Gary Speed's mum replies to heartwarming story about the Leeds United legend

Nick Coppack said he had not previously shared his experience of the much-loved player because he 'never wanted to make it about me'.

But before telling the story on Twitter on Thursday, Nick said: "I realise now it's just another example of what a genuinely good guy Gary Speed was."

Nick, who now works for BBC Sport, explained that he had travelled to the UK from Australia as a 15-year-old in 1997 having written to various clubs for trials as a goalkeeper.

Everton took a chance on the young hopeful at the time Speed was captain.

Staying with his great aunt and uncle in Chester, it took Nick a train and two buses to even get close to the training ground.

Nick wrote: "Although only 15 I trained with the first-team goalkeepers (Neville Southall and Thomas Myhre) and got changed before and after training in the first-team dressing room. It was a pretty incredible experience!

"Gary Speed was one of the first players to approach me as I got changed after training and took a genuine interest in how and why a kid from Australia had ended up here. We spoke for a good few minutes.

"Unfortunately I had to cut short our conversation on account of needing to make the convoluted journey home. When I told Gary about it he asked where I was heading.

"'Hoole in Chester', I said".

"His reply: 'That's not far from me. I'll give you a lift!'

"So Gary Speed drove me home, dropped me off and then said: 'I'll pick you up in the morning. See you then!'

"Wow."

Nick explained that Speed arrived the next day but had to be invited inside so his great aunt could check out the man who was offering him a lift.

"Gary smiled, agreed and, in the small front room with a cup of tea and the fire on, charmed my great aunt enough to gain her approval and convince her to allow him to drive me to training," Nick added.

"For the rest of that week, Gary picked me up and dropped me off before and after training. On the Wednesday night he dropped me at Liverpool Lime Street instead as I was getting a train down to London to see Oasis at Wembley Arena.

"Coming from Australia, I was woefully under-dressed. Gary noticed, took off his scarf and leather gloves and handed them to me.

"'You'll need these more than I will! Just give them back to me on Friday,' he said (Thursday was a day off).

"On the Friday morning - scarf and gloves safely returned - a report came on the radio claiming Newcastle United were interested in signing Gary Speed. This was awkward/surreal. I looked over at him.

"'That's the first I've heard!' he said.

"Fast forward a few weeks and Speed's making his debut at St James' Park. I'm back in Oz, unsuccessful after my trials but with some great memories and, not least, a huge amount of respect for a man who went out of his way to help a lost kid a long way from home.

"Thanks, Speedo."

The touching story caused an outpouring of emotion for a man who was universally loved, on and off the pitch, not least from his mum, Carol.

In reply to Nick, she wrote: "That story is typical of Gary, he was always so caring and considerate of others. So greatly missed, my boy.

"The replies are amazing Nick, he was loved by so many."