Halifaxtiger

You might be right............but you certainly can't judge the current promotion (or indeed most promotions) by the standrads of bowden, or bear grudges over something he did or did not do.

I am surprised at any promoter even suggesting such a thing (if that was the case). He, of all people, should know that with very rare exceptions teams do not postpone matches without very good cause indeed. The forecast wasn't good, so Plymouth called it off as early as possible to avoid the huge expense of a rain off and everybody travelling unnecessarily. Fair decision to my mind, and certainly not one that they should be criticised for. One thing is certain when you call (or don't call) a match off : you can't win.

Nonsense. Ask Plymouth what chance they have of being champions. You have to finish in the top 6, so the league season is anything but irrelevant. Finishing top does have an advantage - and I am not sure what pressure there is if you get there - because you can avoid the form team to get to the final. Can you see Somerset or Ipswich picking each other ? To me, there should be a reward for topping the league. But rather than an enormous mass of meaningless matches at the end of the season, it goes right to the wire - in fact, the match at Rye House on Saturday is crucially important - meaning more excitement and bigger crowds. Finally, if you are lucky you will get an amazing finish, similar to those the NL have had for the past two seasons (Mildenhall v Scunthorpe 2011 is the best match I have ever seen). Its not a coincidence that play offs are becoming the norm across sports, and there's no doubt in my mind that whichever we might individually prefer they are the best for speedway.

I can't think of any other reason, Kev. Having said that, I'd question whether giving them their fourth ride would make any difference. Indeed, it might actually damage their confidence at West Row. If I were a Dudley fan who travelled, I'd feel slightly cheated that my team could have won but effectively chose not to - in my view for very little gain. With an eye on possible KO cup & play off meetings, I don't think anyone will get too carried away given that Mildenhall were weakened and Dudley's tactics, but the result must have given more pleasure to the Mildenhall camp. No-one I spoke to thought they would win. The meeting itself was close but there wasn't much good racing. However, the suggestion that you could not pass was blown apart by an amazing heat 13, in which Halsey brilliantly beat Blackbird from behind after the pair had passed and repassed. One of the best races I have seen anywhere this season. Mildenhall's match winner, though, was Rumsey - aided by a superb team ride by Armstrong in heat 14.

I think you are right, reserve strength in particular counting. Its going to take a major effort from Mildenhall's top five to see them take points, never mind all of them. Of all the matches I have been to this season, this is undoubtedly one of the most attractive and, I'd say, one of the biggest. Some might suggest it is a mere NL meeting but, as any fan of one of the two clubs would confirm, it is anything but. The two teams are definitely the most prominent in the NL and, Kent maybe aside, get the best attendances (I'll be surprised if it isn't four figures this afternoon). They are both in the top four, and are full of young talented British riders. Then there's the superb West Row raceway (prepared by my old mate Bob Ellis) which is one of my favourites and also one of the best in the country. Finally, of course, (and while I don't want to overstate it it clearly exists) there's the needle between the two clubs. Defeat for Mildenhall (although not disastrous) will be very hard to stomach, but Dudley will be very disappointed if they don't take anything from the match. Always makes for a better and more anticipated meeting, that.

Never met a Berwick fan who likes him. Agreed. I was impressed with him. He can't possibly be much worse than the last incumbent, Adz.

I think he is pretty good but can't agree more about the last lap commentary. He's by no means the only one who does it. I think he is pretty good but can't agree more about the last lap commentary. He's by no means the only one who does it.

The bloke at Glasgow tried that the other week. I can't possibly repeat some of the responses from the mob on the back straight. Agree completely. I am not a big fan of Coventry Speedway full stop and he is one of the reasons why. To me, there are 5 must have's for a good announcer (but you get away with the first 3). In order, they are: Act like you are there for the crowds benefit, not the other way around; know your speedway; don't keep sodding things up; be a good interviewer; be funny. York falls at the first hurdle, that bloke at Sheffield at the second. The best straight man is Plymouth's Graham Hambly. Rob Godfrey at Scunthorpe is superb but for me the best of the lot is Mildenhall's Kevin Long.

