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I am truly devastated at the loss of Steve. He was my friend and travelling companion on several memorable domestic and overseas trips. He had no side to him but was a straightforward gentle gentleman. He worked tirelessly to get Peter Collins to come back to Belle Vue - and don’t believe PC’s propaganda, he was told he would always be welcomed at the NSS as would any ex-Belle Vue rider. What wasn’t on offer though was his demand, not request, that nearly 200 of his cronies, some who’d had no involvement with speedway let alone Belle Vue, also got in free. Steve tried many times to talk sense into PC, including going round to his house, but PC would not change his mind, possibly because he’d backed himself into a corner. Steve was never one for taking offence and went to the Glossop signing of PC’s book. Having paid his £20, PC scrawled in his copy “Steve, I will never forgive you for what you have done to me and my family. I will never go to BV if you are there.” Steve shared a photo of the inscription but then said to me that he’d enjoyed reading the book. That is the sort of man that Steve was and I hope that, although Steve will never be at BV again, neither will PC as he’ll be barred. I am not alone in knowing that I will never forgive PC for what he wrote. Many men become world speedway champion, there’s one every year, but there will only ever be one Steve Casey. I knew Steve’s cancer would take him sooner rather than later but am still stunned that we have lost him. The world is a much sadder place today.

Firstly to say that we at Retro Speedway are naturally sincerely saddened by the news of Steve's death. In my experience he was a very amiable, decent bloke. He was clearly devoted to Belle Vue, had a keen sense of Aces' history, and was a natural enthusiast for speedway as a whole. With respect, Gordon, and I fully appreciate you are feeling very sad and upset right now, the acknowledgement you hoped for WAS addressed by Retro Speedway - PRIVATELY - with Steve direct. An online forum is not the best way to handle such personal matters. I believe Steve thought so too. Possibly unknown to you, Susie and I both communicated personally with Steve, separately, over the book signing matter. Understanding the possible upset caused, we offered to try and resolve things to his satisfaction. He appreciated our sympathetic words. As you rightly point out on the other thread, Steve did read the book and said he enjoyed it. In fact, on Nov 23 he sent me an unsolicited text saying: "Hiya Tony...just finished the PC book and really enjoyed it...was a great read with some fabulous memories and insights (accompanied by four 'thumbs up' emojis)." I obviously thanked him for his kind comments. Earlier this month, he phoned me to say how grateful he was to unexpectedly receive our new DVD, Defunct British Speedway Tracks 2, which we sent him as a goodwill gesture, to hopefully lift his spirits after another spell in hospital, and because he actually features on it in the BV Kirky Kane segment. I hope this serves as the public 'acknowledgement' you expected and that those reading these posts gather a true picture of Retro Speedway's part. RIP, Steve.

I have kept quiet on this for a very long time in the hope that there would at least be an acknowledgement of the wrong that occurred that night. For those that want more, please see my comments on the thread entitled Steve Casey RIP

Those other sports usually have options. However, the British Basketball League is actually owned by the owners of the London team, so you absolutely see it in other sports.

I thought she did a grand job when I went to see Sheffield there. Could be 3 years of experience to where she's improved, but I found her level of interaction and talking to the fans to be spot on, which is better than 80% of announcers who absolutely love the sound of their own voice.

Sadly, it was announced tonight that Steve Casey has passed away after a battle with cancer. A wonderful man, a wonderful speedway FAN. After his riding career ended after spells at Ellesmere Port and Newport he returned to his spiritual home at Belle Vue where he performed a superb job as a presentation manager. I was proud to know him when he worked with Allied Dunbar (along with Chris Morton) in the 90s, and used to love our chats at the NSS every meeting in recent years. He always had time for people, and there's no greater compliment that I can give him. It's a lovely coincidence that he passed away as his team are finally the champions again. RIP Steve. A speedway legend who will be missed by many. Thoughts are with his family and friends.

It amazes me how much stick Gerry and Peter get. In my experience, pretty straightforward, people-focused, invested in the community, great at business. They seem very private but that’s all.

