OXFORD Speedway legend Gordon Kennett has died at the age of 70.

The former world number two represented a series of clubs during a near 25-year career, including a successful spell with the Oxford Rebels.

Kennett learnt his trade with Eastbourne and made his Eagles debut in 1970.

He then joined the Rebels in 1973 and along with Norwegian star Dag Lovaas, he led Oxford to their most successful year for a decade in 1975, as the team finished seventh in a competitive British League and won the Midland Cup.

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After the near closure of Oxford Stadium, the Rebels team moved en bloc to White City in London, in 1976, while Oxford Cheetahs were reborn in the second tier.

Kennett led White City to the British League title in 1977, while he finished a brilliant second in the 1978 World Final at Wembley, just a point behind Ole Olsen.

He also won the World Pairs for England in 1978, alongside Malcolm Simmons, to edge out New Zealand.

Kennett retired after a stint with Wolverhampton and was most recently manager for the nomadic Cheetahs before their full-time return to Sandy Lane last year.

He took charge of the Cheetahs and won the three-legged Cliff Peasley Memorial Trophy by one point in 2021.

British Speedway paid tribute to Kennett, saying in a statement: “British Speedway sends our condolences and best wishes to Gordon’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

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