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Again, especially after the recent Glasgow press releases, how refreshing is it to see a promoter being so open and honest to his fans and paying customers? It goes a long long way I feel, and beats the whole “sit quietly and say nothing” approach that so many teams seem to adopt. Fair play to him.

Copied and pasted off Facebook (Newcastle Speedway page): Company director Rob Grant has issued the following statement to update the Newcastle supporters of the road ahead. "When I took over Newcastle Speedway back in November 2019, I did not envisage all the complications that were to follow in 2020, these being on top of a global pandemic. I had taken over a club that had had no other active interested parties come forward, and at the time I genuinely felt that with a lot of hard work I could get Newcastle Speedway to become commercially viable. I have spent most of this year fighting for survival with uncertain stadium arrangements, in which I'm pleased to say that discussions have rectified that issue, and as everyone has read, also an HMRC VAT investigation from the previous 6 years before my takeover. This wasn't even an issue at the time of takeover as the investigation had only been brought to our attention a couple of months into the new regime. Thankfully, we had not even began trading due to the pandemic. The seriousness of the investigation and the financial sum that was suggested that NEWSPEED2003 Ltd owed was such a colossal amount that we had no choice but to seek professional help, with the conclusion being that the company I had taken over was now insolvent to the debt. As the company NEWSPEED2003 was placed into liquidation, all assets, equipment and monies belonging to the company were seized. This included all sponsorship investment and season ticket revenue. The newly formed company NEWCASTLE DIAMONDS Ltd, with myself as the sole director, had to re-purchase all the assets back for a second time, therfore meaning I was now back in control, but with an empty bank balance. At this point I like to thank my team at Grants Family and Catering Butchers as without this company's financial backing I would of certainly of had to walk away from Newcastle Speedway. This has led to where we are at present. The new management at Newcastle Speedway; myself, Dave Tattum, Darren Hartley, Tony Kearman and Rachel Robley are still as an enthusiastic as ever with some great visions for the future, including a possible move to a new location. I came into Newcastle speedway as I believed I could get the company to be commercially viable and I still believe this. I am not the type of person that invests finances at something just for the sake of it and I will not be following the example of some of the other management and promotion that throw countless amounts of money into it as if it's just a Friday or Saturday night toy. That is not me. I'm all for leading the way through commercial management and I will not place Newcastle Speedway in any financial danger, or my other companies for that matter, which are subsidising the speedway just to "keep up the Jones" sort of style. We at Newcastle are better then that. Considering the effects of the liquidation, we are not in the same financial position as other clubs. Thankfully, we are still in a comfortable enough position financially, but we are not comfortable enough to be playing fast and loose with the finances. The team is built on what income we have coming in, and a team of 7 that desperately have a passion and want for Newcastle, which in my opinion is the key ingredient to team morale and eventually team success. We at Newcastle are unfortunate that we don't, as yet, have a sponsored licence to employ overseas riders, but I can confirm that an application has been completed and sent off for acceptance. We are talking to a couple of riders for the final team spot, and I would ask that the supporters stay patient as we look at what options are available. We are fully aware we are in need of more top end power but due to a 11th hour takeover most of the other teams had completed their signings, and with most teams carrying the same line-ups over, we are making sure we find that right suitable candidate within budget and from very little resources left available. In conclusion, I would just like to thank everyone who has and still is supporting us through this year, which I for one will be glad to see the back off in a few weeks time! I look forward to seeing the much awaiting action next year. Newcastle, Covid permitting, are planning to open on bank holiday Easter Sunday with the 90th anniversary/new era individual. Finally, from myself and on behalf of my team, I wish you all the very best and a much needed enjoyable Christmas." Thank you, Rob Grant.

Given the perceived shortage of riders,and the farce of many riders “ doubling up as well as guesting” would one league not be the sensible answer for the sport in GB promoting the the young talent into the league. Revamp and start again is the answer IMO.

Ahh Royno man just call it a day, its going to be one big bang too many one of these days. Working with Brain injury i really worry about the ‘next time’.

Claus will be able to apply for Frontier Worker status as EU citizens who have been regularly employed or self employed in the UK can continue to do so. The 2 new lads have never worked in the UK so can’t. This would allow us to potentially sign an EU citizen who has ridden in the UK regularly. This is different to a new work permit. Was on the news at the weekend

I’ll forgive you the name calling as I know you have Tourette’s when your ranting but it might stop me buying you a bovril next time I see you. Shortage of riders? Then how come Godfrey has 16 riders he wants to see employed? Give Glasgow the trophies?....they’ve won bugger all lately. Glasgow doing what they want ? ...yes, running on a Friday so won’t move up. TV money...who cares who gets what in the premiership but you were talking incorrect figures....just like no signing on fees...every rider in the two sides I sponsored riders in , in 2019 got a signing on fee, and I do know how much , and it’s been done in all premiership teams so yes, you've been told more tales. Keep spouting your tales THJ , your good for a few more rants yet.

because no one had the foresight to see what effect Brexit work restrictions would have, even though its been coming for 4 years and no one knew that Poland would start being sh@thouses. And I think you'll find it'll be more than 2/3 teams eventually. But I'm alright Jack.

Are you sure it's not his dad that's the track curator at perry bar ? Unless Adam has recently been appointed that post too ? I might be wrong - I know Chris has done it for a couple of years now.

It's time for your medication John ..