So after all the faffing and delay it's not even the club that let's the cat out of the bag!

Interesting snippet in the Redcar section of the Speedway Star. Interview with Danyon Hume about his move there. Buried in amongst that.. ”Hume is hopeful of returning to Ipswich to double up in the Premiership, and feels the stars are aligning nicely in his attempt to continue climbing the Speedway ladder” No direct quotes from Danyon himself but that was obviously relayed to the interviewer off record. Thought that was interesting.. New boy Keynan Rew is the front cover headliner this week as well, with a two page interview inside. . Well worth picking up. Fully fit sometime in February and will be raring to go in time for press and practice.

Its a winning team most want ..

Not a ringer - a legal replacement for an injured rider. Certainly more credible than a guest. Unless you know otherwise?

Thanks Steve. Great photo of SKC and Jackie

318 - it has to pay for him home and away

Why thank you

Well,, how do ya do that then

Thanks Tony. And I appreciated then and am happy now to acknowledge your gestures. You were, of course, as much an innocent party to what happened as was Steve but I did and do believe that what happened needed to be made public. The one man who should have apologised has remained silent. As I have said elsewhere, PC’s behaviour was unforgivable and I am not alone being shocked and disgusted by it. I know he’s got a huge chip on his shoulder about the NSS, but you don’t take your bile out on one of the guys who has worked flat out to achieve a reconciliation.

Not a great looking side imo

He's expensive .....and take him away from B.V isnt that good...

I wouldn't shift Worrall out personally, I'm all for Worrall signing as I think it's a shrewd move tbh. Only Prem track Richie is rubbish on is Belle Vue imo other than the NSS he's pretty reliable everywhere else and he rarely let's his team down imo.

Its ok....but not that good if thats the team ..needed a big signing like N.P to draw the crowd's in ...

And less conspiracy theorists

Will the deal just be for one season if Glasgow don't win the Championship? Asking for a friend.........

It’s just you, I think.

The Oxford Channel was a free-to-air terrestrial channel, later rebranded SixTV. It was an analogue channel though, so went the way of the Dodo after the digital switchover.

Great news! We need more Facennas in speedway.

188 different tracks in total covering 31 countries which is every country in the world that has staged a meeting within the past 5 or so years.

And with most guesses "it's good , but it's not right"

This is hilarious. You expect the paranoia from the other end of the M8 , but the affliction goes much further than there . Speedway fan - wish the league had a sponsor Speedway God- it has now Speedway Fan - yeah but its a Glasgow promoters company , surely that's a conflict of interests Speedway God - how ? Speedway fan - i dont know it just is . Thats them trying to buy the league again Speedway God - how ? Speedway fan - ( getting more worked up ) I dont know it just is . It seems well dodgy though . Speedway God - in what way ? Speedway fan ( reaching for the valium) i dont know it just is . So there you have it , the league and the sport badly needs sponsors , but only.if it's the right kind of sponsor . If Vladimir Putin owned Cab Taxis , nobody on here would bat an eyelid . But anything to do with splash the cash Glasgow and its , " oh no no no we cant have that "

Sorry Tony, I can't buy that. Unless we have the exact number and names between Wee Eck's 180 and your "tiny handful" it's pure conjecture. I also can't go with the notion of riders "putting their neck on the line". I have admiration for anyone who gets their head above the parapet and goes for it in life, particularly if that is something dangerous like speedway or stepping into the boxing ring. But let's not pretend they are risking their lives for some greater noble cause and sacrifice. These are not volunteers marching off to war. They are sports people in it primarily for selfish reasons, personal glory and remuneration. Without those, they wouldn't be doing it. In PC's case, often very well remunerated, squeezing out as much as he could get from BV in his latter seasons. And fair play to him too...it's a short and dangerous career. What makes me uncomfortable about this book is that it is a one sided take from someone who has had a brain injury. This has had an effect and as such, his interpretations are questionable at least. And, to be really, really honest, it's only been published because there is a few quid in it. We can't take it as some sort of historical document without the views of all other parties involved be they past and current BV management. You can't have your cake and eat it. I was a big fan of PC and I've enjoyed lots of your output over the years. But let's say this as it is.

