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The Somerset Thread - Where non Poole fans meet to attack Poole, Poole fans meet to defend Poole and Somerset fans watch on.

you are so far off the mark with that statement you obviously don't know Mr Bickley senior who is probably one of the most switched on guys around the speedway scene, nothing gets passed him let me tell you. If there ever was a young man with excellent advisors/management behind him young Bickley has that to the max in his toolbox.

There are none so blind as those who cannot see

Looks like the fun police are coming out the woodwork. A bit of fun and a few red herrings, so what.

If they change the rules..all teams put together should be null and void and team building should be allowed to start a fresh for everyone....That's the only fair way of doing it. also every riders average assessed or re assessed and open to all teams...not assessed on case by case

There are quite a few riders who didn't exactly think it was a bundle of laughs riding on the same track as Fundin !

infantile behaviour, proved wrong and then 'it was just a joke' . Pathetic actually

Christmas Statement from the Save Coventry Speedway group. WE would like to extend our Season’s Greetings to all supporters of Speedway and Stock Car Racing at Coventry. Our thanks to all who have supported the Campaign Group efforts over the course of the year, and also to everyone who helped organise and supported the Challenge matches run in 2017 with Coventry Bees not running as part of the official league structure. It has been the worst year imaginable for everyone with a love for the sports at Brandon; from the shattering news that ‘agreements’ for future racing were not to be fulfilled, to the eventual omission of Coventry from the 2017 Premiership, to the deterioration in condition of the stadium throughout the year arising from the lack of security on-site by the owners. Brandon Estates bought the stadium for their own purposes, but in doing so they have shown zero regard for the 89-year history and heritage of the iconic venue, nor the fact that regular visits to Brandon to watch these family sports remained a way of life for many thousands of people throughout the season, right up until the end of 2016. In addition, the intransigence of the owners to engage in reasonable communication is a further indication of their motives, along with the material included within their official representations and public exhibition material – much of which is open to serious question. At the Exhibition in October, comments from the public were invited by planning consultants Framptons. We have seen a number of these responses, and the local reaction is clear - but as with the 2014 Exhibition arising from the initial plans, they appear to be a closely-guarded secret at this time. The display boards also indicated that an outline planning application would be submitted in Autumn 2017. At the time of writing, this has not taken place. We do not know the reason for that, but we can assure Brandon Estates – and their front-man, Monaco-based businessman John Downer – that as soon as their planning application is submitted, we will be ready with strong opposition. They must understand that they cannot simply take two major sports away from the region – sports which were both perfectly viable running in tandem at the stadium – merely on an outrageous speculative bid for development on land which had not been earmarked for that purpose, and expect everyone to sit back and let it happen. Our Campaign Group came together in its present form in the immediate aftermath of Coventry’s exclusion from the 2017 SGB Premiership, and our primary aim was to bring about a return to racing at the stadium for 2018 as well as establishing plans for the long-term continuation of both sports in the area. In those respects, we have regrettably been unsuccessful. The sheer depth of issues to be considered and resolved arising from the activities of recent years has been eye-opening in the extreme, and we have to respect the fact that the timescales of official business are sometimes longer than we would wish for. We believe there is tremendous momentum behind our campaign and overwhelming opposition to Brandon Estates' proposals. So our work will go on into 2018, and there are various events and hearings in the early part of the New Year which will play a vital part in matters going forward. Finally, we must emphasise to all who pass comment on the situation, often on social media, that the status of Brandon Stadium remains absolutely fundamental to the entire argument, and an acceptance that it has been lost to sport permanently is simply not an option. We wish every supporter of Speedway and Stock Car Racing a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and we hope 2018 provides some encouragement to everyone who wishes to see our two famous sports restored to their rightful place.

Yeah coz I heard promoters and managers scout rider availability on the speedway forum, other promoters would of known he had signed for redcar, if they were seriously interested in jonas, they’d of contacted him directly where he would of told them he was at redcar, don’t think promoters would trust a username on a public forum, plus I know the redcar promoter, I was stood talking to him last night at redcar racenight and he didn’t say what I done was wrong, infact he had a little laugh about it, like it has been said by cheekycobra, Ben Barker posted on Facebook at the start of last season he didn’t have a speedway team but he had already signed for redcar at the time, is he also in the wrong? as other promoters would of seen that and thought he was free to approach, sounds like you are all bitter because you believed my red herring, no harm was done, it didn’t affect anything, move on with life

To me who has probably seen more Speedway riders than anybody else Ivan Mauger was the ultimate professional. He was simply great and all the other riders were playing catch up against him. That's why he was voted the Speedway rider of the millennium.

