MATT Ford last night paid an emotional tribute to former Pirates star Lee Richardson, who was killed in a track crash in Poland yesterday.

The 33-year-old British star died in hospital in Wroclaw last night after a horrific accident while riding for PGE Marma Rzeszow yesterday.

Richardson was thrown from his bike head-first into a solid fence while racing down the back straight at Wroclaw.

The star suffered a leg injury, internal bleeding and breathing difficulties and was pronounced dead at around 8pm last night.

Richardson, who leaves wife Emma and three children, starred for Pirates in 1996 and 1999, as well as riding for Great Britain under current Poole manager Neil Middleditch.

Pirates chief Ford told the Echo: “ The news came as a complete shock.

“Lee was the first rider I signed after buying the club in 1999 and we bought him from Reading.

“He had an exceptional first year in the Elite League and achieved a seven-and-a-half point average.

“He really showed just what a talent he was going to be.

“Middlo was very close to Lee, as was John Davis, who was probably the biggest influence in Lee’s career.

“John was always in touch with Lee and it’s an awful time for everyone in the sport.

“This is one of those days when I wish I wasn’t involved in the sport, if I’m honest.

“I had nothing but respect for Lee. We worked together a lot and never had a cross word. He was a true professional and a gentleman.

“He was one of those riders people hated racing against because he could beat anyone.

“In the World Cup, for Middlo, he had the capability of just rocking up and beating the best riders in the world. He was right up there with them.”

Richardson was due to ride at Wimborne Road for Lakeside Hammers on Wednesday.

Ford was last night unsure if the clash would be postponed and insisted Pirates would support the Essex club’s decision on whether to race or not.

The Poole promoter added: “Just talking about Lee in the past tense is simply awful and I cannot put into words the sadness we all feel at the club.

“I feel dreadfully sorry for Lee’s family, Lakeside Speedway and everyone who knew him.

“Our thoughts are with his wife and children.

“He had a young family and it is just an incredibly sad day for them, his friends, speedway and British speedway in particular.”