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I am far from convinced that fans do either. They suggest that points limits, tactical rides, rider replacement and guests cause people to walk away, ignoring the fact that all have been in existence in the sport for half a century. Cut the prices they say, ignoring the fact that when that has been done clubs have usually sustained heavy financial losses. Its too expensive. Belle Vue costs £18 and I see at least one world class rider (usually two) every week. Halifax Town costs £20, and they aren't even in the Football League. By that comparison, speedway is cheap. They criticise the play off system, disregarding the fact that it is a huge success in terms of revenue and that it is now common practice elsewhere. They compare speedway to other sports, ridiculing its rules, its practices, its procedures. Speedway is about as similar to football as an elephant is to a haddock and any comparison is just as valid. I am sure I have even read that speedway should be marketed as a sport for those aged 40 or over, a bit like crown green bowling. Total nonsense. Speedway is for all ages, and should be promoted that way. As to the ageing attendance, I think that's a myth. Barry Bishop told me that less than 15% of his crowds are of pensionable age. But the most telling fact is that while some claim to have all the answers, ask them to put their money where their mouth is and they are running for the hills. Quite willing to gamble others funds, they won't stake a single penny on their - occasionally hare brained - schemes, which shows just how confident they are about their success. While I deplore the utter contempt that most - but not all - members of the BSPA have for this forum, they can justifiably point to that in describing us as 'keyboard commandos'. All I know is that speedway has to start treating its paying customers as paying customers and not run the sport for the benefit of the riders, because that's how it is at the moment. Even with things as desperate as they are, clubs still find time to treat its fanbase like dirt. Sheffield's Damian Bates, faced with huge criticism over an underperforming team and a dreadful track, found time to slag off the clubs fans last season. Faced with similar criticism over an equally dreadful track, instead of listening Plymouth's Mark Phillips chose to ban those who were being critical. When you choose to treat the lifeblood of the sport that way, you get all you deserve.

Attended Ted Hubbard's Funeral yesterday. It was by far the biggest funeral I personally have ever attended with (a rough guess) over 200 people there many trapped outside listening on a speaker. Teds Cortege arrived with a chequered flag draped over his coffin which was then carried into the church to a clever and tasteful medley of march out themes from Canterbury Hackney and Rye House. Hackney/Rye/Canterbury and Crayford were well represented by Barry Thomas, Bobby McNeil, Laurie Etheridge, Hugh Saunders, Graham Miles, Karl Fiala and Barney Kennett. Also spotted was Reg Luckhurst, Steve Weatherley, Trevor Geer, Paul Woods and Graham and Paul Hurry. There were probably more I didn't see or didn't recognise. Ex Ref Graham Broadie was in attendance. It was a fitting and special send off for one of speedways nice guys.

They have to.. Newcastle are a classic example of all that is wrong.. Riding on a Sunday (a key day for leisure time) should be a 'shoe in' for such a unique an entertainment as Speedway. . Especially as that club has had some of the finest riders of all time representing them so have an incredible history.. Instead, as a Sunday track they must have had nightmares trying to ensure riders turn up, given Sunday has become such a key day for all three Pro leagues in Poland with so many UK contracted riders competing in them.. When Poland became the 'be all and end all' the UK should have just pulled up the drawer-bridge and gone alone... Instead it went done the path of 'fudge' and 'appeasement'. A subservient "We will work around you" became the mission statement.. Newcastle must have god knows how many difficult variables when trying to get a meeting on. Will their own No1 be available? Or will their opponents No1 be available? And if not, do they run? Or do they run with guests which makes the meeting somewhat contrived? Either way the fans (the life blood of the sport) and therefore the club, lose out.. Clubs should just be able to publicise a fixture list, and then market it, safe in the knowledge that all riders will be there, which then ensures a decent crowd can turn up safe in the knowledge they won't feel short changed. .. UK Speedway should set it's stall out and say "this is us", and build to whatever level it can. On days and nights fans want to (and can) attend.. And not bother about the wider Speedway world as they at the moment play on another level.. Four lads of similar ability per race, with a decent off track entertainment package, at a reasonable value for money admission fee, will tick a lot of boxes for a great many British Speedway fans, (both regulars and, more importantly maybe, non regulars). Promoters, who are business men and women in their own right, must know that surely? As lets be honest, it is very, very basic..

