Leaderboard

What is the matter with you.Why the the impatience in waiting for the announcements,you know Lynn will be riding next season.I bet you was one of those that use to peel corners off the Christmas presents as they lay under the tree, because you couldn't wait until Christmas day to see what you had got .You should realise there's more to life than waiting by the laptop waiting for the first signing for the new season. Enjoy the family,football,Television,beer,Christmas altogether actually.The signings will be announced in due course.It doesn't matter whether we are first or last to announce does it?Enjoy your Christmas don't let this spoil it. Merry Christmas to all

The mind certainly does boggle ....

That was a definite 'whoosh'.

or ran into 2 sides decimated by injuries in the semi final and final and were able to use an illegal rider in the final.................depends what glasses you wear Obviously Poole cant help riding against sides that were severely weakened or be responsible for Kings Lynn allowing them to have Morris....teams just get lucky at the right time

Your welcome to the little git.

You reacted to his post, and now your calling him sarcastic. The mind boggles.

If you look up the word sarcasm then you may understand what Col was getting it............unlike you not to understand lol

You're irritating but don't yet have the special talent to warrant the ignore fuction.

Any team would be more than happy if there team was the Peterborough one as it is very strong throughout & will always have 2 excellent reserves.

I think Col maybe being a tad sarcastic!!

Your wasting your time Col, he wouldnt know decent speedway if he saw it.

However much the powers that be insist on calling it a develpment league, it serves little purpose if all the new riders do is race against each other. They need a yardstick against which to measure their talent. Seniors provide this as long as teams are not loaded with them.

danny is going to shock a few in 2019 . will not be surprised if he gets around 3.5 to 4.00 average .

Rafa Konopka

I'd like to know what this "Pennell" guy did that is so worthy of a mention... Steve

Danny Phillips and Lasse Bjerre complete the 1-7

That’s put me off my xmas dinner.

I surprised you think that way Gavan, it's not like you've said any of this before and you have a go at Starman for repeating himself! Lol.

One for you Mr Brum

Seem to recall the England speedway team were shown briefly on SPOTY, and with an action clip, in 1975 after winning the WTC: Malcolm Simmons, Dave Jessup, Peter Colins, John Louis / Martin Ashby if memory serves. Recall the riders saying aftewards they wouldn't attend the occasion again as there were kept hanging around all day, hardly anyone spoke to them and they certainly weren't interviewed. Think PC got a brief mention in 1976 also....

It’s only that part that keeps me sane!

You shouldn't be, I think we've had more in loan fees than the transfer fee we paid.

Tesco finest.... Not Tesco value... Edit - Still need 2 riders by sounds of it... euro trip was not very fruitful

Agree with that - any mention for Ivan would not need to be just because of his link to speedway He shouldve been worthy of acknowledement purely on his achievement in an overall sporting sense

Depends on whether you view Ivan as a sppedway rider or 7 times world champion sportsman , for me he was both but the undeniable fact is he was a great sportsman abd as such should have have a mention on a program which is based ,,supposedly on sporting achievement . Myself i complained to the BBC Online ,didn't even warrant an auto response

I am not quite sure what that has to do with your continual - and utterly unvarying - criticism of speedway. Bewitcher, Tsunami (who I count as a very good friend) and I have crossed swords on this forum several times. They are, however, at least worth arguing with because they attend meetings and retain a passionate interest in modern day speedway. They, like me, recognise the many faults that the sport has and have been extremely critical on occasion. However, they also recognise that four blokes on bikes without brakes can be as good as its ever been - indeed, on occasion, its better. They give credit where credit is due. You don't. Period. By your own admission, you don't go, have no interest and wouldn't attend even if it was free. As such, Bewitcher's EastEnders post - in your case - is just about bang on.

Armchair critic if something he admits to not watching. You really have to have a screw loose to do that. Anyway, not seen an episode of East Enders in 20 years but am off to a forum to slag it off.

Your negative posts remind me of a previous poster on this forum. Whatever happened to Matt Ford Fan?

