Panthers manager: Richardson was one of the nicest guys in speedway

PANTHERS bosstrevor Swales has issued a moving tribute to the late Lee Richardson.

The leading British rider died from injuries sustained in a crash while racing in Poland on Sunday at the age of 33.

Richardson rode as Panthers’ number one back in the 2004 season. It was Swales’ first campaign in charge of the city club and he has fond memories of ‘a top bloke and a top rider’.

Swales said: “Lee is one of the nicest - if not the nicest - guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.

“I got quite close to Lee from being his team manager here back in 2004. I’ve thought of nothing else since hearing the horrendous news on Sunday night.

“We all know the risks that our sport carries. Riders put their lives on the line every time they go out onto a track, but this is still so tough to comprehend.

“We raced against Lee at Lakeside on Friday and then on Sunday he was taken away. It is so unfair and it has left me feeling incredibly numb.

“It is going to be very hard for everyone in speedway to come to terms with his loss. The whole speedway fraternity has to pull together and help his lovely young family in any way we possibly can.”

Richardson skippered the Lakeside Hammers to success over Panthers in an Elite League fixture on Friday. He also rode for Reading, Poole, King’s Lynn, Coventry, Swindon and Eastbourne in this country during a distinguished career.

He was the Elite League Riders’ Champion of 2003 and the leading British pointsscorer in Speedway World Cup competition.

TRAGIC DEATH: Former Panthers rider Lee Richardson.