TRIBUTES continue to pour in for former Swindon Robins speedway rider Lee Richard-son, who died on Sunday.

Friday night will be steeped in emotion as Swindon Robins travel to Lakeside in the Elite League, the side Richardson was the captain of.

The Lakeside Hammers have passed on their thanks to the speedway world for the countless kind messages and offers of support to Lee Richardson’s family following his fatal on-track crash in Poland.

After consultation with the Richardson family, Lakeside will be setting up a support fund for Lee’s wife and three children.

The Robins will also be doing their part, with Swindon team manager Alun Rossiter organising a charity darts match which will include world number two Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis and Justin Pipe.

Alun said: “Friday night is going to be a tough one.

“There is going to be a lot of emotion still.

“I am hoping a lot of fans will be there. It seems like there will be a lot of fans coming from other teams to pay their respects which will be fantastic.”

Fans attending this Friday’s home meeting can sign a book of condolence plus leave floral tributes and donations at a specially prepared area in the Tavern Parade, which will include Lee’s bike. A collection for his wife, Emma, and his boys will be taken during the meeting.

Hammers co-promoter Jon Cook said: “There is so much shock and grief in the speedway world at the loss of Lee that we have to turn that into something positive, and we can do no better than helping to financially support Emma and the boys.

“We can all grieve alone in our different towns or countries but we are better off together, as I know our fans will also want to be on Friday.

“Hopefully all clubs all over the world will join with us in helping to make their future a little more secure. It’s the best way we can honour such a lovely man.”

Tributes have poured in from everyone involved in the sport, including Sky Sport’s Nigel Pearson, who said: “Lee Richardson was a fantastic rider. However, above and beyond that, he was also a really nice guy.”

As well as the collection and the darts night, wristbands are being created in the rider’s colours, black with white writing reading #RICO. A special memorial day is also being planned for September 28 at Lakeside.

In the next few days online donations will be possible via a link on the Hammers website. And from today, cheques, made payable to Emma Richardson, can be sent to Gerald Richter, The Speedway Office, Lakeside Hammers Speedway, Arena Essex Raceway, A1306 Arterial Road, Thurrock, Essex RM19 1AE.

Full details of the charity darts night will be announced when they a date has been set.