Halifaxtiger

I think my reputation for integrity has been established, don't you ? Personally, I would say it is extremely naive to suggest that a rider of Fisher's quality would be unable to find a place at either an EL or PL track simply because of an awkward average and would be looking for a more plausible reason. No doubt that you believe that Bob C is also 'spouting quasi fact' and that BP's reasoned guess is merely foolish speculation. I would be the first to admit that the pages of this forum can occasionally be a hotbed of baseless rumour and untruth but not every post is like that. While I did disclose what had been told to me in confidence, I neither disclosed the source nor anywhere near the full extent of what I was told. In truth, I had heard many times in past seasons from fans that Fisher's demands were extraordinary (and if believe otherwise you are certainly the only fan I have ever spoken to who does) and merely repeated that, only on this occasion I had the assurance of more reliable information. In truth, I don't think I said anything that most fans didn't know anyway.

Entirely possible if not totally probable. I'd be surprised if he still isn't Plymouth's highest paid rider.

A little harsh Actually, Rob Godfrey threatened to pull the plug after they won the league and changed his mind subsequently. Having said that, the gates for stand alone matches were poor. I am not sure if I can get the comments of the likes of Tigerite and Squall about the quality of NL racing at Scunny, but I think Tigerite said the 1st leg of the NL play off against Mildenhall was the best match he had seen in 2011. He was wrong, because the best one was the 2nd leg at Mildenhall.

My point with that post was to highlight just how remarkable the gate that night was, and while 'no away fans' might be inaccurate the fact that there were 20 hardly affects that point given that they would have been 1 in 100 (and as the place was packed its also little wonder that I didn't see anyone from Edinburgh). I am certainly not prepared to reveal openly who told me that because it was said in confidence but I have neither made it up or been told by someone in the pub. In truth, and aside from what I was told, there really aren't that many reasons why a rider as exciting, capable and able as Fisher was almost frozen out of British Speedway altogether. Get yourself down. Its a terrific little track with some equally terrific fans, and there's always the bonus of Mr Bowden having done something extraordinary the week before.

Not sure I completely agree, Dean. Certainly the principle aim of Rye House, Scunthorpe & King's Lynn running NL teams is not winning but developing rider assets and the NL would be far less credible without them. Fortunately, I think entertainment and developing riders are anything but incompatible as anyone who watched Scunny's NL team last season would confirm (particularly those pot hunting hangers on from Sheffield ). I firmly believe that the NL should be a training ground for British riders of the future but that should not be at the cost of the financial success of the stand alone teams. They need gates to survive and, as you correctly point out, that means winning and attractive teams. From my point of view, that means compromise to suit the needs of all the members of the league and restricting the number of senior riders at each club but, I hasten to add, not excluding them altogether. Having had the pleasure of your company at several tracks, listened to your views and read your posts about making money at NL level, it would be a disaster if the likes of you, Tony Atkin and others were not on hand to pass on the knowledge and experience that you possess. On a final note, you'd get my vote as NL co-ordinater too but I think your estimate of lasting a week is wildly optimistic Is that: With no Newport at any level this year unfortunately, I will be hoping to fit in a fair few NL meetings --definitely the Dudley ones looking after Dan Greenwood and keeping an eye on James White-Williams ..so see you around!! or With no Newport at any level this year, unfortunately I will be hoping to fit in a fair few NL meetings --definitely the Dudley ones looking after Dan Greenwood and keeping an eye on James White-Williams ..so see you around!! Laurence ? See you around

The lowest I have seen there was a late season nothing NL clash with Weymouth and there were around 1,000. The crowd for the last match of the 2011 season against Edinburgh was truly astonishing. A cold October night, a nothing match, no away fans and the team at the bottom of the league and it was pushing 2,000. Admittedly there were issues with the lights before hand, but there was a huge queue to get in and the start could have been delayed because there were so many outside at tapes up. Bearing in mind they were down the bottom of the PL with a string of early season defeats, I have little doubt they still attracted the biggest average attendance in the PL over the season and outstripped most EL clubs as well. Eveen allowing for Cockle, Franchetti & Glanz and what I heard are most reasonable terms for Barker, I doubt it. The reason Fisher isn't ridingh EL is because his demands are excessive and I amazed he did a deal with any PL club.

Cheers Dale

Don't joke. It is a poor show that they are not yet published when the NL season starts in about 6 weeks and the EL/PL one starts in just over 3.

Must be a pretty decent budget if Fisher is riding. I have heard that where his demands are concerned, expensive is a minor understatement.

Any idea when they will be published ? I did get told this week but obviously not................

