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Poole didn't agree it did they? Didn't they just go ahead and do it regardless? its no good anyway as the riders would have to ride for their inferior 2nd league teams because of the tail wagging the dog rules wise. Bit of over reacting negativity wise though. guest wise etc this season all round has been much better. Its a good time to be a lynn fan. Im enjoying speedway more than i have in many years. Come onto the forum and its full of bs. Don't go! Simple! Lots of people clearly are enjoying it because they keep turning up each week and I'm pretty sure your not missed if you don't! I really don't get the over self importance? Its a rubbish situation but lets make the most we can out of it. At least we know in advance so we can make our choices on attending with that in mind.

When I wrote my booklet, Two Wimbledon Legends, I asked a number of riders for their memories of Ronnie. I think this quote from Alf Hagon sums up Ronnie's skill and contribution to Wimbledon and speedway nicely: “I was Ronnie Moore’s partner at Wimbledon. He was by far the best rider I have ever partnered. He could do anything on a bike. They called him Mirac and he was. He could ride full throttle, half throttle, change directions, tootle round slowly, ride the inside line, ride the outside line. He would even shout instructions at me as we were going round."

This season could have been the best we have witnessed for a long time. Eight teams, all of similar strength and each capable of winning matches. It was even suggested each team had a chance of winning the league. It was to be that competitive. The FIM had opened the door, prioritising our race days, giving us the freedom of fixture planning. The ball was firmly in BSPA's court to make this a season to remember. Then WHAM !! at the AGM , the members take a vote that destroys everything. This vote should never have been sanctioned. The BSPA should have been strong enough to implement the FIM guidelines, and instructed teams that the FRN will be Monday and Thursdays. The fixture schedule would be free to use every week to amply plan the fixtures, even giving allowances for cancellations. That vote on Wed or Thurs, although it was seen only as a preferred race night for CL teams, was in actual fact far greater importance than that. It was a vote on not using Danish riders and riding on a night we have no priority. It was obvious from the outset this could only create problems. Talk about a sport shooting it self in the foot. Here we are with less then a 3 weeks to go, and we still have 22 matches to run. That in its self is an utter farce. There is no way all these fixture will be completed. The first of DH's has been arranged for next week, and because of that vote about priority, there will be riders missing.. If teams are unable to fulfil their fixtures, the season loses all creditability. What could have been a monumental season is destined to end in disaster. All because of that mindless VOTE !!!

They attract reasonable numbers but I would suggest 'net' over a season they just about break even... As teams cram in fixtures, particularly if your team is guaranteed a PO place, you tend to find 300 - 500 give a few meetings a miss due to nothing riding on them, and the cost of lots of meetings within two or three weeks of each other... Then you ride a PO in front of an extra 1000 and think the Play Offs are "a winner"... The added irony is that when teams eventually get a big crowd, that delivers a great atmosphere with something riding on it, they then invariably have no meeting for the next six months until the new season starts..! Speedway's Operating and Business Model....

In answer to your missive, the promoters have failed to give the public what they want. Every year supporters come on here hoping for a change to the product. Broadly, most supporters want the same thing, so why do they continually ignore us? I don’t know of any business that has a business model similar to speedway, well Woolworths, BHS and House of Fraser, might have. Speedway in the 70’s and 80’s was no better than speedway today. I have seen excerpts of You Tube from yesteryear. This blinkered understanding that people passed and repassed is not true. Conversely, I have watched various meetings in Poland and Sweden this season that have been absolute pants. What it tells me is that speedway is the same product then as it is now. The odd good meeting in amongst the usual gate and go. I go every week because I am old romantic . The promoters rely on me and others like me but we are an ever decreasing support base. The various promoters in the various leagues have failed to grasp what is required to drive the sport forward. There is no joined up thinking or thought for the supporter. The presentation, the music, the stadia, the inconsistency of the rules applications by referees and the SCB plus the track preparation in this country is damn right embarrassing (that’s a general statement re tracks as there are one or two that would be exempt). I mean at Swindon on Thursday they trotted out the Spice Girls, a sport where 90% of the supporters are men they played that sh*t. Add in Now 1 and 2 and you have the complete music collection of Swindon speedway. The track was again in a poor state, Troy Batchelor is not everyone’s favourite rider but at least he has a pair and says it how it is. The rules and their interpretations vary from week to week depending on the referee or which promoter is asking the favour. There is no long term plan or strategy. They introduced the draft system, they f*cked that up. Fixed race nights, they introduced that, ballsed that up. They had tv exposure and a decent contract, chucked that down the toilet. Play offs apart, I cannot think of anything that has enhanced the sport in recent times. Everything these fools touch turns to dust. If speedway was a horse, we wouldn’t hesitate...

