Leaderboard

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.

I noticed in the Star a recent piece about how much each track had raised toward the Ben Fund in 2019. What I thought was noticeable by its omission was any reference at all to the running of a 2020 Ben Fund Bonanza. I know the staging track makes little or no money from hosting the event, but having supported it several times when it has been held within reasonable travelling distance, I've always thought it an attractive season opener when fans have been starved of action for 5 or 6 months. I know recent years has seen few of the top riders support the event - shame on them - but surely the organisers cannot let such a fund raising event disappear from the calendar? Has anybody heard anything?

Low risk/ high reward.

U could say that about alot of clubs,what goes around comes around, if a club reports a loss of a £ 100,000 in a season does that not make them riddled with debt?

3 riders to be announced on Look North tomorrow night. Last two at the Christmas bash. Sounds like the team is finally sorted.

I fail to see the connection with newcastle

I don't see the positives at all in naming one at a time. it is only those who are fully interested will acknowledge the single rider announcements. Those other people who might have noticed will be put off by the waiting for the whole team …. The last paragraph though, warrants some thought. If all promoters were to plan a big Promotion day on the same stage, I'm sure that would create a lot of interest and would possibly entice TV to come on board.. A Brilliant idea Baggy, one that could promote the start of the season and the sport to National coverage. Surely that would be better than having all this dribs and drabs that does nobody any favours. Too late this year, but what's stopping the BSPA planning a day next year and everyone work to it...

Not surprised that any club struggles to sign riders at this time of year when a well known tactic of a certain very northern based club is to have around 10 riders ' signed ' before the AGM. Thus preventing said riders signing for other clubs before the full points limit is known and then said club drops the extras that no longer fit in the club's plans. Good tactic if you have the guile to do it. Obviously Newcastle were never in a position to ' sign ' anybody till after the takeover so at a disadvantage straight away. THJ makes some valid points on rider availability on a Sunday so your looking at a very small field of riders to choose from. Just hope Newcastle can sign at least one big hitter to turn the decline around but you will need big bucks to get one.

The conversation started with someone saying they loved their speedway but don’t attend any more because they thought it was no longer value for money. All I was meaning was, if they “loved” their speedway (as much as I do) they’d still be going regardless. Now, if they can no longer afford it, that’s a different story.

Definitely. Everyone should still give Rob Grant all of their support. Even if the team he puts out isn't as strong as people want. It won't be for lack of trying, maybe just a case of circumstances. I.e. declaring to run late and maybe missing out on riders we may well have otherwise targeted. Who knows it still could be really strong. Always the option to strengthen up as the season progresses. I'd like to think Rob won't put up with riders underperforming and will not leave it too late to make changes as other promotions in the past have been guilty of. At the end of the day it's all Granty's money and underperforming riders normally means the team is struggling and as we know in the past it usually affects the attendances.

The 2019 SCB regulations (Clause 16.2.1) state that in the Championship, League Table and Shield Table meetings count towards the CMA but NOT play-offs.

They were 3 riders that I thought of too however what is clear you would have used the same argument with me also. As I’ve said the question was answered but you have chosen to move the goal posts as expected. It’s the typical response from a blinkered blue blooded fan.

Nobody is saying you have to have another form of entertainment but plenty of other fans of the sport are looking elsewhere for their entertainment because they are fed up of the way the sport is governed and “promoted.”

Berwick, in the Championship, last season, including a programme (this year it seems without) worked out at less than £13 a meeting for season ticket holders. They try and reach out as much as possible to families. Lots of people of minimum wage in the area.

Hardly: £150 for a round of golf? £40 (cheap seats) for a football match? Speedway is dirt cheap.

You are lucky. Some of us don’t have a competitor round the corner. So we gave up with kebabs and started visiting the Kentucky on kebab nights instead

I still have the programmes for every match I've been to - 1960-2019 - plus a number I have purchased or otherwise obtained (!) over the years going back to the first Crystal Palace meeting in May 1928. A couple of thousand altogether.

And Swindon wanted us all to build to 46,,,how was that going to happen, just isn't the riders here at the moment.

Taking the mick obviously.Plus Anders Rowe is at Swindon anyway.

You were given 3 by Steve0 but you choose to ignore them. If you are going to keep changing the goalposts then it’s pointless getting into a debate about it.

Race night made a big difference to Rye House, for me going there on a weekend is not too much trouble, but during the week I wouldn't want to go anywhere near the A414, M11 or Harlow.

If you can’t respect the posters and just keep giving insults and name calling just jog on and stop posting it’s getting boring. We are talking about the Ipswich team or lack of at the moment and you are adding nothing to it

Thankyou, personally I am very sad that Coventry speedway is lost, I very much enjoyed my trips to Brandon including the times when it hosted the GP, seeing AJ rip between Adams and T Rick was a sight to behold. As a fan who does travel to a lot of away tracks, it is certainly something else I will miss as I doubt I will travel as much to Championship tracks.