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Been banging this drum for a few years now, British speedway is run by the riders for the riders and until someone somewhere within the sport realises the fans are the be all and end all the sport will continue to die

For me, the lack of credibility is THE key issue and one that, if fixed, would at least start to encourage and engender that vital emotional attachment to a team that any fan of a team sport must have for it to have any purpose or merit.. When you can pick and choose what league you want to race in as "it suits you better" then all it sends out is a message that the leagues have no real worth in winning and should be treated accordingly.. Without aspiration to grow, any entity will stagnate then ultimately regress.. There is no doubt that within the sport there are clubs who are clearly at a certain level, yet choose to ply their trade in leagues either above or below their "natural position", which ultimately then renders the leagues uncompetitive as some teams are too strong for the league they compete in, or wildy out of their depth, and it also then means the supposed "flagship league" is nothing of the sort... Therefore. What should be seen as the aspirational pinnacle of the sport becomes almost an irrelevance given there isnt the will for many to want to compete for it... And when the "top league's" reputation carries such llittle kudos it then permeates down into the other leagues who subsequently then have even less kudos... The current set of Promoters are not responsible for all Speedways ills obviously, but their lack of innovation and desire for radical change to try and do something different, is definitely down to them.. Covid being a huge opportunity for a reset and relaunch that they chose to not take... What's that definition of insanity? UK Speedway is unfortunatley on rinse and repeat to do the same thing ad Infinitum... Yet. Frustratingly, the 'raw product' can still attract very decent crowds when the infrastructure around it is fit for purpose.. Something we often see, as an example, regularly, whenever an FIM meeting is held over here.... Proving that there is definitely many who still have an appetite for Speedway in the UK, and will willingly pay "top dollar" to attend it.. It's just not an appetite for domestic UK Speedway... As to why that is, is what the Promoters should be finding out, fixing the reasons why, and then hopefully reaping the reward of their enquiries by having fuller stadiums, and wider media coverage of their competitions due to their renewed level of kudos in winning..

If you've been around long enough you'll know that they tend to know something that they've heard elsewhere that someone else heard from elsewhere etc etc. It's usually uninteresting and nothing that you couldn't have worked out or sourced yourself anyway, as well as missing the important detail. Even if they think they do know something unique then they're almost always wrong.

No John everything I put out for Newcastle Diamonds in the past came from the Promotion which was the same at Workington and still is for that matter... Steve Park has been accused of being a mouthpiece for the club but Steve is the same he only deals in facts and puts out what the club are posting on other forums to keep fans informed as to what is going on at the club... Whatever I stick on here you can take to the bank because all I gave was the Promotions response to rumour and innuendo... usually from chancers like your good self who if they didn't know what was going on they were more than happy to make something up Regards THJ

Well first off getting someone who can communicate would be good for a start... someone who isn't illiterate and can string a sentence together without using three fluffs and a chuff... someone who has a rudimentary knowledge of English... in the written word... Then tell the truth... you know? Have someone tell it how it is from the club's side... even if the truth is brutal get it out there and quash all these rumours once and for all... All the shenanigans and machinations that rumble on in the background just damage the club... what's the truth? Set the record straight? Unless there is something to hide because it does work both ways... Regards THJ

16 for 3 days- picks himself off the floor and then produces a stunning ride- Paluch is a special talent.

Surely Jason Edwards is the Man to use if you need a rising star in the form of his life lately

It's a difficult one as you say and many clubs not just ours is very poor for communication but every week the promoters still expect the fans to turn up and pay there hard earned cash. Rule number 1 is always look after your customers because without them you have no speedway. I've been going since it reopened in 97 and I went every week during the 04 season maybe when Dickie Juul was number 1 until we signed Lyons so it's not about just seeing a winning team, just the whole nights package is like getting kicked in the balls repeatedly imo. It never starts on time meetings always take 2+ hours to run and the past few seasons I don't think the racing has been good.

Taken off Facebook: Newcastle Speedway would like to clarify the current situation with regards to Bradley Wilson-Dean. Bradley is currently injured with an aggravated shoulder injury and has a sick note to cover this. At no point has Bradley been banned for withholding his services.

How did everyone manage with newspapers and magazines, which were full of ads on every page? Again, if you want something to be free (which I'm sure you do), then you have to put up with the ads...