Having watched him weekly for the last two years, I couldn’t disagree more to be honest.

The point that orion makes about the play offs bringing extra support and keeping the season alive is correct. However the extra numbers through the turnstiles for the playoffs mask the major issues speedway has. Because of the way the sport is set up to run with doubling up etc those new comers come to see the event and not to support the local team as there is no longer any bond between the riders and club and the wider local community. The extra numbers don't turn up again until the club reaches the play offs or a cup final again. Take Ipswich last season Foxhall was packed for the play off final v Peterborough the meeting was fantastic and the atmosphere was superb. That was my 2nd meeting of 2017 I and the old gang and several new comers made our group 21 strong. We couldn't explain to the newcomers that Nicholls had ridden for both teams in the final and that half the Ipswich team also rode for Leicester. This season none of the 21 have returned with the exception of myself who went along on Thursday with a work colleague to see Drew Kemp make his debut. After Thursdays going on its quite clear that in 2018 the riders don't give a s##t about the supporters and the clubs they see it just as a pay cheque. Add that to the shambles the BSPA have made of running the sport in the UK the out of control doubling up and guest situation. The whole thing is a recipe for disaster. The opinion of several on here is that the moaners and those wanting to turn the clock back have been watching speedway for 60 or 70 years and just want the old days back. Well I first went to Ipswich at the age of 11had years of following the team all over the country. As I said I attended twice last year and because of the farce of Thursday rain off ( cook and Schlien hold your heads in shame) have yet to see a meeting this year. I want the sport to become a proper team sport with no doubling up eventually no guests but in the mean time tight controls on guests. I want to see the value for money that used to be 22 or more heats at Ipswich every week circa 1989/1990 so turn the clock back a few years maybe. I'm not some old fuddie Duddie but the guy that the sport needs to win back. I'm 40 years old with 3 kids who I could take to speedway every week that's your next generation right there but I don't have the will to attend or part with my money on a regular basis due to the reasons above. Now those with rose tinted specs who think all is well and that the product is good...... Well there must be thousands like me.

nice to see Stefan Nielsen back for Scunthorpe tonight

Rory 3pts from four rides, did someone spill a cup of tea on the track during the track walk

There's the difference - it used to be that they were speedway meetings, an evening's entertainment, never was there a meeting that "didn't matter"

They have seen a different Rory to me then Has made some great passes and against high quality riders not just those you would expect him to breeze past Of course when you average 9.5+ and have the highest figure in the league that usually means you are out front more often than not and dont require to pass too many times Yes there is the odd time he coasts at the back seemingly not to bother but that has been few and far between as a Witch He does have a reputation for being outspoken. Many times that is good as certain things need saying. Sometimes it will see him singled out. Its all opinions as to when this is fair or not Most think he was wrong on Thursday but on balance he has been a superb addition to the team

Thank you so much! I was wondering the exact same thing! Is the quality of racing really that irrelevant now? Is the desire to follow your team through thick and thin irrelevant now? People still go and watch other sports because they enjoy "watching", and because they enjoy being a part of it. Are speedway fans now that shallow that the result - and the quest for a playoff spot - is the only thing that matters? If that really is the case, there is no hope for civilisation in Britain, let alone speedway... Steve

If he scores a point tomorrow it should be a jovial trip

Good result but very poor meeting. All won from the gate. Was more passing in the junior meeting that followed than the main match.

Exactly! And there are people who choose not too. And that’s fair enough. Each to their own but I just wish they would stop bleating on about it as if anybody cares. Wednesday could still be 2 very good speedway meetings and 6 points. Could also be a train wreck but such is life. Such is speedway.

Scotty gets his first max for us and the rest were gash!

Seeing as you are really aware of the money side of things, why now in the years of Play-Off speedway is the sport in the most worrying state it's ever been? There is something keeping the fans away. One forum poster mentioned taking 50% off entrance money, which is not going to happen, but speedway must have suffered a similar reduction in crowd numbers the last 25 years, all in the time PO speedway has mostly been in force. We have had live speedway since 1999, POs since 2002, and yet look at the state of the sport. I am still uncertain that PO speedway is better for a speedway season. It keeps up interest, but at the same time it's sort of begging to the few fans that are still left that their collective attention spans won't be questioned. You keep having a dig at old fans. So, come on Mr Marketing Man, where are the Play-Offs winning the new fans? As the old fans become disillusioned and no longer attend and drift away with each month, there's enough space on the terraces for everyone. If you like the X-Factor type of gimmick shows, the Play-Offs are your bag. Just not for me. And, by the way, Rye House went bust only weeks ago.. and there's more to come.

