Bob Paulson (speedway rider)

Paulson, born in Basford, Nottingham, began his British leagues career riding for Sheffield Tigers during the 1965 British League season, which was the inaugural season of the new British league.^[2] He made a significant impact, averaging 4.54 and becoming a Sheffield regular in his first season.^[3]

In just his second season he was called up by the England team to represent them against Scotland in an international fixture^[4] and finished the season second in the Sheffield team averages.

He remained a Sheffield rider for his entire career from 1965 to 1974, spending ten seasons with them and becoming the club captain.^[5][6] During his last season with Sheffield he finally won a trophy, helping his team to the 1974 Knockout Cup win.^[7]

On 3 November 1982, Paulson died by suicide (carbon monoxide poisoning). This followed depression caused by the bankruptcy of a company that owed him money for a contract.^[8]