The last remaining pre-war player of ice hockey heroes the Brighton Tigers has died.

Tributes have been paid to former ice hockey goalminder Nobby Richardson who died at his care home in Steyning aged 90.

The long-standing Tigers player was also trainer and masseur during his 27-year association with the club.

Mr Richardson was one of the few home-grown players to break into the Tigers squad which was dominated by Canadian stars.

His greatest achievement was playing throughout the team’s successful Autumn Cup run in 1946 and he was also on the bench the night the Tigers beat the USSR in 1957.

He joined as a 15-year-old and remained with the Tigers until 1964, a year before the club was disbanded.

He also played for England in 1945 in a match against Sweden.

An all-round sportsman, Mr Richardson was a member of Brighton Swimming Club and swam for the club against Hungary.

After his time at the Tigers he joined the Brighton Corporation and managed the Saltdean Lido and Rottingdean swimming pool throughout the 70s and early 80s.

'Greatest time of his life'

Daughter-in-law Aly Richardson, from Seaford, said: “He always said that the Tigers was the greatest time of his life.

“He was very sad that the Tigers ended and that there isn’t a permanent ice rink in Brighton because it had been such a big part of his life.

“I’m sure watching him and the rest of the Tigers was the highlight of a lot of people’s weekends.

“He was a lovely guy and he had a great sense of humour.”

Brighton Tigers archivist John Denyer said: “Nobby was a smashing fellow, very jovial.

“He did a bit of everything with the Tigers. He practically lived at the |rink.

“The team was dominated by Canadians and it was difficult to get a game – it was like playing football with Brazilians.”

Mr Richardson is survived by his son Andrew, daughter Paula and three grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at the Downs Crematorium in Hartington Road, Brighton, on Monday, November 26.

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