THE Save Coventry Speedway & Stox Campaign Group send their compliments of the festive season to all supporters. As we head towards a third year in which our sports will be absent from their rightful place, we want to assure everyone that our determination to see them return remains as high as ever. There have been few formal developments since the Public Meeting in early November, but we have remained active and can confirm Rugby Council are now in receipt of even more information to counter the statements made by Framptons on behalf of Brandon Estates. The Planning Application for Brandon Stadium was submitted in January 2018 but a date has still yet to be set for it to be taken to committee. This will not take place until the completion of the government Inspector’s Report into the Rugby Local Plan (which we believe is imminent), or until the Council have received specialist sporting advice regarding the application itself and the myriad of responses opposing it. We remain totally convinced that the Planning Application is intrinsically flawed as it fails to satisfy the criteria required for the development of established sporting venues under National Planning Policy Framework. Framptons were required to submit further information making the case that there is no ongoing need for the two sports to be operating at Brandon (or in the immediate area). This was finally submitted after a five-month delay, and we made our views very clear both in our response to the Council and in our presentation at the Public Meeting. Since then, it has been confirmed that there will be no Coventry Speedway team competing next season, giving a final answer to the ludicrous claims that the club was perfectly well accommodated at Leicester. The stock car analysis was equally controversial, and we have submitted aerial photographs of all of the venues which Framptons claim could be alternatives to Brandon, which totally disproves their ‘desk-top analysis’ which contains very little in the way of actual evidence. Additionally, if you were at the Public Meeting you will remember the case of Perry Barr, which is listed in Framptons’ covering letter to their Needs Analysis as a possible alternative venue, on the basis that it stages “similar kinds of uses.” That statement is incredible enough if you know Perry Barr, but even more extraordinarily the stadium is then included in a list of current, active stock car venues during the content of the Needs Analysis, leading to a completely inaccurate mathematical exercise over the total number of venues. In addition to the responses which had already been submitted pointing out the fallacies of these statements, we have now been able to submit the actual planning documentation from Birmingham City Council granting permission for speedway to be staged at the stadium from 2007. This makes it quite clear that no motorsport with the exception of speedway can be staged at the venue. In our view it is totally unacceptable that a Planning Application and associated documents seeking to destroy an iconic, successful and viable sporting venue, where there is a clear case of ongoing need, can be so disgracefully deficient. There have been numerous other responses to the Needs Assessment, including from both the speedway (BSPA) and stock car (BRISCA and BSCDA) governing bodies, all of which highlight the inaccuracies and untruths contained within, and stress the importance of Brandon to their sports. Framptons have also been forced to withdraw a section of the report relating to Coventry Racing Club and the negotiations which did or did not take place in 2016, and this also has an impact on the Turley (viability) report submitted in January which made the same incorrect assertion. It is the belief of the Campaign Group that both the original Planning Application and the subsequent Needs Assessment documents are absolutely riddled with inaccurate, misleading and untruthful statements, and we have therefore considered making a formal complaint to the Royal Town Planning Institute under Sections 11 (Accuracy) and 12 (Errors and mis-statements) of their Ethics and Professional Standards Advice document. We have decided however, as Rugby Council have committed to the appointment of an independent body to look into the various claims and our response to those claims, we will defer a decision until the independent body completes their investigation. We already have meetings confirmed for the early part of the New Year where we will be seeking assurances over the exact process going forward. We will be ready for any situation and can assure Framptons and Brandon Estates that our opposition will only increase until they do the right thing and agree that the sports should be allowed to return. We do ask all supporters to stay as positive as possible – we have a huge amount of firm evidence in our favour, and we will keep fighting for as long as it takes. The Campaign Group wishes you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and please be assured we will update you as soon as there is further news. *FOLLOWING the news that Coventry Bees would not be racing in 2019, we were asked by the Coventry Telegraph on December 4 to provide a statement. As only half of that statement was printed, we now reproduce it in full: We stated when the Bees were accepted into the National League, running at Leicester, that we could only offer our full support if we could be convinced that this was part of a genuine plan for the club to eventually return to its rightful location. It is patently obvious from the most recent planning documentation that the developers were happy to regard Leicester as an appropriate long-term solution, in an attempt to absolve them of any responsibility to provide an alternative in the Coventry/Rugby area should they receive permission to build on Brandon. Although the club has issued no statement, the Bees have not been included in the list of National League starters for 2019, which will be largely down to the poor attendances and associated losses suffered this year – none of which comes as any surprise, and does not lessen the demand for speedway or stock car racing in the area. This totally invalidates the representations of Framptons, who argued in their initial application in January that Leicester was “better suited to its use as a speedway stadium for a number of reasons including its accessibility...” and their subsequent remarks claiming that alternative provision for the previous speedway use at Brandon had been satisfactorily made, along with their inaccurate analysis of alternative stadia for both sports. The failure of the Coventry Bees project at Leicester merely highlights the totally unsatisfactory nature of that solution, and the clear ongoing need for the club to be operating in the Coventry/Rugby area. The Planning Application continues to directly contradict the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework with regard to sports facilities, and the developers must not be permitted to proceed on that basis. The absence of Coventry from competition in 2019 in no way changes that position. ENDS