^^^^^^^^ Like I said, here come the fun police.

Obviously he will sign a full contract for BV, and then a loan agreement with Worky.

Finishing on the rostrum in 8 consecutive World Finals does not, of itself prove outstanding professionalism . Fundin had 12 or. 13 consecutive rostrum finishes and far more than Mauger in total but that is is not proof of greater professionalism. Mauger didn't suddenly come along and drag a rough and ready sport out of the dark ages. He was part of an ongoing cycle of development. What Mauger did was to take ideas that were already developing and take them a stage futher, just as others took Maugers ideas and developed them further. Mauger was the best rider of his generation, assuming you class Briggs , Fundin and Moore in an earlier generation, and the top Danes in a later generation. I dont think you can put it more precisely than that.

I think mechanics should do just that, instead of trying to make their promoter's job harder. Butt out, before you become a pain in the arse, and get banned by a promotion. Redcar fans will sure remember you during the season.

I'll take jenga's more sensible answer, just cos it very rare lol. Cheers man

What the BSPA really need to do is take into account all the issues arising from conference regarding averages,league set-ups, team building etc.,admit they made a complete mess of things and say 2018-new year,fresh start,lets have another meeting in January and redo the whole thing before 2018 is an even bigger mess than 2017.It won't happen but for the sake of the sport somebody somewhere needs to get a grip on reality

He did, and it was against my club, Birmingham! He'd only just missed out two weeks prior to that, scoring 20 against White City. The Dukes lost that one 38-40. The R/R regs in 1976 were truly dreadful, and Reg Wilson actually took 8 rides in Sheffield's match at Leicester in June '76, and scored 17+1. That must have been a truly knackering experience, as he trailed in behind Ila Teromaa and Reidar Eide, the resulting 5-1 securing the points for the Lions. That was one of only five League wins for Leicester that year. The same regs for 1977 weren't much better, and I still have a copy of a Hackney programme (v Kings Lynn, I think), where a whole page was dedicated to the then new rule. Thankfully, that reg was greatly simplified for 1978. In reply to BWitchers question about rule changes years ago, from what I can remember, they were few and far between. Yes, the points limit changed just about every year, that was about it, and things really only became contentious when the limit hit 50 for the 1979 season. Teams didn't even seem to build up to the points limit when it was first implemented, some of them nowhere near it. So long as teams got who they wanted, it all came down to personal terms, and everyone seemed happy. The only rules I was told about when I first attended speedway was the points and helmet colours. Then which riders to watch out for, because they were good (or absolutely awful!). And oh yes, don't cheer for the opposition!

That must of cost all of a fiver.

Looking forward to Good Friday already!

Seems though that he doesn't wanted to race on it every week - instead choosing one of the best race tracks in the county.

Doyle, Andersen/ Holder and a reserve. I would love Wrighty in the team but he is nowhere near a second heat leader.

It's all nonsense. They are regrading riders like Tai to a 9 (or 8 it now appears), allowing some who have improved massively since 2016 to come back on an old average (Woryna), and then giving Clegg a 2 point average from his 4 meetings for Wolves which normally wouldn't qualify you for a new average. Depends who is asking as to who gets an average to suit. The governing body haven't made one fair assessment yet on averages for 2018. So some will get an advantage next year and some will be denied. All thanks to the pathetic efforts of our governing body to muck up the averages yet again.

Thankfully!

Maybe you are right norbold even today winning is everything for me it is all about being entertained the winning aspect means nothing to me.In yesteryear you often had riders who were at clubs for a number of years and the fans could relate to those riders.As examples Eric Boocock,Arnie Haley,Reg Wilson, Mike Broadbanks, Pete Smith, Nigel Boocock Terry Betts ,wouldn't it be great if that was happening in British speedway today instead of riders changing clubs every year.

Re C.Holder, Although there is no issue over finance maybe Matt wants it linked to performance rather than a 'guaranteed' amount per meeting?! Not unreasonable after his 2017 season all over Europe I reckon?!

