Tributes paid to popular football and speedway journalist

Tributes have been pouring in for a popular West Norfolk commentator who covered football and speedway for more than 40 years.Edwin Overland, the long-time announcer at King’s Lynn Speedway, died over the weekend having covered the fortunes of the Stars for many years.A statement from the King’s Lynn Stars read: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former long-serving announcer Edwin Overland.”Edwin had one of the most recognisable and authoritative voices in the sport, and he gave lengthy service to both the Stars and Peterborough – always maintaining 100 per cent professionalism earning him full respect among supporters of both clubs.”As a football commentator, he joined BBC Radio Cambridgeshire in 1982 and spent 40 years as the voice of Peterborough United, covering some of Posh’s most memorable moments.”In speedway, he was the trusted box announcer for all of the FIM major events which took place at the Adrian Flux Arena as well as the Stars’ domestic fixtures. “He retired from football in 2022 but completed a final speedway season at both King’s Lynn and Peterborough, and although he then stood down to look after his health, he made a one-off return to call the final race at the East of England Arena last October.”Very sadly Edwin passed away over the weekend and we send our condolences to his family and friends. He was a superb operator but above all a gentleman, and we will miss him.” Mr Overland trained as a teacher and spent 23 years as a deputy head teacher, at Leverington Primary School in Cambridgeshire.While working in education, he started commentating on football matches for emerging video companies.He also had a market gardening business at Terrington St John, where he lived. Although he retired from football commentary in 2022, Mr Overland continued with his speedway work covering King’s Lynn Stars for BBC Radio Norfolk and Peterborough Panthers for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.Gavin Caney, columnist for our sister paper Your Local Paper, said: “Edwin Overland. The word legend will never do him justice.”A voice of football and speedway in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.”The best in the business, a voice like silk and a gentleman to boot. A pleasure to know and have worked with him. RIP.” The Pride of the East, the unofficial King’s Lynn Stars Podcast, added: “We all extend our condolences to friends and family of Edwin Overland.”He was the voice of speedway for all of us for such a long period at King’s Lynn Stars and we’ve missed hearing his dulcet tones over the tannoy. RIP Edwin, you will be missed.”