Obviously Ledwith is the teams mature rider but the average age of the other 6 riders is under 17, should be an exciting season.

I would ordinarily agree with you, however, Danny had a full season last year in a league with extremely strong reserves and wasn’t off the pace. This year the standard is an awful lot less, and seeing a lot of no7s and a few no6s that are NL standard, and most who are not out and out too dogs like Drew Kemp, I think Danny is definitely worth a shot, and if anything, a lot more experienced... i think it’s a big season for him this year, and one he needs to make inroads, but even putting a point on his average will be fantastic on the back of the injuries he suffered, but that would be the challenge I set him in this league. im more than happy with the team this year, a lot of opportunities if people click, but success is dependant on them clicking as it is with every team every year. hats off to the promotion team, what I would say is the new season fills me with excitement. New riders in the team, it will be fantastic to watch them all develop around brough,and defo far from the predictable “norm”.. bring on next season, well done Martin and george and thanks for giving us something a little different to wet the speedway appetite

I dont think that will happen even if it means 6 plus r/r

Dan is a once in a blue moon rider....riders with his talent at a such tender age are an absolute rarity. i agree Jack has not developed as much as he or the supporters would have wanted... being dumped by Sheffield so that they could sign Broc Nicol did a lot of damage.

Merry Christmas Sidney, Cant agree with your comments, of all the teams announced so far my feelings are that the Panthers are the one to beat... Strong in every department

Thanks for your reply. Personally, it wouldn't bother me if they didn't announce the team till March. Its not about my impatience of the team announcement, but I couldn't think of a worse time for the club to make any announcement then at Christmas..., Its just that the Stars always appear to be last in these things. I would imagine most people could name the majority of the riders so its not that important. The post I made was just a comment made in jest of the timing of it all. I am thoroughly looking forward to Christmas, spending time with ALL the family, Watching the kiddies opening their presents, the adult drinking and enjoying them selves The Christmas dinner is always a memorable one sometimes lasting for hours... There never seem enough hours to indulge watching the telly and have to rely on catch up to see the programmes we missed. I often spare a thought for those not as fortunate as ourselves and regularly finance a charity bed over the Christmas period. But something like Speedway, is the furthest thought from my mind. and I offer no apologies for that, So your perception of me and those who likened it, is way out of line, Trust me , I don't let anything spoilt this wonderful time if it can be avoided.... Happy Christmas to you all , friends and foes....

???

