Source: Liverpool_Echo
Former EFC star Gary Speed relishes clash with his other ex-club Newcastle United
FOR A boyhood Evertonian there can be few greater moments than running out at Goodison Park wearing the captain's armband of your beloved Blues.[LNB]Gary Speed lived that dream during an eventful two-season spell in Merseyside which saw him depart eventually for Newcastle United.[LNB]But while Welshman Speed went on to spend six years in the black and white of Everton's opponents this Saturday, the Toffees retained the spot closest to his heart in terms of football allegiance.[LNB]Even a soured ending to his spell in royal blue, when Speed left Goodison after he declined to play for the club at West Ham and famously said he felt unable to explain the real reasons behind his desire to leave, could not taint his affection for Everton.[LNB] Now manager of Sheffield United, Speed described Saturday's game between Everton and Newcastle as a 'special fixture' and admits he is looking forward to seeing how it pans out.[LNB]The MBE holder admitted Everton's result is still the first he looks out for and that he is full of admiration for the progress David Moyes has overseen at Goodison Park.[LNB]'David Moyes has done an exceptional job at Everton,' says Speed, who scored 15 goals in 58 appearances for the Blues.[LNB]'Despite difficult circumstances he competes with the top clubs in the Premier League year in year out with a budget that is much smaller than a lot of the big clubs.[LNB]'It is no surprise that he has won manager of the year on numerous occasions.[LNB]'Newcastle are a similar club to Everton in that you are always made to feel very welcome. It is always a special fixture between Everton and Newcastle, particularly for me.'[LNB]Speed says his move to Everton was the culmination of a lifelong ambition and that captaining the side was his favourite memory.[LNB]The Blades boss also notched the only hat-trick of his long and illustrious career while in Everton colours.