HT 1 4_2 t.proctor, c.heeps, n klidt, r schlein HT 2 3_3 f.garcia, r.bach kbickley, d.kemp 7_5 HT 3 3_3 m.riss r.jensen m.campton n.covatti 10_8 Ht4 3-3 s.worrall r.bach t.proctor d.kemp 13-11 Just realised the update site is currently updating so check on there.

Absolutely. Every match means something. Sad that we have ended up like this.... Steve

Ask a Belle Vue fan if the play offs have 'watered down' the importance of meetings because, in fact, its quite the opposite. In the first past the post system they almost certainly wouldn't have a prayer and the meetings at Leicester, Somerset and Swindon (for the Aces) wouldn't have mattered one jot. Instead, there was massive disappointment on Monday replaced by something approaching euphoria by Thursday night. Truth is, with only a few weeks to go only Leicester are out of it.

Buxton haven't screwed anyone over. We along with the rest of the league had an email yesterday telling us the date had been changed to 30/9 so we took the opportunity to utilise the 23rd to arrange a rained off meeting. Check your facts before making unfounded comments - I await your apology.

It’s one in the eye for people who said he hasn’t anything about him.....while one swallow doesn’t make a summer scoring double figures away at arguably the hardest away track is an excellent performance.

Well said mate! I am sure you are right, there are many missing regularly like yourself who include the much needed next generation. I am a well turned off fan who has been watching in the previous 7 decades. That makes me an old moaner in the eyes of many who say I want the sport to turn back the clock. The only "turning back" I want is for speedway to give as much excitement on track as it used to do but the way it is run in the UK nowadays the only way is down. Down in interest by many and down in numbers paying to watch regularly as the last 10 years have shown. Av great pity as the sport could still have much to offer that " new generation " of fans. Can't see them finding out what it's all about though.

Last season as a season ticket holder I was proper ripped off and I have a right to be bitter. This season the management has made promise after promise for things they shouldn't be promising. They think they can call the shots on the Dane's own rider's. Who do they really think they are??? They're now reaping what they sow. They were warned but think they knew better. I have NO sympathy for the management of King's Lynn Stars.

??? "Thanks Denmark"? For what? For running their League properly? Or maybe is it for not short changing their fans through the implementation of a poorly planned, ludicrous, unfit for purpose operating model, which delivers missing riders week in and week out? Or is it just because they have the temerity and audacity to actually run on their prioritised night (as was clearly agreed by the BSPA, and Swedish and Polish Leagues)? I would suggest you should look to blame a few of those much nearer to home than Denmark for the nonsense that infests British Speedway..

Ive never swung my leg over a Speedway bike , Rory has had some terrible injuries...…..Keyboard warriors.

Josh or Nicolai to reserve for the playoffs? Can’t be bad.

I was really looking forward to this one, but it turned out to be a stop start non event. The tone was set when in order to ensure the meeting was run before the forecasted rain came the parade was cancelled, only for the racing to be delayed due to lack of medical cover! From there on in the meeting didn't ever take off, with very little if any overtaking and every race being ftg. Hopefully no one incurred any serious injuries, though the track did not appear to be in anything like the condition it has been. Possibly due to the recent weather. For the Comets Rene was our trump card yet again, ably supported by Ty and Nicolai. Most of the witches picked up points when they gated, with young Drew Kemp on the pace and looking a prospect. As for Rory the hint of rain in the air and the small puddle on the inside of bend 4 obviously did for him, with his spill in heat 13 putting the tin cap on it - hopefully he wasn't badly hurt. I guess the 3 points are the main thing, however it is not one to live in the memory for long.

Hope Rory is ok after a nasty crash tonight.

Completely agree, stop the petty arguments and work together for the betterment of Berwick speedway.

Just a falseness about it. There shouldn't be 80-odd per cent of clubs still involved with weeks of the season to go. That's a school sports day ploy where even the losers get medals. In any sport there has to be a taste of failure. Otherwise, you can't enjoy winning.

Times were 2/3 seconds slower than the last few weeks due to the slick conditions and bare track. Harder opposition next week and the riders need the track to their liking next week.

We will never know what impact the Play-Offs have had on the sport since 2002. How many new people have they attracted, how many lost because of frustration their team was robbed on the line. If it keeps the few that remain and clicks the turnstiles every week, then it'll have to do. But there seems total frustration by most, many seemingly have disappeared from even posting on a forum like this one. That is a worry.

