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I'm lucky to support a team in a nice stadia, nice amenities and OK refreshments and I can park close to stadium on a proper car park. There are a few stadia like that, but others in desperate need of repair/renovation or in some cases basically "glorified fields". I don't go to speedway though to sit in a glass fronted stand, to do my oblutions in a pristine environment or to eat prawn sandwiches, I go to watch speedway racing in its pure form. I spent between £16 - £18.50 to get in to various Championship matches last season, my money, my choice and if I didn't feel it was good value, I would not go. Compared to all other major Sports with the excitement available and fellowship of decent and friendly fans and few if any thugs or inebriated people, I think it is excellent value. If someone thinks not, vote with your feet but don't please attack us who do go and who will keep going.

Honestly Guys I would just like to get this out there.... as I have received several PM's Texts and even telephone calls over the weekend asking me what the team is and who is coming to Newcastle and what do I know with regards to incoming riders... Honestly I know nothing!!! and can honestly add the following 1. I am not connected to the club in any way shape or form other than I have invested in the club and their riders in excess of £30k in the last 10 years in the form of sponsorship either direct to the riders or direct to the club; and this does not include investing in the ridiculously over priced things like race bibs; kevlars; pictures; posters; helmets and an array of other "crepe" now hanging on my office walls picked up in club auctions and raffles; or sponsoring individual meetings; or chucking a grand into the air fence fund when that first started or the £100 max £50 paid max bonus I give to the riders when they achieve that milestone in a home match. 2. I have not spoken to Rob Grant or anyone else from the club other than Dalbers about when a group I had pulled together to invest in the club were ready to step in following suggestions that we may not run but when Rob Grant came to the fore we backed off. 3. The last Director I was involved with at Newcastle was Darryl Illingworth who left 4/5 year ago now and I gave Alan Hedley some support with phone numbers of riders some 4 year back now that proved successful for him signing a couple of riders and that was the last time I got any information on who the club were chasing. When Darryl left I gave more support to Workington and for 4 or 5 seasons I invested between 8 to 12 grand a year for these years between both clubs 4. All I am doing is responding to that clown Dandelion in the first instance and anyone else who puts forward ridiculous names and choices of possible team selections (with some added humour hopefully); however its a mickey take; fake news; and I would suggest to all the secret squirrels out there don't take things so seriously FFS it will be what it will be at the end of the day and all I would say is give Rob Grant a chance. 5. What I do know (and all I know) for sure is what we were given at the Gosforth Club Meeting by George English and Rob Grant themselves; which was Clegg and Wethers have signed on; Clegg will probably be in the main body of the team; "we won't believe who one of the signings will be" and we will be asking "how did they manage to get him" as stated by George English. We were told we will have strong reserves and that there were 6 offers out to riders (2 accepted) and one still to finalise and finally that there would be 2 or 3 riders names released this week with the other 2 or 3 released at the Christmas party. That's it... nothing that isn't already known or out in the public domain. 6. What I will add is George English has always operated a "Secret Service" approach when signing his riders and tried to lock down the process but riders (and mechanics; especially mechanics) talk and word gets out and this late in the season when the pool of available riders is looking decidedly dry it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out what the potential make up of the team will be. 7. What I will also add is I was very impressed at the Gosforth "talk in" and the vision Rob Grant has for the team; the club and and the sport going forward and I do genuinely wish him all the success in the world in his new venture promoting speedway. 8. For those who have asked where I get my selections and names from I would say the following; firstly what you must remember is Newcastle are a Sunday team which rules out a great deal of riders who have Polish ambitions; Newcastle currently do not have the relevant licences to bring in Aussies Kiwis or Americans who need work visas which takes these guys out of the equation; demographics and being in the cold North East Newcastle tend to offer "sweeteners" to attract riders however as most of the riders are now fixed up so this puts Newcastle decidedly on the back foot. Two year back Newcastle brought back Matty Wethers and this is probably where we need to look and where I have been looking for names but I am sure Rob Grant will have his own little black book of names and Dave Tatum is another who will have numerous rider contacts so there could be a signing which is definitely left of field and unexpected!!! How about Kenneth Hansen? 9. Remember its fake news or a best guestimate to be fair on my account I don't have any inside information; I do not know who is or isn't coming "its a puppet" Brian Conley alive and dangerous, Nick Frisbee and Larry the Loafer. https://youtu.be/f64H3hDa93Y 10. I hope this has clarified the position and all I do is use a technique I learnt in the RMP where I provide 2 + 2 and if you come up with anything else other than 4 then you have bought into the premise that you think I know what I am talking about... If you want to know who the club are chasing ring Rob Grant or George English who are the people best placed to tell you what is happening and no need to torture me because I don't have a clue... Also have some trust in this new promoter as I get the distinct impression that Rob Grant has his finger on the pulse and will provide the best team he possibly can under the circumstances One final thing to mention; look at the Polish sides who have pools of riders; anything between 10 or 12 riders and once the seasons starts there will be 3 to 5 riders sitting on Polish contracts but not getting rides, then we may see an early change in the team when perceived stronger riders potentially become available Regards THJ

