Tributes paid to former BBC commentator who devoted his life to King's Lynn Speedway as well as Peterborough United and Peterborough Panthers

Gavin Caney joins many others by paying homage to Edwin Overland in his latest Your Local Paper column.

I’ve already paid tribute to Edwin Overland in this column.

On more than one occasion, I’ve waxed lyrical about his qualities as a commentator, announcer and servant to football, speedway and broadcasting in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

I can’t just republish those words which take even deeper meaning now that the great man – one of life’s true gents – has passed away at the age of 81. To many, he is the voice of King’s Lynn Stars, Peterborough Panthers and Peterborough United. To so many others, he is a beloved friend, family member, colleague, former teacher and much more to boot.

The word legend will never do him justice. The best in the business, with a voice like silk; it was an honour to know and have worked with him. And the avalanche of tributes that have been paid says it all. Here are some of the finest:

Phil Daley (BBC Radio Norfolk and Look East): Edwin wasn’t just a brilliant broadcaster, he was also a great man. After working with him and learning lots, I’m pleased and proud to call him a friend. He was one of a kind. Rest well Edwin.

Peter Oakes (Speedway journalist and sports writer): There was only one Edwin Overland. A radio giant in two sports who would have become a national figure had he not been devoted to teaching. But above all else, he was such a wonderful person.

Nathan Hollands (former King’s Lynn Stars health and safety officer): You shall always be special in my heart and to a million more. Your softly spoken words have held generations and made nations listen to your verse. You have gained friendship, you have gained respect, you have given love, you have given yourself. I am proud to have known you as a friend and colleague and as the voice that shall never be forgotten.

Sleep well and until we meet again, please keep that ringside seat warm for me and I shall join you at the circus.

Chris Goreham (BBC Radio Norfolk breakfast show host and Norwich City commentator): Incredibly sad to hear the news that Edwin Overland has died. A brilliant bloke and a great enthusiast for speedway and football.

So many happy memories of working with and chatting to him over the years.

Neil Oxbury (King’s Lynn Stars fan): His passion for speedway was only matched by that wonderful voice – radio royalty.

John Smith (Wolves speedway fan): The best speedway announcer by far.

Forget the fact two of the three wins have come against the league’s bottom side.

The King’s Lynn Stars deserve huge credit for the resilience they have shown in chalking up a trio of successive Premiership victories in a row – the latest of which came at home to Birmingham Brummies last week.

With number one Tobiasz Musielak’s injury-hit spell at the Adrian Flux Arena coming to a close after he withdrew from the team and a season-ending crash for Nicolai Klindt, on top of other 2024 problems, Lynn’s season could have imploded.

In recent years it has, but Rob Lyon’s side have still been shining despite the adversity and it’s truly heartwarming to see.

Jan Kvech and Benjamin Basso were outstanding but there were several contributions elsewhere in the 57-33 triumph.

The run required to make a charge for the play-offs might prove too difficult to pull off, but at least the Stars are making a serious fist of it and putting smiles on fans’ faces.

He has attracted an army of fans, and detractors, throughout one of the finest Formula 1 careers of all time.

But even those who despise him will agree that his ability as a driver will stand the test of time.

As he completes his final season with Mercedes in something akin to a year-long victory lap, Lewis Hamilton pulled off a triumph that felt even more fitting than usual.

For the first time since 2021, the British legend crossed the line first.

To make it even more special, it came at his home Grand Prix at Silverstone.

There were certainly tears being held back in his helmet while the emotions were no doubt pretty similar in the paddock, on the terraces and among those watching on TV screens around the country.

Many thought they’d never see him win for a ninth time at the home of British motorsport. And certainly not outside of the red of Ferrari, who he will join next season. But the seven-time world champion proved everyone wrong.

His name will forever be in the record books but Sunday’s success chalked up another honour; his ninth win in Northamptonshire meant he became the driver with the most triumphs at a single circuit.

It was a fairytale finale in front of 164,000 fans, so many of whom will have been waving their Union Jack flags proudly on what proved to be a great weekend for English sport.