Well that got a mixed reaction. Only needed a Haha for a full house

Hope you've all made the most of our little blip as apparently it isn't going to happen again. In Bournemouth Echo. By Dan Rose. PIRATES star Richard Lawson sent his apologies to the Wimborne Road faithful, after the club’s phenomenal unbeaten home record came to an end. The Dorset outfit were beaten 47-43 on their own patch by SGB Championship leaders Leicester Lions – their first home setback in 1,008 days. Lawson himself impressed with 13 paid 14 from his five rides – only losing to an opposition rider on one occasion. But with others failing to fire elsewhere, the experienced British racer insisted a home defeat would not be repeated. Addressing the crowd after the meeting, 36-year-old Lawson said: “It was very difficult. Our apologies to everyone. We were trying, we tried everything and some things just didn’t go our way. “But we will learn from it and, make no mistake, we won’t repeat this. “It’s given us a kick up the backside, to be fair. We know what to do and what not to do. This isn’t going to happen again – don’t worry.” Pirates are now eight points behind Leicester in the league table. “We’re a good team and we are going to be fighting for that top spot. This isn’t anything major, just a blip,” said Whitehaven-born Lawson. “I personally learn more from the races I lose – what not to do and what to do – and as a team we lost. “We will learn from that and come back better and stronger. “I can’t speak highly enough of this club. It’s absolutely amazing. The fans, it’s a pleasure to race in front of you every week. “The promotion, the guys in the pits, the track staff. Just everyone – it all gels together and it’s like a family, it’s great.

Bald Bloke has clearly posted in good faith but if you are intent on being a mardy bum about it you might be best served putting him on ignore

If that is the case I hope the Promotion take legal action to recover any sign-on fees, travel costs etc. Last year after he attempted to ride as Ashfield in the GP Qualifier he was "available" to any British club but reportedly made demands up there with GP Class riders. Think he should realise, with respect to other current Kiwi riders who we've seen the class of, the NZ Championship is of Disney standard compared to the past with legends like Moore, Brigg and Mauger.

I’ve said this before, but none of us know why certain riders are picked/not picked for heat 15. Many things can dictate selections that we’re just not privy too.

I've seen the cost of living mentioned as a factor. I'm not really buying that. It may be a factor this year however speedway attendance levels have been in decline for past 30 years and in Sharp decline for the past 10. The sport doesn't have any credibility outside of its own inner circle the team competitions are run as a merry go round circus of riders of which a high proportion could appear for any team in any competition at anytime. The out of control doubling up & use of guests takes away any worth from these competitions. I hate to pick on Chris Harris but he highlights the issue. In the past week he has ridden for 3 different clubs across 2 divisions if Plymouth hadn't been called off on Tuesday it would have been 4 that is madness. The answers aren't easy and to be honest it could well be too late to save speedway let alone grow the sport. I don't like football comparison's however here in Ipswich we had a club that was on its knees no investment no interaction with the community. The club gets taken over investment is made it becomes attached to the local community again regularly starts pulling in gates in the mid 20000s and has sold almost 16000 season tickets for next season. Why it became appealing to go again they won back fans who hadn't been in years myself included but also a whole new audience.

Not for the first time Adams has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory with his bizarre selections in heat 15. But more worrying is where Drew Kemp goes from here,his Monmore form is OK,but on his travels hardly looks like picking up a point.

I maybe shouldn't say this on here, but I've already turned down the offer of becoming Press Officer.

love the enthusiasm of the fans

Great ride by Berntzon

He's hardly going to come out and say we're going to make a habit of it

It is ultimately everyone from Promoters to Riders all racing to the bottom though isnt it? Clubs subsidising their riders own individual aspirations through their salaries... Individual success that will have zero positive impact (or very little at best), to the Promoters own business.. Fans then having to pay increased admission fees to get in to watch riders who have spent £30k and more on machinery.. And all to try and win competitions that, due to the way they are ran, will send hardly a ripple of recognition through the conurbations on their doorsteps, never mind have any impact on a wider national level.. Literally millions will be paid out across the 3 Divisions by riders, promoters and fans... Therefore. You do have to ask "Why?" When the growth of the sport seems to get no forward or upward movement out of such a huge ongoing annual outlay...

I also know and have been told in confidence, I let you know a couple of minutes after the club announcement just so you know I was right.

Its no different to last season at this time. Will Leicester still be as strong when the Thompson twins swap places? All ifs, buts and maybe's at the moment. btw Steve Worrall seems to be coping well enough after visiting his 'specialist' in France......

Not at all. I'm not that kind of person. You have 2 riders coming in that will improve you. I though the news would cheer you fans up.I'm sorry

Suppose you've just gotta make best use of the rules while you can in certain situations?

Depending who hires the best Guests..!

Shouldn't have come over to the UK this season as he's clearly not fit enough for British speedway or polish league racing either as he has a deal with Rawicz aswell & according to his interview in the speedway star he's got a sweet life back in New Zealand & told Newcastle to replace him .. But there again where do Newcastle find a 8 pointer Average wise to come in that's not already signed or riding in poland

As good as Bomber can be we need to be looking to the future now. We have plenty of U21 talent to be blooded.

Sorry I have to disagree with your football comparison, Villa can fill there ground week in week out, Birmingham City are the equivelant of Brummies Speedway poorly run for seasons mainly due to lack of investment build a succesful Team and people will come to watch, T20 has had money thrown at it and so have the facilities, County cricket has fewer spectators than Speedway, whats the answer for Speedway ?, That I have no idea except 1 man and his bike for hire (Doubling up) is NOT the answer a bit more in the way of promotion/presentation might help but at the end of the day people pay/want to be entertained and Speedway is obviously failing in that.