They're probably looking forward to next season. You?

That's why i said off topic. Numb nuts.

I think you have to name the seven riders separately, and they seem to be getting on with it this year after dragging it too long last winter. As has been said with the two local papers and two local radio stations it makes sense to make seven stories out of it rather than one. You would imagine the other four will be named over the next couple of weeks so not long to wait. I’ve never understood the clamour to know ASAP anyway, we are four months from the season starting so there is no great rush. What would be quite good but probably beyond the current group of promoters is a launch day where everyone names their teams and the media get properly involved, race suits are revealed etc etc. All in one place with as many riders as possible present. Launch the prospect of the new season with a bang.

Let’s hope it’s a nice surprise and not a nasty one.

All depends if they have other business ventures and they use the loss at any other venture as a tax loss , happens all the time in business.

The Nichols clan are a very well known group of local people, originating from the Scottish highlands they became nomadic before settling in the flat above pelmis on allendale rd, they then ( luckily) upgraded to the Byker waaall when they inadvertently and by complete surprise got an exchange with sandshoe sam who was at the end of his tether with local youths. They are a loyal strong bunch, fearless and brave. don't know if they are related, but that could be possibly be a link?

Jesus will you stop it man lol... A was in Cumbria... stuck in the house an it was lashing down with rain an blowing a hooli... Regards THJ

Not really, Ipswich have a hard-core season ticket following, who will buy season tickets whoever is or isn't in the team. As long as speedway is at Foxhall they will be there.

Hopefully putting the Auty v Kurtz to bed here a couple facts and stats Fact Josh has clearly stated that he has no interest in riding in the Premiership, it would appear that he has found his limit and his contented to stick with Scunthorpe Out of all of the riders in the Championship who finished as the teams number 1 rider Josh had lowest away average, and the difference between home and away averages he had the second highest difference. Stats Since Todd joined Sheffield Todd has raced Josh 8 times. Of those 8 race Todd scored 13 points and Josh scored 10 Todd beat Josh on 6 of those 8 occasions. And finally Todd is an asset of Sheffield speedway so loan fee require, and with the signing of Nicki Pedersen balancing the books could have come into play with bringing into the team.

She mentioned Glasgow more than Workington in that rabble.

Nike gave his spot up last year at Newcastle causing others to lose there spots and giving Newcastle opportunities to bring in riders affected by the demise of Workington

I'm looking for the Somerset thread, can anyone direct me ?

Honestly Just gis a break basically and to understand with what I do financially or I have done in the past does not give me any special access into who Newcastle are signing... I just make guesstimates on potential riders now like everyone else (hopefully realistic ones and sometimes totally Waz take ones) Newcastle are not in the same boat as those you have quoted as Glasgow are sorted and have been for some time; One promoter told me he had his team sorted by the end of September and as advised from Skidder1 Poole are just toying over their final rider (Emil Grondal anyone?) and I am led to believe that Redcar are just about there and they are looking at lower order options... in years gone by like most clubs I would suggest Newcastle would have 5 or 6 riders pre signed up but maybe not confirmed and would be looking for a 5/6 pointer and a reserve... then slowly releasing the names up to the Christmas party... Oh hang on... There you go so they have sorted their little wrinkle out and have a full 7... Good News that... Newcastle; for whatever reason; seem to have always been loyal to riders and given them more time than most other clubs would to pull their form around and clubs are dammed if they do and dammed if they don't its always a tricky decision as to when a rider gets cut I would suggest... Because Newcastle weren't in the starting blocks when it come to signing riders they are way behind the game and that is why we may be struggling a bit I would suggest; but as I alluded to earlier we may start with an 8 point plus number 1 with Matty Wethers at 5 and the rest of the team all averaging around the 5/6 mark and if that's the way it pans out so be it; I'm certainly not worried if that is the situation... by the end of the second month there will be "changes a plenty" throughout the league plus as I said certain riders signed in Poland who won't be getting rides will potentially be looking for more earning opportunities. How many times have we seen mid season changes made that have transformed a clubs outlook... However it may be time to think outside the box and look away from the usuall names suggested Ondrej Smetana; Kenneth Hansen; Victor Pallovarra; Joel Andersson; Lewis Bridger; Theo Pijper; Lewis Rose; Sebastian Alden or Anders Melgren to name but a few... If Newcastle look weak at the start of the season there will be plenty of opportunity to change and hopefully (hopefully) strengthen up... (oft said Team Averages may go down as well as up) Regards THJ