It isn't the racing that's the problem and I really admire the riders and am not dissing them. But the mess that has allowed - especially British speedway - to fall into disrepair. Defend it all you want, as you still attend after all and would be daft if you if you attended something out of routine, so you must still like the modern product and all its off-track circus-type rules that would have many a serious sports supporter swerving away from the nearest speedway track. It simply is not credible. Admit it. But there are still some, only a few I admit, that think the sport is still hunky dory. I am not critical of the riders or racing. But even that is unimportant when you want to follow a sport that is credible. I am not a lone voice. Unfortunately, many of those with similar voices have not bothered to keep in touch with the sport. Even this website has shrunk in numbers and posters, and we ain't talking the last 20 years either. The thread is about SPOTY. Forty years ago this programme ignored various England World Cup-winning side. In 1980, when England achieved the Grand Slam, it again ignored the sport. That was the day of one of speedway's purple periods. The beeb wasn't interested. So why in a day when tracks close faster than my door when trick or treaters turn up, do we feel the beeb is letting the sport down? Most watching it DO NOT know about speedway. Most speedway fans, apart with those who had nothing to do or were visiting their gran's (aww, bless him), do not delude themselves and feel three hours out of their lives to see if the word "speedway" is mentioned is worth it. The sport is in crisis. I know enough about its modern-day fragility to conclude that. Speedway fans though, who still go and support it, are like the child whose pet has been run over by a passing car but refuses to believe it has died, clinging to one last hope because its fur is still moving because of the wind or breeze, there is no sign of life. That is a speedway fan right now. They won't believe it is dead.

Eleven Sport are a spent force for the time being in the UK. Closed their uk operation by all accounts. Richie Worrall top scored in the final and picked up the Rider of the Night award several times. As the Echo article states now that he's got his business up and running successfully he can give 100% to his speedway. With the expected Klindt still to be announced I reckon there are at least 4 - possibly 5 - riders capable of increasing their averages. (and 4 of the 2018 trophy winners). A good solid strength in depth team imo.

A quick update: Thurrock Council have acknowledged our petition and have asked the Hammers to present the details of it and the campaign to get the team a new home in the area to the Thurrock Council's main cabinet in January or February. This will place both the club and the campaign on the council’s agenda such that it is recorded officially in Council minutes and ensure that the club gets an official response. So please get all speedway fans you know to keep signing the petition as it really is going to help us. We need riders, promoters and clubs to post/tweet links to the petition and the Speedway Star to actually put something in print as it is yet to appear in the magazine. Thank you all for signing so far, I wish I could give you all a hug or buy you a beer, whichever is most appropriate lol. Thanks for trying to save our team Here is the link: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/support-the-return-of-lakeside-hammers-speedway

The Tour de France was broadcast on ITV. The winning team’s title sponsor are SKY. The winner was voted by the public. The BBC really need to up their game when it comes to being biased.

Correct Najjer I picked that up as well, it was more the tail end of the season than mid

And what is Father Christmas bringing you this year,? the little man replied 'we are going to told the name of our first STARS rider for 2019' Wow!, aren't you a lucky man...….

Memory lane there, though a decade or two and more before my time. 'Swagman' was easily the best speedway movie of that era and was filmed at New Cross, you can make out the New Cross Rangers race bibs adapted to be 'Cobras' bibs as depicted in the film. It's been shown on Talking Pictures channel Freeview 81 (+ 328, 445 & 306) a few times, the DVD isn't too dear either. 'Britainnia Of Billingsgate' was another speedway move of the time, not sure if it was the film where just a straight and one bend of a track was constructed, think Lea Bridge may have been used also. Again, way (way) before my birth...

Ok

Here’s hoping for a 60-30 stuffing when we visit and and exciting 46-44 win when you’re at the NSS. Lower our average, save some pennies and 3 points each.

I don’t know a Panthers fan who isn’t delighted with the side

have you ever seen Wright around the showground?

You have a right to discuss but repitition becomes boring. You have a right to discuss but repitition becomes boring. You have a right to discuss but repitition becomes boring.......get it

Am I not entitled to an opinion? I have stated mine, and, even if it doesn’t concur with yours, it is surely valid. I was a huge Andy Smith fan from the 1980s and was gutted when he went elsewhere towards the end of that decade. It was great when he return to BV around the end of the millennium but I thought it was a step too far when he raced at Kirky Lane in 2005. But this isn’t about Andy, it’s about Jack. Andy rode for one British team from when he was 18 until he was 24. Jack is 20 tomorrow and has already ridden for at least 6 teams. To me, the “connection” was broken when Andy arranged for Glasgow rather than BV to buy Jack’s registration from Birmingham. But, as I said, that’s just my opinion. It may be, indeed, probably is, different to that of others, but that doesn’t automatically make it drivel.