Lioness

Its a double edged sword really. First meeting things can go any way so there is always the chance that it might not go the way you would want. As for it being Edinburgh, I think really that almost had to be a given. Its the first meeting of a new era, new facilities, upgraded track, new owners and they have made it clear that they want a big crowd. That immediately limits your choice of opposition, really only Worky - although of late their travelling support has fallen off - or Berwick would be alternatives. From the grand opening and press coverage point of view whether we are sick of seeing the same opposition 7 or 8 times a season or not a fixture against Edinburgh makes good marketing sense. The only alternative marketing of it to existing fans would have been to make it for a one off trophy in honour of the opening. Two problems with that - we might not win it (and we have enough egg on face from last few seasons) and secondly its not really fair on Edinburgh as we would be asking them to forego a second leg at their home. Spring trophy was inevitable as the opener really

Perhaps I am a bit naive then. I have been fortunate enough to know a few riders to speak to off track, all of whom like a good drink and could easily drink most under the table but all of whom were equally strict that it didnt happen within 48 hours of racing and that they wouldnt want to be out on track with someone who did. I kinda wanted to believe that was a majority feeling but obviously from what you say it cant be

Strangely there is a ruling that if it is posted on the internet it is slander rather than libel. I thin kin this case - or rather I hope in this case - that its actually spelt b-o-l-l-o-x Thanks GC - proof that my geography is shocking! Don't know why I thought Krsko was Poland, it doesnt even look Polish. Apologies to Polish speedway! I fully concur btw with the rest of your post and its now at the stage that neither side are doing him any favours

Im not quite sure what disturbs me most about this post, -the possibility it could be true and that professional riders are taking to the track regularly intoxicated (seems a bit beyond belief to me), -that other riders know of this and dont do anything about it (I cant believe they are happy to be on powerful bikes in bursts of racing that require precision and quick reaction alongside people whose judgement is impaired and who could as a result cost them their life either by inflicting living death or actual death) or -that the poster actually implies this is the norm and acceptable in Polish speedway

As does the Workington press release announcing them signing him as Palm-Tofts replacement

You just beat me to that - I thought he would be a 7 as well, on two counts. one he is American and two did he not ride in the World Cup? I thought if you have ridden at that level its a 7 point average as well

I dont know whether to laugh or cry at this! Beggars belief - Im almost speechless! Of course we are fighting sponsors off with a stick in speedway so they will be happy to pay money to offer to give us more......

as it is within any potential purchasers rights to say 'no thanks, I dont think thats value for money' the difference here is we are talking a young mans career and method of earning a living

Year on year? Some of them change week on week and a few even change county to county!

I think the hashtag thing just gets over used in different ways now GC rather than just twitter #Noyouarenot

The way the wind was last night I wouldnt have been surprised to see the stadium coming up to visit me! lol

He was class! the only time I have ever seen an away support give the home announcer at a football match a round of applause and chant for more for his half time banter! His comedy was pure genius, he missed his calling as an entertainer. I know of other teams fans who would go to Shire games solely to hear him Southern saftie!

Ach I appreciate your sense of humour Shadds. mind you, Im not sure thats a good thing..... hope you enjoyed Berwicks win over tehhe Shirey Pirey today. And just so it also refers to speedway, they had a half time announcer at their old ground who would have been a brilliant centre green man for the speedway

Welcome to the world of Scottish Professional football :/ NEVER say it cant be worse! lol. Unless you are at Westfield watching Falkirk v Raith as I was last week - then Berwick will look like world beaters! Berwick have always been a team for me to bet on them losing at home and winning away - they went through a spell a couple of years ago they were far better away from home. What dya mean this is a speedway thread? lol

I think you are either at the wind up or very naive. Ever hear the phrase dont bite the hand that feeds you? If you read my post properly btw I do not claim to have proof one way or another - unlike some! I merely point out that it would be very unlikely to dis someone you have just signed for in the local rag

Do you really think Kus would say anything else? There are plenty similar statements from speedway riders forced into a corner and having to sign for a club coming out with similar lip service but later in their career saying differently. Surely no one is daft enough to think a rider who has just signed, whether by choice or necessity, for a club would be quoted in the press saying 'I really dont want to be here but...'

Which makes you wonder if Havelock would have been playing games with Summers future had it been another club or Glasgow last season? Or is it purely a case of Glasgow have been so fortunate to have the Facenna's step in so lets try and bleed some exhorbatent 'transfer' fee out of them by playing with a guys livlihood? Dont get me wrong, if there has been an illegal approach I would not condone that in any way but there is no evidence of that as yet and the portrait painted so far seems to be one of wanting a share of the other boys sweets in the playground

Got to ask Shads, name a speedway rider NOT off their rocker? they do ride bikes without brakes after all! (ps many congrats to you and Sarah, only just heard your lovely news from earlier in the month!)

Im very curious as to whats happening with the old pigeon coup (aka the old tote building). Anyone share? Mac101?

was that a 'oh congratulations and well done Glasgow, really pleased that speedway might now get extra coverage and better facilities in Scotland'? No? Maybe? ach well I suppose if you can read some of the stuff yo udo into other folks posts we can read into yours

So does thatt mean tomorrows announcement is on what is expected to happen as the t's aren't crossed or the i's dotted yet? Or are the tv covering the grand 'signing' a la football and speedway's version of David Beckham signing on the dotted line?

and would be more worth the money imo! not *quite* sure Anji would agree though! course its forum talk - and most of it comes from an area where they have historically paid over the odds for riders so when others compete they dont like it lol. Lets be honest though, you have to pay good money to get the better quality riders and even more so when you are based north of the border so its probably fair supposition the wages are reasonable but I doubt they will be anywhere in the region some would have you believe!

A well reasoned post if that is what happened - and there is nothing to suggest its not After all we were quick to call foul over the way the Bellego situation was handled (more ins and outs than the hokey cokey) - cant have it both ways. However I also think that Glasgow would be wrong to pay even half the money being quoted, not for Summers imo (that should ensure he finishes the PL as no 1 lol)

Apologies for mis interpreting it and thinking you were saying that.

and in the season of goodwill the compassionate society is alive and well Im not quite sure whats worse - the implication (rightly or wrongly) that Havelock thinks that way or the apparent approval of the idea