It baffles me when people make judgements when no one has been announced! Plus staying away on a permanent basis only means the club would be lost. Surely if the racing is good does it matter who the riders are? I think the standard in the CL is more level than in the PL, so should be close.

The Fours qualifiers were always a great crowd puller, certainly in the northern section, and of course they should return.

On the first point, you are absolutely right. But there are so many on here who think they have all the ideas, only they don't. And as I said, the crucial point is that while they are very happy to speculate with others money they won't risk a penny of their own. On the second point, I can't be certain of how much money riders make or don't make although be very surprised if any rider doubling up between the Premiership and the Championship 'barely makes a profit'. Very surprised indeed. I consider that uncontrolled doubling up is a blight on the sport in this country and we only have it so that riders can double their earnings. Because of that we have fixed race nights, and that has closed one club (Rye House) put another up for sale (Sheffield) and meant that a third (Poole) has had to drop out of a league which they have pretty much dominated. Riders demand that tracks are prepared how they want them, not what is best for the spectator and thus the sport itself. Its little wonder that in a facebook post recently Gordon Pairman said that while fans point fingers at promoters for the sports financial difficulties, riders are to blame. I don't totally agree, but he has a point.

But we have had live speedway on TV for 25 years now and the crowds are what they are today. Where are the new fans from all those hours of free publicity?

When it is a new venue or the re-opening of a previous venue, it's understandable to a degree, that people living locally will have concerns. The majority of the concerns will be honestly made but there will always be the few "professional" moaners who will do everything they can to influence that majority by the spreading of some quite ridiculous tales. At Birmingham, we convinced the City Council to give us a temporary planning consent for a trial period of three years. When the trial period was up, we had to re-apply and inevitably there was a hard core who became more and more desperate in their attempts to block it. Four residents wrote to the Council to say that they could put up with the noise, (they had little choice because the Council's own noise tests showed that the sound of the bikes was inaudible from their houses), but said that the "evil smell of the petrol was making them ill!" We even had people claim that people living several miles away from the stadium were subject to louder noise "because they didn't have the sound of the heavy traffic to drown it" - seriously trying to imply that whilst the noise from a very busy road decreased with distance, the noise from the speedway didn't! Over the last six years, Birmingham Speedway has received just one complaint - and that was about noise from the tannoy not the bikes. Although we can never completely eliminate the attentions of the nimbys, I always found that whenever we could have a face to face meeting with local residents, they were invariably reasonable and willing to listen to our point of view - and the biggest mistake that we can make is to try and ridicule what are people's genuine concerns.

Lack of opportunity is certainly a factor, as is cost, look at the equipment some of these beginners have, I can remember the day when some internationals turned up with one bike on a rack on the back of the car. It's good that we now have more opportunities for under age riders but a young bloke should be able to afford to race and many can't.

I take it, that's the KL team you'd like, not the witches

Would it be impertinent of me to suggest that future contributions on this topic should be made on the "Sheffield 2020" thread on the SGB Premiership Speedway League forum?

I certainly believe that more could be done to make the racing better, but once again it seems to me rider interests are put above those of fans. I once complained about the dust at a track and asked for watering, only to be told that the riders don't like it so it wasn't going to happen. If the sport continually puts the needs of paid employees above paying spectators attendances will go down - that's pretty obvious, and it has to change. I have always believed that trying to get people back is a waste of time and speedway should concentrate more on new fans. Those who used to go tend to complain about matters that have been in force for decades, trying to give the impression that they only came in two or three seasons ago. They are overwhelmingly - and occasionally bizarrely - negative in an attempt to justify why they don't go, and make unreasonable demands as conditions to return. Why on earth chuck money at such people ?

The 24-year-old has been impressed with the professional set up at Ipswich and said he wants to remain with the club in 2020. “Compared to every other club I have dealt with during my time In England for a couple of years they are very professional. They want you to do well as much as you want to do well. There has never been a problem if I have asked for advice or help. It was a good for me to go to a new club and I am glad it was Ipswich. I have really enjoyed my time here and hopefully if all goes to plan, I will be here next year and for years after that.” Yes I know what people say and yes, this time of year riders do trot out the “I’d like to stay” line when pushed, but his comments from only a few weeks ago go above and beyond the standard line IMO. I’d be very very surprised if he goes elsewhere but let’s see, money does talk loudest after all.