It's not a competition!

Yes the last thing we need are injuries, if we go in to the play offs with the current team i think we have a good chance.

A draw always feels like a defeat to the home team. Blown away by the Reserves yet again ,with our reserves not even close in any races. It is what it is now, but Gino has gone backwards since his spill in Germany and his confidence looks shot. What was Mr Peet doing in heat 15, when Jake was clearly a much better bet than Steve to pair up with Josh? Well done Bandits on a competitive match , I think our play off place is now blown.

Sad news today that Ronnie has died. Sincere condolences to family and friends.

me too,the only thing that matters is we came away from the mighty Robin's nest with all 4 points.

A far better meeting despite the score. Of course the result was predictable given the Devils injury list. The pre meeting parade was lead by ex servicemen. Before it got under way, Danny Ayres stood and chatted with them and shook their hands. You could see their pride as he did so. Before the meeting, it was good to meet up and chat with long standing friends Halifaxtiger and Phil Kirk. Easy to see why the Tigers are on course for a NL whitewash of Trophies. Some excellent speedway throughout, but the two major talking points were Hts 13 and 15. Heat 13 was absolutely top drawer. Whatever level you enjoy our sport, this race was right up there with the very best. Pearson and Tatum would have exploded with compliments. Three riders side by side for two and a half laps, with all combinations of results happening on every turn. 3-3 to 2-4 to 1-5 to 2-4 to 3-3 and back again. It is probably the best ever race at the SBA. Extraordinary stuff. Ayres angry that he came 2nd! Full credit to PhilK who waited at the pit gate to congratulate Morley on his win, with a BIG smile on his face too! It was that good. Ht15 was a strange one. Going into bend tree, Atkins was leading, as Morley dive bombed him, forcing a small error.This in turn took him out into the path of Ayres who was blasting round the outside. Ayres fell. Now for me, stood just in front of the tapes, it was one of two exclusions. Either Ayres for hitting the fence and falling or Morley for causing Atkins into an unnecessary error causing Ayres to fall. Bizarrely, the referee excluded the only totally blameless rider, Atkins! Even Kevin Jolly was surprised as he shouted to Ayres 'you are back in'! The following copied from the Plymouth Forum, where I tink the referee contradicts himself! Interesting stat.....heats 1-8 we were 16 points down. Heats 9-15 only 2 points down.Heat 13 special. How about heat 15 where Morley tore into bend 3 like a bowling ball.I asked the referee about his decision. "From my point of view Ben nudged Henry who then nudged Danny causing him to fall. I had to exclude a rider which was a very difficult decision hence the reason for the wait. I felt Henry was the main cause of the stoppage although unluckily"Fair enough ref. Thank you for the explanation Read more: http://plymouthdevils.proboards.com/thread/9690/devils-mildenhall-fri-aug-2018?page=5#ixzz5OVhlxEpw

And there was me thinking it was all good at Ipswich with the promotion doing a great job and the Ipswich fans flocking in! Clearly your Group of mates just want to see the big meetings, that won't keep the club alive! Bloody Ipswich haven't got to worry about doubling up, it's only Premiership clubs with those problems and guests have always been a thing in speedway, no fan would be happy to have an injured heat leader replaced with a number 8 after all etc

Hey....less of the "posh people on Corporation Rd" comments !! At least people in that area actually do the decent thing, and get OUT of their bath for a pee..(unlike some people in a neighbouring town 8 miles south of Workington.)

Togliatti v Balakovo Wednesday August 15th

I remember.that.match.mick I watched it in black and white so I never knew who was who.

Tree's Tree's Tree's You know full well who's at fault but you continue with your blinkered opinion that it's everyone else to blame.

Has to be Bewley for me. R/R can't be an option for a double header. I think Belle Vue would want Wolves to lose twice. Then Belle Vue at least have a chance of finishing above Wolves and Swindon!

If MPT is missing as well as NKI, That's a top rider and a top reserve gone.. What would be the point..

Hello from Riga

Well to say that result was a shock is an understatement. Well done to the Diamonds on 4 much needed league points. My only regret was I was not at Sheffield to witness it.

It just needs a two tier structure one league based on present championship levels and one on NL level, then rebuild on some form of sound foundation

That's abit harsh on Covatti who has been absolutely brilliant since signing for us, Wednesday night's score apart. Even in the main body of the team he has scored well both at home and away. As Cliffeboy has eluded to, the biggest problem is Lawson. He just hasn't been winning enough races and the last few times I've seen him has looked well under power. He really needs to be backing up Jack for us to stand a chance.