Yet many claim there’s no difference between the two leagues!

Nowt To be honest, I don't think people should be pestering the guy, it's like cold calling. Am sure if he has anything to share with you, he will.

I was at every one of those meetings but no longer have the programmes. I gave my whole collection to a chap named Derek Neave who was well known around the London tracks in the 60's selling programmes for charity. I collected autographs in those days and always asked the riders appearing to sign the back of the programmes. I imagine that would have increased the value. Norbold, just imagine if that New Cross programme you have from 28 August 1935 had been signed on the back by Tom Farndon. It would be priceless.

Try Berwick. I think they tick your boxes.

We in the CL?

Indeed, in stadia with pleasant toilets, decent refreshments and pothole free car parks. Not many of those around in the UK unfortunately. Those things should be basics nowadays.

Perhaps you might take the time to read up before making such comments. Wright had a team in Poland, scored well for them, but they didn't pay him so he stopped going. ( like many Premiership riders) He's still owed thousands so once bitten twice shy!

Season ticket + cost of programme still works out at £15-45 per meeting which is still good value.

Wow! Where do you play golf or watch football? I pay £15 a round of golf and £18 to watch national league standard football ( yes, in the seats). Speedway is not ' dirt cheap ' for 15 minutes of racing but, depending on which track you watch at, it can still be value for money.

Not quite certain why we are arguing about who is the best rider between Dan and Charles.... they are good assets to have in our team.

So we have, Najjer saying £16 isn't good value at Somerset whilst the same product and price at Eastbourne is stated as being competitive. I have watched the Rebels every year since they started and have enjoying every one of them whatever level we raced at. The racing in 2019 was no less entertaining than in the Premiership years of 2018 or 17 or any year before that in fact, in my opinion. I am looking forward to those tapes going up at the OTA in 2020 as well. But that is it in a nutshell, everyone has and is entitled to an opinion on how they see things.

Scotland.

Go Boris!!

I'm told KK has returned back to the table. Panthers officials have told KK that once Labour are elected on Thursday, and once the 2nd referendum takes place, and the country vote Remain. The pound will rise by 25% against the Euro. This has covered the shortfall between KK's demands and the Panthers' budget. So whether KK joins depends on the election result on Thursday.

Hahaha you heard to. And what's even funnier is that they chose him over patrick Hansen who wanted to ride for them. But they said grondal is the better prospect. Hahahahaha

Because they are young and would have improved if they stayed at Poole anyway? Your argument is completely floored if you think most riders who leave Poole improve, when you can only think of 6 in the last 20 years? That is a very small minority. Ironically Ryan Douglas is better at Poole than Wolves, so track can't be that bad! And Nick Morris got worse when riding for Wolves than when he was at Swindon! So maybe look at your own team first!!

Yes but who's reading them? Those 7 story's will stay in the speedway circle and people within that circle are only getting pissed off. When a football club sign a player it gets announced. It's not drip fed.

I quote: Almost finalised . Apologises for delay but Peter and David been busy moving their business to a factory and we will have it sorted fully in next few days .

When you reach the ripe ole age of 72, nothing p____s you of more when you are treated with such stupid games. Its enough to put people off for life. Why are we subjected to these ridiculous guessing games. Good god, we are all responsible adults and should be treated as such. If they think this idea creates extra interest they most be more stupid than I give them credit for. Enough of these stupid games. When you have a team to announce, then do the honourable thing, until then, stop taking us for mugs......