Will allways give 100%..People love him or hate him ...but will allways bring in the crowds ..

Do not understand the clamour for NP , past his best and not ridden since serious injury, just do not know what you are going to get.

I don't think those two things are compatible. If Adam got a 7 point average we would not be 8th!

People will come to watch the likes of Nicki P...etc ....brings the fans in ...

Yes, i also went to Stamford Bridge when the track was still there to see. And i went to the derelict New Cross stadium and stood on what was left of the terracing. Plus as i said on another thread, been to the Crystal palace Athletic stadium, which was built n the old speedway track

Oxford vs Swindon (Doyle & hopefully with most of our 2019 side) what a start to the season, will be coming up to watch this one, reckon quite a few Swindon fans will do tbh! Sell out for a friendly, good cash injection to start the season with!

I think the Panthers are just trying to find someone under the age of 50 to ride for them this year

I think Scunny will have the slight edge at home (even though I disagree that Mountain is better then Z.Cook!), but Poole will have a huge advantage at Wimborne Road!

MPT has signed for Kings Lynn.

Its an ok side...but thats about it...

Snidey ****!

Not necessarily, if the stand alone clubs all lost their first match (assuming they didn't race each other) they wouldn't get any extra matches!

He’s not a bad signing by any means, but you’re right, certainly not a world class signing either. The chap seems full of hyperbole so I’d take what he says about the strength of the team and a title charge with caution. BUT, still three to confirm so best to wait and see, things can always still change until riders are officially announced.

Quoting my own post I know, but after reading todays Star it makes more sense. The “young sensational racers” part wasn’t about the riders still to be named, it was those already signed, Basso, Cook and Jenkins. Those would be surrounded by “old hands”, or should that be “old Hans”

I have done a few stadiums that held speedway but for other sports, all of which you could clearly still see either the track or the stands that were curved for the track. Stamford Bridge (Football, Chelsea, Stamford Bridge), Cliftonhill (Football, Albion Rovers, Coatbridge) The Boulevard (Rugby League, Hull FC, Hull), Brooklands (Football, Romford, Romford), Pilot Field (Football, Hastings United, Hastings). I don't think any stadium would beat Hyde Road for atmosphere and quality of racing, but my most memorable trip was to Park Road, Barrow back in 1985.

And the winner is the tall man standing on a box

Impressive list!

The Facennas must be wondering why they bother in this sport.The constant sniping is just a joke.Conflict of interest what a joke.Try owners with more than one Club that’s more prevalent IMO.

Even the stuff that these Walter Mitty Somerset Superdome builders posted about Michael Jackson was cobblers. They said "you can see we are working on the same ethos as we did for Exeter City Football club who were in financial difficulty over 20 years ago. They were out the League, no crowd, holding boot sales to raise money. One visit from Michael Jackson, who didn’t even sing & a Match against Man Utd, they were back in the league & financially stable for a few more seasons in no time." Actually Michael Jackson did visit Exeter City in June 2002. It was arranged by the infamous bender and well-known spoon-nonce, Uri Geller, who was an Exeter director at the time. (Is Geller behind the Weston-Super-Dome?). The season following Jacko's visit, 2002-03, Exeter City dropped out of the Football League for the first time in 83 years, and took another 5 years to get back. As for " We have done this in the past for Stoke city with Robbie Williams". That sounds equally unlikely since Williams is a lifelong fan and shareholder in Stoke City's local rivals Port Vale.

In truth, PC has no knowledge of that. He wasn’t part of the consortium and, despite his recollection, his views on the NSS were never sought nor offered. My understanding is that his only involvement has been his well documented reaction to being refused life time passes for nearly 200 friends, helpers and employees, very few of whom had ever had anything to with Belle Vue.