Nothing anti from me on this one Cant blame Ged at all for a 'stick it' stance Will save my 'snidey banter' for something else

Knowing the desperate state our sport is in, and that it would have been far cheaper to compete in the 2nd division, for Buster to plumb to stay in the top league, tells me he has got the finances covered. Buster may be a lot if things but stupid he is not. To run a club with an inevitable loss would be senseless, so to me he has deals in place to cover any defective costs that may occur . To operate in the top division without a competitive team would be foolish, so one has to assume the team being assembled will be built along those lines. So we therefore have no worries about the financing of these top riders. How that will be achieved will be known in the coming weeks Whether it be Added Sponsorships, New partners, Added admission costs or even Cheaper rider deals, Buster no doubt believes he has it covered.. Probably Father Christmas has come early, and answered all Buster wishes .............................The mind boggles...... .. I will wait with anticipation....

No doubt you thought that when Matt Marson was totally illegally graded on a 5.00 average. Along with the Roynon and Hurry reduction decision, I'd say by the end of the season (if not long before that) he was thoroughly discredited and the NL is well rid of him.

Think some on here have a very short memory!! December 2011!!!!! Um sounds similar to Adrian M but at that point he had not signed for Poole at that point!!! http://www.peterboroughpanthers.co/news.php?extend.1470 So just to confirm 5th Dec Swindon announced Batch 2011 - Adrian was announced 19th January 2012 - so who set the ball rolling then????? Robins?? Funny how some people forget this little chestnut!

Looking at what I wrote in 2007, it does feel as if 2000 was one of the better seasons (unless you were a Reading fan - racers got their second wooden spoon in a row!). Here's the opening to the 2000 season chapter in 'Tears & Glory': For the first time in many seasons the mood in British speedway seemed overwhelmingly positive. Hull returned to the Premier League, but otherwise the Elite and Premier League make-ups were unchanged. The Conference League expanded with a new track in Somerset and speedway returned to Rye House thanks to Len Silver. The Rockets had competed without a home track in 1999, tracking three Reading juniors: Simon Moon, Peter Collyer and Ian Clarke. The star of the homecoming meeting in May (apart from 'uncle Len') was a young rider called Chris Schramm. Honours were shared around and both Elite and Premier Leagues produced close finishes. Eastbourne won the Elite League, aided by a solid contribution from Petri Kokko. They went into their final fixture needing to beat King’s Lynn to stop the Norfolk team picking up their first league title. King’s Lynn did have the consolation of winning the Knock-Out Cup. Beaten finalists Coventry picked up the Craven Shield. The Norfolk team regularly featured five Australians, and when Adam Shields guested for them in July they tracked six! One of them was Travis McGowan. He started the year by winning the Australian Under-21 title (with Scott Smith third and Brendon Mackay ninth) and ended it with the biggest improvement in average of any rider in the Elite League. The destination of the Premier League title depended on bonus points. For the first time since their introduction, the team with most match points did not win the title. Thanks to their massive home advantage Exeter picked up all 13 bonus points available, but only two away wins. It was enough to clinch the title on race points two days after Swindon lost a bonus point run-off against Newcastle (September 28). Although Swindon remained without a league championship since 1967 they did win the Knock-Out Cup and the Young Shield, their first trophies for 33 years. Hull won the Premier Trophy. To add to the sense of euphoria Britain had a speedway World Champion. Despite not winning a single round Mark Loram relieved Tony Rickardsson of his crown. And the British GP did have a British winner with wild card Martin Dugard storming to victory. On a personal level it was the year I only attended 21 meetings, fewer than in any other of my 47 seasons.

Hmmm,a lot of the time it is more like "Four guys turn left two times and come back to where they started in about 5 minutes",which is sadly a big problem.

Am I cynical for thinking that the promoter is only doing the cheapest speedway option available so he can get his promoters licence back, his assets unfrozen and then sell everything off and cash his chips in?

Attention seeker alert .

looking like he has a fair bit of fame n fortune already . as scaramanga said in a post , lets hope he does not go down the william lawson ,r lambert route and get spoiled too early . looking forward to seeing him in a proper meeting instead of the after meeting events @ wucky . its a shame not many fans stopped behind to see this local talent blossom(hopefully) into a decent reserve for his local club .

Morning all, Looking through potential teams for 2018 got me slightly nostalgic about my first full season following the sport which happened to be 2000 after doing a few Berwick meetings at the back end of the 99 season. I was hooked Alan Mogridge was brilliant (at Berwick) and David Meldrum not far behind at certain times great stuff. Berwick struggled domestically? Don't remember the rules or politics just great memories. In the PL there were real entertainers back then and characters. Stonewer missed meetings for the gp's and to be fair two of them were at berwick. But i don't remember too many riders missing meetings etc. A handful of guys I do remember Wilson, Morton, Richard Juul, Paul Thorp, Neil Collins, Peter Carr, Castanga for differing reasons and Anders Henrickson Even got Mark Loram at Berwick who was phenomenal and gave a performance fitting of a man who would become world champion. Speedway was fantastic back then I couldn't get enough. So my questions 1. Was 2000 a good season for PL speedway and how did YOUR team fair? 2. Do you feel your first season was the best? 3. Did the Sport have problems in 2000 on a professional level? Seventeen years is a long time as is 12-29 as to how someone sees things. I appreciate one can't go back to 2000 or have the speedway brain of a 12 year old but guess time moves on as the sport has changed in different ways.