I have actually been to Torun and Gdansk ...... Gdansk was not so concrete, they still had the old grandstand. My club is King's Lynn, my passion is King's Lynn, no other team comes close. It's the Polish fans that make their clubs, I've walked with hundreds of Gorzow fans to their stadium for a league meeting. It would be like fans from all over King's Lynn gathering in the Tuesday Market Place then making their way en masse to Saddlebow Road, would be awesome if King's Lynn people cared enough!

My son and I went to watch Southport v Farsley Celtic last week. I'd forgotten what a joyless, depressing, and soul destroying experience it is, watching my local team.

Cheers. Firstly for the informed response but also for letting me know it might be okay to watch the news again if they're reporting facts again instead of predictions (that stop me going for a pint) Another good fb post from the promoter. Why the bloke hasnt just walked I'll never know. Might not end up with a competitive team but it's an interesting one for sure. Look forward to seeing it in action, fingers crossed.

Whatever team rob & the rest of the promotion get on track hopefully will be a team of 100%ers & ride with pride & that will do for me

Honestly, must be great to know all the answers and be able to say how other clubs should run their business.

Honestly don't know if it does still exist Steve to be fair but it wouldn't be a bad idea... Regards THJ

Absolutely , and Phil was happy to answer.

Was never a fan of him, thought he was overrated ,but after listening to him it was obvious he liked the Continent for his racing style.It also highlighted the standard of rider he was up against in GB and was overshadowed a bit,he certainly knew how to promote himself to the Max and had a great career in the sport.I agree with his assessment of how the sport has went in GB.Got the impression he disliked Reg Fearman and after reading his book ,I came to the conclusion that he(Fearman) no interest in Promoting the sport, he was a cash in and get out at most of his ventures.

Full page ad in today's Oxford Mail: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=3880001028698419&set=gm.4165363866826617

Not sure where you get your facts from THJ but I can assure you, riders in the Premiership team I assisted at got a sign on fee. I should know , I helped negotiate them and some of the fees paid by certain clubs would blow your mind! Exactly the same when we dropped into the championship just less of a fee.

Yeah, a thought something like that.

Clubs are the ‘ sponsor ‘ so they need an employment permit , then the rider needs a visa to work.

He will need a Visa as a Dane after Jan 1 regardless of what happens with Brexit... Regards THJ

Currently Danes don’t need visa’s as part of the EU. and no rule changes in place...as yet!

Why quit - it doesn’t cost. Use it when you want/need - like now

8 to 12 as I Neva had me specs on when posting

Why should Glasgow be forced into changing their team just because 2 or 3 other teams ( including my local side Newcastle) have an issue ? Rules were agreed and riders signed accordingly. The situation was then rubber stamped that the same teams could be carried forward to 2021 but now a minority aren’t happy and want the rules changing, well that’s just WRONG! Im no great fan of Glasgow but they do run it like a business , unlike most other clubs, and I feel they are quite right to stand their ground. Whilst they may have gone against the mafia in making their feelings public, good on them for letting their fans know what is going on. Glasgow won’t go up because of the fixed race night. The last TV deal netted each premiership club 50k, championship teams got peanuts. As for premiership teams not paying signing on fees THJ? Get real!

Good interview from John Davis, his straight talking is what I like.

Adam always gives 100% , he's a great team player even if he's having a bad meeting , I really hope he keeps away from injury .

THJ - I take it all back !!! Yes, good luck to Adam. He could become a real home favourite once he gets to grip with BP.

THANKS ... we did look at a similar system but the figures didn't work for us.

Wrong You've encountered same problem Brummies and other Clubs have in the past. Rob Grant's is now a new company. It was initially Rob buying out an existing Company. Changed when HMRC intervened. A new Company formation can't apply for a Work Permit for a set period (not sure what it is but at least 2 years I think) Surprised Roynon gone to Newcastle as he had been appointed new Track Curator at Perry Barr, could he have ridden for us and been Curator too? Wish the lad well, deserves all the luck going.

Nothing wrong with supporting your team , just don’t do it with blinkers on. Far better stadiums out there and far better race tracks. Lyn is good but just not THAT good!

Looking like non British riders are now an expensive option, especially for the Championship

There is a glaring factual error in the press release. There have been no changes to EU law, the changes are to UK law.

It would throw a spanner in the works if they did.. The TV money would be stretched in the top league for a kick off, which probably stops the idea in its tracks right there.. Add in the lack of potential heat leaders from overseas due to Brexit and Polabd and that too will stop another team moving up I would think, especially a team who could out pay some of the more established teams for the talent that is available.. If any team could do it though I would suggest Glasgow is the one, and the owners do seem to be very driven, and dont look like the kind of people who will accept others impacting their business negatively..

adam can do a good job fur newcastle . when he is on it , he takes some beating . former track record holder @ derwent park and thats without a steel shoe . but of a trick track is brough and will take some getting used to . good luck adam , looking forward to seeing him ride brough well . thats if my dad (thj) will let me attend

Happy birthday to Phil But bloody hell @Mimmo never start a thread like that again

According to the facebook post Smetana had to be replaced as the promoters dont have the licence to employ EU riders They've done well to act soon but I do wonder what this means for Vissing?

The last time I spoke to him he said that he has nowt but bad memories off brough park

Unfortunately got to agree, think he is the human cat, but I do wonder how many of his nine lives he has got left !!

I actually re-activated my Facebook account a couple of weeks ago and it was fine for about a week. I then found that it had been locked due to someone attempting to access it/improper use and to re-activate it they wished me scan in some form of identification like a pastport or driving licence. Bollocks to that...shame they hadn't been more deligent when I set the account up?