Have to agree,here, yes you made a few mistakes with names (paul) however who doesnt? i thought you were rather funny, the Cha Cha slide about the riders gardening I found hillarious and as said before you were spot on about the watering, and the cups of tea comment, ill never forget lol but bsn has really brought a new era to chanpionship speedway to people who cant always make it to every meeting so that is wondwrfull and ye, keep up the good work folks

He is getting what he deserves.. having probably one of his best seasons riding for Berwick (and every other tom, dick and Harry before anyone else says it) and is being rewarded for it! We love him.. he’s engaged with our fan base in such a brilliant way!

It was definitely not fixable. Obviously looked a bit better behind a computer screen than it actually was.

Take my advice. Ditch the Pits Marshal job and take the comms office role

I completely disagree with this statement. I started watching Speedway in 1991 at Brough Park. The promoters at the time were proper penny pinchers, up to the point we were siphoning diesel out of the dogs tractors into the speedway tractors on a sunday morning.... George came along and with help re-instated Newcastle Speedway. The administration under George has it's detractors, but there was always a competative team put on track. There was normally a very good rider (if not several), so even if the team didn't do particularly well, we would win the vast majority of our home matches and even if finishing mid-table there was some top class riders to look forward to watching. Think of the following: Mark Thorpe, Dave Bargh, Paul Thorp, Nikki Pederson, Kenny Larsen, Paul Bentley, Jesper Olsen, Bjarne Pederson and then more recently, Richie and Steve Worrall, Rob Lambert and probably many more I've missed. As Rob has consistently assembled a very poor team, I think that people have voted with their feet. Losing by more than 30 points to Redcar was unforgiveable and should never happen again. For a team to be that poor at home beggars belief. I can't get to home matches anymore because I no longer live in Newcastle, but I make every effort to get to away matches that are close to me. But it takes a lot of effort to travel 120 miles to watch your team not even be competative and get smashed every match. This is why the crowds are down. Nothing to do with communication. Remember, back when the previous promotion was putting together strong teams, there was no social media. The only reall method of communication was via the match program. The current administration have a lot of opportunities to improve. Of course, it's more difficult now with the amount of riders that are available, but doing business early is key in this regard. Hopefully lessons can be learned.

Just cannot get the staff man.

There you go all sorted now

Couldn’t get a flight to suit.!

That is very true can start them off 15m for entertainment value.

I’m not convinced that he will greatly improve the scoring power of the team but George has been struggling for any points at all so a change at the bottom can’t weaken us. I have seen a bit of Jack over the years and it hasn’t ever seemed to work for him at the higher levels in this country but will reserve judgement to give him the chance to shine. I have no knowledge of what the promotions plan is in terms of making the club more competitive but I can see that Robs comment of a 100% change by this weekend meant that really he had no other choice but to make at least one change. The BWD position may have pushed them into another rethink as I believe under the ‘withholding of services’ position we will only be permitted a 28 day guest facility rather than the rolling guest option while is was injured. I would believe the promotion would have wanted to retain BWD (using 8+ average guests) and replace a lower average rider with another that would offer a more competitive side as replacing our guest facility with another rider would not improve the side at all. As I say I have no idea but maybe that, the injury to Matty (not sure how long he is out) and Starkey injury position may mean a lot more surgery is needed to the team. This added uncertainty may mean more time needed to come up with some answers but Rob had committed to a change and this one fulfils his promise without impacting on his longer terms options. I only wish we heard this from Rob himself as again we have radio silence which doesn’t help the mood of the supporters. Don’t get me wrong I don’t necessarily agree with what is happening. I believe that given where we stand in the league and the trouble we have recruiting experienced riders then maybe looking to the future and building our asset base is the way to go. At least this will show commitment to the future from the owner while showing we are putting building blocks in place for the next few seasons. Maybe a look across to the Danish market that has previously served the club so well would get a few fans interested again but only if the new strategic policy of the club is articulated to the fans in a way that they understood how it would benefit the club going forward. A change has to come in the next 4 weeks so let’s see how this all plays out, again over to the owner to show what his vision is for the club as that is the key to managing fans expectations.

It’s a shame there is not a stream for this as it could be a cracker.

Sounds like he's been found out at last

Just out of interest had Newcastle dropped down a league who do you think you would have in the 1-7 as I think you would still find rider shortage a problem.

See what happens away at Scunthorpe and home to Plymouth before writing the season off!! It was just one meeting against a very inform team.

Correct.

Book him into Matt Frauds chateau retreat in France for the weekend, fixed Steve Worrall dodgy collarbone in no time and he gets to take the family as well

Whats the point in this 'i know something you dont' why not just say all or say nothing. Or does it make you feel big saying you know more than others??

Are you sure you're not the Press Officer Steve? You give out more info than the official website lol

its not just the website that has problems its speedway itself .

Chris Harris guests again, reminds me of my time at work there was always one guy who would never turn down an overtime shift, he would say "yes whats the question!" Nothing against Chris , just think he is going to burn himself out.