FORMER Wildcats’ team manager Jem Dicken has paid tribute to his 1980s predecessor – the late Neil Street.

The 80-year-old, an ex-rider and pioneer of the revolutionary four-valve conversion, sadly passed away on Thursday at his home in Melbourne, Australia.

He took charge of the Wildcats three decades ago before taking the helm at Poole Pirates, when the Weymouth outfit closed at the end of 1984.

And Dicken remembers him well. He said: “I was a youngster when I first met him and you could not have met a nicer bloke.

“He was always polite and happy to chat to people, and he had a great knowledge of Speedway. I don’t think anyone has put more back into the sport than he has.

“He was a top rider, a top team manager and a top guy all round. It’s really sad that he has passed on.

“A fitting tribute would be if his grandson Jason Crump won the Grand Prix in Poland (tonight).”

Tim Allan, who led the Wildcats in a six-heat battle with Exeter Falcons at Somerset last night, added: “Everyone connected with the Wildcats would like to extend their condolences to Neil’s family and all our thoughts are with them at this very sad time.”

Another man to pay his respects is Poole promoter Matt Ford, who said: “He was one of the great men of speedway and was so knowledgeable about the sport.

“Australian speedway would not be in the rich vein it is right now had it not been for the dedication of Neil.

“On behalf of everyone associated with Poole Speedway I would like to extend our condolences to his family.”