I didn't take ego's into account in my plan for 2014, just what I think is best for speedway in this country. Somehow, I doubt if all promotions will do the same, and you are absolutely right that based upon past experience people will put their track way, way above the sport as a whole. The NL simply can't do that. It might be possible for Dudley, Kent & Mildenhall (although I very much doubt that the latter would want to) but the remaining 5 tracks almost certainly could not meet the additional financial cost. That's simply not true - at least based upon what I have said it isn't. Teams would ride 17 home matches, all against different clubs. They would ride 17 away ones, 11 against the same that they have ridden at home, and 6 against different ones from the other regional split. What's more people would be able to travel to the other end of the other country (although how many actually do that is another matter - I am wondering just how many Rye House supporters were at Edinburgh the other night when I was there) because they are guaranteed 6 meetings against northern or southern based sides, and even in the regional splits there are some fair journeys such as King's Lynn to Plymouth. How many sports do not depend on TV money ? Can you see Football's Premier League surviving without it ? It might be better if TV money is just a bonus, but it will never be included as such because all teams spend to their income.

Theoretically, there's nothing wrong with that. Arthur's post above is spot on, though. I think it will be difficult but not impossible to bring them all together - the points limit will remain in existence - and while there's no doubt wealthier clubs will cherry pick riders that happens in the PL now anyway. I certainly don't think that the NL should have to change in anyway to support any team that might be discarded as that risks the existence of teams at that level. The creation of a third league between the two others is possible, but no-one should be forced into it. I think the problem of amalgamation in terms of finances comes when clubs are forced up. Going down or staying the same (and we are talking about a PL level set up) should not involve the same issue.

Personally, I agree but you can't ride 46 league matches in a season, and that's what you would have. This way, you do get to see and visit northern clubs, just not all of them.

My groupings were: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Berwick, Newcastle, Redcar, Workington, Sheffield, Scunthorpe, Belle Vue, Leicester, Dudley, Wolverhampton. Plymouth, Poole, Somerset, Eastbourne, Lakeside, Rye House, King's Lynn, Peterborough, Birmingham, Coventry, Ipswich,Swindon. The Midlands clubs (Coventry, Dudley, Wolverhampton,Leicester, Birmingham) miss out on local derbies (to a degree) so they get their fixtures guaranteed - ie Dudley get Coventry and Birmingham, Birmingham get Leicester, Wolverhampton & Dudley. I actually think that in terms of travel costs the current PL clubs will do better, the current EL ones worse. Top level riders will be the current PL ones - ie Craig Cook, Jason Doyle etc. As most of the northern PL clubs already attract then, I don't think that is a problem. I suspect that if it is run like this the first season would be a bit of a pig's breakfast as far as teams were concerned. It should settle down more in future seasons. That stays in, mate - as do the play offs

And yet people can't stop opening new tracks. At present I know of 5 where there is more than limited interest - Cornwall, Norwich, Castleford, Bristol & Bradford. In the last 10 years, we have seen Scunthorpe, Leicester, Plymouth & Dudley all come back. No-one in their right mind would suggest that speedway isn't in the sick ward, because it is. But its not terminal. Next season - amalgamate the top two leagues, dump the top riders and let Dudley in. Divide the league into northern and southern sections, with 12 in each. Southern teams ride home and away against each other, as do northern ones. They also ride 6 matches against teams from the other grouping. Midland sides have matches guaranteed against each other. KO Cup to be national. Recruit riders from the NL (one per team) and from abroad to make up the gaps. Get a Sky deal at £25k per team. I suspect that most (if not all) teams would be in profit, breaking even or be close to that.

I must admit its a bit galling to hear someone from Leicester making adverse comments about other teams announcers. Their's aren't exactly out of the top drawer. Rob Godfrey is, though. I'd say he is one of the best, and having a straight man like Graham Tagg in the box only improves matters .

