Tom Graham

Sad news to share as we continue the countdown to tonight’s big Cab Direct Championship clash with Glasgow Tigers at Shielfield Park.

Tom Graham (pictured above. back row, second from the right), a legend of North East speedway, died peacefully on Thursday, aged 85.

Tom had a long association with Newcastle Speedway where his father had been team manager – a job he would later fill with some success – during the halcyon days of the 1960s, in charge of teams involving Ivan Mauger, Anders Michenek and Ole Olsen.

He was part of the consortium which saved Berwick speedway in 1993, joining Mike and Yvette Hope among others to rebuild the club after the financially ruinous Terry Linden years, keeping the sport alive at Berrington Lough and lifting two third tier titles before the Bandits returned to Shielfield Park in 1996.

When Peter Waite took over the reins Tom was back with the Bandits, the highlight of his stint was guiding the side to the Premier Fours title at Coventry in 2002.

A popular and well respected official throughout the speedway world, Tom’s contribution to Berwick speedway will be honoured by a minutes’ applause before tonight’s match.

Everyone at Berwick Speedway sends our love and condolences to Roz, Jo, Jenny and the rest of the Graham family.

Tickets for tonight’s meeting remain on sale until 7.15pm Buy here or you can pay cash at the gate. Accompanied under-16s free