Apparently Anders has 6 new Ashtech engines lined up. Ellis does need faster engines as well, maybe he and Stewart can raise some money to buy any of Jasons 2019 engines that he is no doubt changing.

So... In a nutshell... What are ye saying...

Actually, I thought it was quite a good reasoned discussion. I agree that the two riders are not just good for Belle Vue but as future internationals as well. For those of us that don't see them on a regular basis, it's interesting to know their progress and relative skills. Not to mention Dan's continued improvement after his injury.

Incidentally, my biggest regret in the speedway programme world is that back in the 1970s I was offered two complete years of New Cross programmes, 1935 and 1936. Sadly, I had just returned from a two weeks holiday in America where I had bought some valuable comics (another collecting fad of mine at the time) which were practically unobtainable in the UK, so I just couldn't afford the asking price. I did manage to get the seller to agree to break them up and I was able to buy a few single copies, such as the night Tom Farndon was killed and the subsequent two meetings as well as a few other choice meetings.

You are probably right but sometimes when people write garbage it’s necessary to counter that opinion with something much closer to reality. Might also be a good idea to move to a different thread and ignore ‘trivial arguments’ if you don’t want to get involved in them, that’s usually what I do.

It's quite astonishing that people can't get through the day without trivial arguments in their lives

No. If you enjoy the product in its current state then that's all good. Have at it and you keep going. But if someone like Najjer or anyone else doesn't, then they should vote with their wallet. Speedway isn't a charity, it's a sport and a form of entertainment and if you feel like you're not getting your money's worth then don't go! My main point is that speedway is on its arse. If speedway was a person, it'd be on life support. There isn't any any quick fix for the sport and there are an absolute load of problems that can't get addressed in one go. But one thing that absolutely will not save the sport is use it or lose attitude for more than one reason- 1. It doesn't entice new fans because they don't give a toss about speedway, so they couldn't give a rats arse if the sports ends or not and just makes everything look a little bit unprofessional. 2. The current fan base isn't enough to hold up speedway to begin with, so whether the diehards show up or not, it's not going to save speedway long term. It's a short-term solution and is only effective a minority of the time as a quick fix. 3. It let promoters get lazy. Rather than addressing the (many) problems speedway has, let's just blame the supporters! It's their fault for not showing up to the meetings. Not the promoters who run the sport.

You gotta keep your programmes mates-I am proud to say I kept every one-got my mum (RIP) to send them to Canada when it was obvious I wasn't coming back to live in UK. Have also kept my US programs-Costa Mesa, Ascot raceway, World Final at Los Angeles Coliseum etc even theprograms from the Canadian tracks of Welland and Paris-the latter was a hidden gem-great place sadly now closed. I recall seeing a former World Finalist , Robert Slabon, who emigrated here from Poland at that track. One of the best meetings I ever saw was the Canadian Championship in Paris about maybe 15 years ago-Kyle Legault came back from UK- a favourite to win he was undefeated , broke the track record twice, although a local guy Aaron Hesmer gave him a run for his money. Wish we still had speedway here.

Absolute rubbish. It's fans that take it as it is that are killing the sport. If it keeps going the way it is, then it'll never bring in new fans, just p*** off the existing fans and the so called "die hards" that'll accept any lazy promoting and the general dross that's shoved our way. Maybe rather than trying to scaremonger the loyal supporters to show, they should work on the sport itself and promote it? Because 'use it or lose it' doesn't work, will never work and is just slapping a plaster on a gaping wound.

Thomsen Bech Harris Andersen MPT Ostergaard BWD Would that be so bad?

I would think in 12 months Worky will be a hot topic once again

I don't think it's that with Swindon. You just know they will make a change at some point that will make up the point deficit because no way is that tail winning a title. That's the only reason I'm backing them for the league because that top 4 with one addition and it's game over It's how Swindon operate.

Poole dont have good away support other than Swindon so no big loss

Glasgow , sometimes Friday , occasionally Saturday , now and again Sunday , if things get desperate towards the end of the season Tuesday

Guys give it a rest !!! What's done is done , there's no point in what happened in the past , it's over !!! Both of you are going to regret some comments that have been made here by both of yous , so for the love of god , SHUT UP !!!