Spinny's right about Doyle and Barker - the latter has always looked unconvincing at Owlerton. Then again, Stead would have scored more than Lawson. Let's give the Tigers some credit. That was a battling performance, probably the best I have seen them give this season. Wells took the lead with another consistent display and has put the doubters very much in their place this season. Compton looks more like the rider of a few years ago every time I see him, only the graveyard gate 4 catching him out in heat 15. The young German lad was anything but outclassed and may yet be a prospect for the future. To me, though, the really important contribution came from reserve. Albin showed glimpses of the fine rider he can be and Greenwood's beating of Ellis and Hawkins was vitally important. He may yet get a deserved PL place next season. The mood was 'deflated' on the picnic benches - I think they all would have settled for that result at the start, but clearly hopes were raised only to be dashed. I don't think they even noticed me putting down my programme board and maligned hat ready to join in the celebrations when Sheffield won. How times have changed.

According to the Somerset website, very much so. I think you have hit the nail on the head here. Wright has been almost unbeatable in the NL this season but he's had a lot of chances in the PL and has been dumped by a number of clubs. There's no doubt that this is a gamble that could really backfire. Perhaps the timing of it is the worst thing, taking advantage of the fact that Lambert and Nielsen rode at home then dumping them for away matches on the close off day. While you could argue that it is simply good management to take every step to be successful, personally this crosses the line for me.

Nonsense. He is far better than that other bloke they used to have, you get the impression he is there for your benefit rather than the other way around and he knows his speedway. As far as I was concerned, his comments towards the refereeing decisions on Monday were spot on (taking into Rob's comments regarding the Auty exclusion above) and were what the fan on the terraces would say. He might get in trouble for it, but why shouldn't the announcer comment on crap decisions ? As to influencing the referee that is positively

Had the worst view in the stadium for that one - I was on the back straight - so I couldn't possibly comment. Thanks for the clarification on the Klindt tape breaking issue. One last thing : Having Mr Godfrey on the mic is a bit like having a Scunny fan from the terraces doing it - one with a bit of wit, that is. His 'you're having a giraffe' comment when the referee ordered a re run with two in heat 8 was priceless.

It'll be interesting to see who they bring in and what the reasons for this decision are but, at the moment, you have to say its an extraordinary one and that it is entirely possible that Nielsen's face simply doesn't fit. To me,its concerning that senior riders have so much influence over a team manager and promotion. He's put at least two points on his starting average and has been one of(if not the) best of the 3pt riders that joined the PL this season. It could yet backfire big time on the Rebels. I suspect its too late to get another place but I can't see him being out of work come 2014.

The meeting wasn't to usual Scunny standards, probably because of slick and dusty track. To be fair, it was very hot and somewhat breezy so such condtions are pretty much inevitable. One extraordinary point: the decision not to exclude Klindt when he touched the tapes in heat 5. True, virtually all the riders were moving but I have never seen a rider who then touches the tapes not be excluded in 50 meetings this season. Its the kind of refereeing inconsistency that annoys the hell out of supporters and does nothing to improve the reputation that they have.

Perhaps the strength of the comments - I haven't seen them - are a bit much but the number of mistakes made was ridiculous. I couldn't believe my eyes when updates stated that Blackbird was riding, and left me wondering who I was watching at Scunthorpe. I am sure I have made the odd mistake when texting updates but nothing like that and, bluntly, that's inexcusable.

One look at the score chart shows where your problem is - your reserves can't cut it. A bit of form from them and I'd say the Comets are as good as anyone, with Howarth again very impressive last night. There was the odd question about him getting heat 15 but I'd say he deserved it. Always good to see (and have an argument with) White Knight .

I suspect you won't be alone in that. In truth, I don't think that your crowd reduction figures of 35% at EL clubs should they drop down is that unreasonable. Whatever you say,though, BP is right. The EL in its present state is financially unsustainable even without the loss (or reduction) of the Sky contract. Carrying on as things are is simply not an option and I think that you (and others) have to come to terms with that. It'll be very interesting to see what finally happens come next March.

They could have done that when we had a big track grade after heat 8. Even allowing for injuries it went on too long. More than competitive, especially after getting wiped out in heat 9 by Schramm. Very good win to beat Bach in heat 15. Newcastle had no top end power and Workington's big four dominated. Howarth was especially impressive.

I don't think that will be a problem at all. I can see the track from where I am and it is very warm and sunny and every weather prediction says it is going to stay that way.