Nah. Once you become a member of the Ipswich golf club then your place in the Speedway team is guaranteed

The problem as I see it is that fans & sponsors have lost the feeling that the 7 riders representing your club are yours. We have almost completely lost this connection. Most if not all of 2019 championship teams consisted of 7 riders that also represented another U.K. team. This is also a huge problem with credibility when trying to convince newcomers to support our sport. Equally wholesale team changes during the season do the sport great harm as do the huge changes season on season. Question: As a sponsor would I buy rider X (my local team favorite) a new bike, only for it to be used while riding for another team? NO.

Scott nicholls confirmed

If Newcastle go (and let's hope not), that's 13 gone in 19 years.. Thats 1 club going every 1.46 years... Surely someone who is involved in running the sport can see that what they currently have (and have used for far too long) as an operating model and business plan simply doesn't work..? How many will go before it gets sorted? Best of luck to the Diamonds... NB Did all these 13 clubs get £5,000 fines for closing?

If baffles me, when people don’t let you make a comment. It’s my opinion based on the side or an atypical side Poole will put out. I don’t need to see the actual side you are putting out. What difference will that make! You forget, that people aren’t going against better sides but suddenly with a team in the Championship they will hold up or improve. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that will make me go ‘Wow, I was wrong. That was a good decision by the Pirates to go to the Championship’

When it's said Swindon bite the bullet and re shaped,,, they had no choice did they if they wanted speedway to continue at that venue. Didn't mean to quote, didn't know how to get rid

Huckenbeck?

They might want to wait until they know who'll be taking part first. A suppose they could do a quick reccy and if someone does drop out, they could give them to someone else who might want to take part

Let's hope they include Newcastle

That makes the problem worse. If all of the northern teams best all of the southern teams, home and away, you’d still have three southern teams in the play offs. At least with one league table there would be a chance for four or five northern teams to make the playoffs.

So teams in the North wouldn't meet teams in the South (in the league) and have home and away three times (15 home and 15 away matches)? Then fans would complain that they'd only seen five different teams in the league!! I reckon they've (just about) got it right the way they've done it.

Doubling up matters to me but I respect your opinion.

But fixed race nights are way up it! Doubling up removes much of the sport's credibility, you see a three quarters empty and decaying stadium on TV and Pearson busily telling everyone how many teams each rider will be riding for this week, It's just Mickey Mouse stuff.

Fixed race nights. To ensure that riders can double up, leagues have to ride on different nights and that has meant that some have had to change the traditional one for racing. It genuinely does surprise just how much that affects attendances, but Rye House closed down as a result, Sheffield went up for sale and Poole dropped out of a league that have graced for decades.

Well done Kent. Look after him -- he has served most teams well and been a great Captain. Leicester's loss but Kent's gain -- wishing you well Scott and hope you have a great season.

The cynic in me suggests Plymouth were turned down to ensure the NL has enough teams in it to be viable?

Agree to an extent, he WAS disappointing if truth be told but on the other hand, we know he’s a quality rider and what he’s capable of. Maybe a full season and starting from the beginning we’d see the rider we all know? He also has an attractive average for a rider of his pedigree that he’d surely increase. We simply can’t go in to next season with Klindt and King as our heatleader duo, that has disaster written all over it. We’re gonna need another top end rider from somewhere and I personally think we’d be mad to turn Iversen down on an average over just over 7.

Poole fans should defo put scunthorpe and Redcar on the list of tracks to visit.

Do the promotions really listen ? I remember about 7 years ago when Adam started riding in the UK one of these “how do we gauge public opinion” threads came up on here and I suggested a simple questionaire slipped into a program and a suggestion box near the exit. Most if not all people who buy a program have a pen (or can borrow one). A few questions filled in with their contact details at the end isn’t the hardest thing in the world. 1, you know really what the punters think and can maybe act on some of the suggestions 2, with their contact details you straight away have a database where you can contact people with offers etc. its really not that hard eh ?

Just have to correct the statement slightly We knew there were a host of teams looking to sign him, so we had to act fast offer a shed load of money to get him on board.

There you go people a thread just for you.Whinge away and leave the other threads to people who still like and enjoy talking about the sport.You have helped drive a good few away from this forum so let us please keep the ones we have left. Thanks in advance I live in hope (well at least until the first reply).

Think the team will be Jake ,Josh,Jordan and Tommy who are all confirmed With Danny Ayres ,Simon Lambert and Tero Aarnio to follow should be a good squad if staying injury free

That’s my point. Some of the tracks have been rubbish. You can normally discount the first twelve heats in most GPS as rubbish racing with one line on the inside and as speedway’s showcase they should be the best prepared tracks in the world.

