on Everton in the Community’s Imagine Your Goals programme. Sam credits EitC’s support with helping him through depression and social isolation. Sam recently told his story to Blues defender James Tarkowski on World Mental Health Day, explaining the camaraderie he has found through the programme has “given him a purpose in life”.

The bench was opened before the visit of Newcastle United, who Gary also represented with distinction. It includes information signposting members of the public to professional mental health support services and crisis resources. 

As part of the Club’s commitment to the Premier League’s ‘Together Against Suicide’ pilot scheme, trained Everton in the Community staff will be based in the area around the bench before every home fixture. Supporters who wish to talk, seek support, or learn more about the services available will be able to approach staff confidentially and without appointment.