Speed played for Leeds United from 1988 to 1996 winning the 1991–92 Football League First Division. He also played for Everton from 1996 to 1998, Newcastle United from 1998 to 2004, Bolton Wanderers from 2004 to 2008 and Sheffield United from 2008 to 2010. After playing, he managed Sheffield United for a short time in 2010. At the time of his death in 2011, Speed was manager of Wales since 2010.