Richardson, a millionaire businessman and self-styled benefactor of the ailing club, was a major shareholder of the club at the time of the fire on 29 June 1995.

Ken Ricahrdson: Four years for arson

At his trial in January, the court was told he had paid £10,000 to a former SAS soldier working as a private investigator to burn down the Bellevue ground.

The fire caused £100,000 worth of damage to the roof and seats of the main stand.

The following evening, the hired arsonist, Alan Kristiansen, left a message on Richardson's answering machine saying: "The job's been done."

The prosecution was unable to establish a motive for the attack although financial gain was suggested as a motive.

Richardson had been involved in unsuccessful talks to sell the lease of the ground to Doncaster Council so that a new stadium could be built.

But the club's former owner denied the accusations, saying he would not have destroyed the club he loved.