Lance Hardy: Tributes paid to former BBC Sport editor and producer

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Lance Hardy, a former BBC Sport editor and producer, was also a highly successful author.

Lance Hardy, a former editor and producer at BBC Sport, has been remembered. He was 53 years old.

Hardy joined BBC in 1990. He rose up the ranks and worked across many sports before settling on football.

He was the England men’s team producer at many major tournaments, and was an early champion for women's soccer.

Hardy's extensive knowledge of British football was invaluable as a creative filmmaker for Football Focus, and later as an editor for Final Score. Hardy left the BBC in 2011.

Hardy's TV career continued in the UK and New Zealand and he became a successful author.

Barbara Slater is the director of BBC Sport. She said that Lance was a very popular figure in broadcasting sports, where he did great work across a wide range of outputs.

"He made friends everywhere he went through his incredible likeability, and so many people are grieving for him." We offer our condolences to his family, and to all of those who were close to him.

His former colleagues, including BBC presenters Gary Lineker and Gabby Logan, as well as Mark Lawrenson, a BBC pundit, have paid tribute to him via social media.

Lineker stated: "Sad to learn that Lance Hardy has passed away too soon. A talented editor and producer for BBC Sport, and a wonderful man. "RIP Lance."

Logan stated that it was very disappointing to hear about Lance Hardy's death. He was passionate about women's soccer and promoted it on the BBC. Prayers and thoughts to his family and friends.

Lawrenson added: "Yet more one of the great guys who has left us far to early. "RIP Buddy."

Walker tweeted: "Very saddened to hear about Lance Hardy's passing. I had the privilege of working with him many years ago on Final Score. He was a top-female who loved the game.