Hope Nick shows you the loyalty of coming back after a poor season because he didn’t do it to Swindon.

Its not a 'Newcastle out - Plymouth in' scenario. If Newcastle don't run then there will be an imbalance between the North and South, but thsigns for the Diamonds are looking much more positive. Plymouth's bid was declined due to financial uncertainties.

https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/speedway/redcar-bears-confirm-first-two-17270048

Sponsorship I can answer your question quite easily by saying that there are about 50 doubling up riders all of whom have sponsors. So sponsorship isn’t an issue. Exclusivity of riders Regarding the 7 riders being “yours”, I’m not bothered at all. I suspect Billy McNeil, Norman Hunter, Mike Kean, Geoff Bouchard, David Ashby and Jan Andersen might have ridden for other teams, doubling down or abroad, in the 1970s, but I wasn’t aware of it when I watched them riding for Swindon and wouldn’t have cared if they did. I presume you have no problem with our foreign riders riding for clubs abroad, or even our British riders riding abroad, so why does it matter if they ride for clubs in a different division here? A sense of ownership would far better be achieved by allowing clubs to keep their seven riders rather than have to rebuild due to a new team building average limit for the new season. Fixed race nights Fixed race nights might have been a problem for Poole and Sheffield (although I think poor performances early in the season contributed more to lower attendances), but they have now moved to their preferred race nights, so that’s not a problem now. Some Belle Vue fans complain about FRN but again they didn’t make the play offs; let’s see if their crowds improve this season.

Hi guys , well as an ex swindon second half rider back in the 70 s we had a good crowd with local lads having a go , some time s I was thrown in the deep end and yes came last but I gave it a go on second hand bike s that were de tuned to last longer and 1 tyre for the season yes 1 tyre !! I was broke but still had a go . Briggo ashby and broad banks all gave me a hand and I had a ball . but it was a local and family driven crowd that would give us lads support .A lot of wannabe riders like me would have done a lot better given the finances . I migrated to Perth in the 80 s and watched racing at Claremont WOW good support, fast and local lads mixing with the tour riders . I pitted for a few lads and it was better sponsored, Along with a mixed format . side cars ,midget cars and solo , and junior riders all mixed with good commentary and hamburgers Brilliant to Watch ..my answer to British speedway is to mix it up ,cheaper bikes for up and comers . and a good second half . also the pits to be open and available to watch up close .again they do this at the drag racing here too .Briggo used to come out with us after the meeting to practice many thanks Barry .Bill y Wall

And I respect yours. Who do you support out of interest? I’m a Lynn fan and at various points last season Cook, Riss, Jorgensen, MPT, Proctor, Andersen, S Lambert and Kerr all had teams in the Championship and I can honestly say that it didn’t make me see them any differently in terms of a team representing my club.

I really hope not. Would be a major disappointment for us Witches if that is the case

Don't be silly, speedway fans moan, surely not.

Why make a comfortable living when you could make a better living and become a better rider. Too many brits imo not willing to push themselves to that next level or trying hard enough to do so.

Kyle and six Aussies, 1.Brady Kurtz 7.54 2.Kyle 5.58 3.Josh G 7.29 4.Jake Allen 5.56 5.Jack Holder 7.49 6.Ryan Douglas 4.66 7.Zaine Kennedy 4.00

Like to see Ben Barker included, 100% racer now that Plymouth not in Championship and maybe Stoneman at reserve

He played cricket for the West Indies.....

Yes, all bar the good ones.

Ted was a much better British League rider than his results show in that he didn't score as many points as he should have given his huge talent when he rode full time for Hackney. But when doubling up between the Hawks and Rye House as Hackney number 8 he often turned in match winning performances and of course his National League record speaks for itself as the master of Rye and Canterbury. But of all those wonderful memories of Ted my favourite is a non riding one. When we ran the Hackney reunion in 2005, the night was so hectic I found myself running around all night until I raced past Ted propping up the bar. I was almost past him when he grabbed me by the arm pulling me to an abrupt halt and with the other hand thrust a pint into my hand and said, now stand here and drink that, you deserve it. It was a simple but wonderful gesture. I didn't know him very well but had the pleasure of chatting to him at a handful of social events over the years and he was always a gentleman and a real pleasure to chat too. This is one of my favourite pictures of him as he has his fag in hand. RIP Ted.