BICKLEY, Kyle DATE OF BIRTH: 27 February 2002, Whitehaven, Cumbria. BRITISH CAREER: (2017) Belle Vue II. MAJOR HONOURS: British 125cc Champion: 2013, 2014; 125cc FIM Longtrack Gold Trophy Champion: 2014, 2015; British 500cc Champion: 2016. CLUB HONOURS: League Championship winner: 2017 [Belle Vue II]. so it looks like we have to wait till end of feb before we know where kyle is going

I never understood most of them but has it is 40 years ago and all those involved in the conversation - which did happen otherwise why say it did - are deceased, therefore, I am afraid I can't get the detail for you.

Can someone with greater knowledge than me please confirm. If we have/do sign Kyle Bickley, am I right in thinking we can't announce his signing till he's 16?

Wasn't even false news his rep is now in tatters not to be taken seriously in future.

My theory Gater is great riders would of adapted to any era Mauger was 20 years ahead of his time in my view.Immaculate aquipment a top of the range van when he turned up for a meeting he was 100 per cent focused on doing his best he took speedway away from the memory of riders turning up only having one bike strapped on the back of there car.

Will get some of THE CURE tomorrow night

Even you said Jorgenson was only riding in the higher division?

Mauger Briggo/Fundin Olsen/Ricko Mauger gets top place IMO he changed the sport from many points of view making it more professional and setting high standards with consistent performances at team level particularly day in day out. For sheer style and skill on a bike he was a dream to watch ( Hans is the nearest I ever saw to match him on a bike IMO ) but with all the above there is very little to choose between them and there is the issue of different eras of course . I do think out of five of them Ivan could and would have succeeded at anytime in speedway because he was able to adapt to any situation ,the only time I can remamber him capitulating under pressure was of course the 1973 w/final ,the one that did get away from him without a doubt .

Mauger and Olsen for me technically were the best riders i have ever seen Leigh Adams also comes into that category to.Mauger had everything really a great gater could come from the back and his temperment was superb.He also was a great team man just so pleased that i see him at his peak he would of loved the GP series format from 68/79 he would of took some beating.Over that period i think only Olsen, Michanek 73/74. Collins 76 Lee 79 would of got near him a true superstar in my eyes.

That's the spirit.

I think that maybe Nielsen gets a bit overlooked sometimes when looking at all-time greats because he won his World titles in an era when there was no speedway on television. I remember having to buy a poorly produced video to watch his title win in Poland. Because of this, people tend to remember his losses to Erik Gundersen when looking back, rather than the wins. That's certainly the case with me, anyway.

...one of the rules that caused confusion was when in 1976 it was decided to change the ruling as regards which riders were eligible to take a Rider Replacement Ride based on averages above and below the missing rider. If I recall it ran for two seasons and then reverted to its usual format. I remember Henny Kroeze recording a 21 ride maximum (the first ever to do in the modern era) I recall many a team manager checking and re-checking a rider's eligibility and then being countered by a protest. It caused confusion amongst some referees I also remember at the time!

Thats a bit harsh Dave, we could end up with worse.

The reality is quite the opposite. Speedway fans might fill out programmes but in terms of knowledge of statistics for the most part they haven't a clue. You're way, way out of date if you think it's somehow uncool to be interested in statistics. Stats are everywhere now and the masses are into them. It is an area that speedway fails to capitalise on.

Many years ago back at the old shay stadium a man and a woman approached us and told us they were new to speedway and wanted to know the rules. We told them not to worry about the rules as they change them every other week, just enjoy the racing. The couple looked at us and walked off disgruntled. A few weeks later they approached us again to apologise has they had found out that we were correct. From what I have experienced in speedway since I started watching the sport again in 2005 nothing has changed. In fact it is so much the norm now that I believe the whole membership of this hallowed forum would have a mass cardiac arrest if the rules applied were ever well thought out, correct in almost every instance and were adhered to from start to finish.