Hoggy is absolutely right to instruct Ashworth not to say anything. For a start, there is enough dirty linen washed in public where speedway is concerned as it is. Secondly, contract matters are strictly confidential. Finally, while some of Bowden's comments are petulant, childish and absolutely unnecessary (what on earth is wrong with saying 'we feel let down and disappointed' and leaving it at that ?) Ashworth's are fair and dignified.

Thank you for your comments, Dave. It is always appreciated when a member of the speedway establishment (for want of a better term) comes on here and gives us the benefit of their opinion (even if that is because you are getting 'warmed up' about it ). As one or two have pointed out, the situation seems to have worked out to everyone's advantage and for that reason it can be quickly forgotten. One last point: I think you are absolutely right to tell Ricky Ashworth not to make negative comments. Mike Bowden had, I believe, reason to feel let down but did himself no favours by publicly criticising the rider in the way that he did.

As Womble said, behave. While we won't know the truth, I don't think Mike Bowden did change the contract (which is why I publicly apologised)- I think Ashworth changed his mind regarding the travelling. While he should not have agreed to join Plymouth in the first place, he's not the first and he won't be the last to give backword and I can understand why he did. The thing is quite unusually it looks as though everyone has benefitted from his change of mind so, at the end of the day, who really cares ? Last season was a bit under par but otherwise I would agree - I have seen some terrific speedway there in the past. Fingers crossed that a new track curator will restore it to its best. Like you, for me its the racing that counts, not the stadium. If Plymouth is anything like it was last year, you won't be disappointed. It is a a bit spartan but the speedway can be out of the top drawer.

You mean Bill Hancock who is listed as a promoter of the club and is father of Debbie Hancock, another promoter and who is stated on the Oak Tree Arena website as managing 'the family business'. I suppose if you want to be extremely pedantic Somerset Speedway do not own Oak tree Arena. I daresay Eastbourne Speedway do not have Arlington as an asset either, but its owned by Bob Dugard nevertheless. To suggest that Somerset Speedway are tenants is nonsense and you know it.

You have a lot to learn AF In my job, you never ask a question you don't know the answer to............... I am waiting to see what Najjer comes up with

Enlighten me, who does ?

It did work out rather well for Ashworth and Berwick but he says he wasn't tapped up nor did he tap Berwick up and I see no reason to disbelieve him. I am not sure that he would have been 'very happy' to ride for Plymouth, more that it was a case of Hobson's choice. I also think it worked out rather well for Plymouth so your pathetic comment about him 'getting the boot' is absolutely uncalled for. Its difficult to argue with the viewpoint that we don't know the full facts and probably never will. The only thing is Ashworth doesn't say in even the smallest way that it was Plymouth's fault (he doesn't even hint at it) going on to say that it was the travelling that put him off. Given that he lives in Manchester and would face a 700 mile, 12 hour round trip for meetings that is entirely plausible; which of us wouldn't have second thoughts ?

Actually, what I said was that a Somerset supporter was not in a position to have a pop at someone else's stadium. Quite simply, their's isn't that good that they are in a position to do so. The track I compared it with was Scunthorpe, and I'd say EWR is definitely better. The three best racing tracks I went to last season (out of 25 visited) were Scunthorpe, Mildenhall & Plymouth. While I have a bit of a soft spot for the Devils and know some cracking lads down there, I wouldn't make a 700 mile round trip for crap racing when I can do it in 40. Somerset is better than Plymouth, but then they are owners, not tenants and have been in existence for a fair bit longer. I think its more likely that Squall's Dad is a secret millionaire Don't listen to that lazy, freeloading git Nikko, Spinny. And don't stir him up, either. He is difficult to lull to sleep again. I think that I (and maybe one or two others) might owe Mr Bowden an apology. Ricky Ashworth gives a pretty convincing and reasonable account of why he won't be at SBA in Speedy Star this week, and its nothing to do with money or contract conditions.

I daresay that viewpoint is as unbiased as mine is. I should point out I went to 25 tracks last season, so I think I am better qualified to judge who has good racing and who doesn't and, based admittedly upon last season only, Somerset isn't in Plymouth's league. One day you might even have some cover for spectators, and I am wondering just what you might do to increase 'viewing opportunities'. One thing you don't lack at Somerset is a good view. The bar and restaurent is fantastic, but you can't see the track from inside. Consequently, I might question whether the principle reason for its development was for the benefit and enjoyment of speedway fans on race night or weddings, sunday lunches and other fund raising at all other times. As I have said, Plymouth don't own their stadium, so they are at the mercy of the owners as to the development of the place. A fair comparison would be with Scunthorpe, who have been opened for about half the time. I think its fair to say that EWR is acknowledged as the best racing track in the country. They have three covered areas on the home straight and are in the process of building extra concrete terracing around the first bend. They have a bar, new pits, a new toliet block, a training track, floodlights, an air fence and a hard core car park. I'd be the first to admit that if the racing is good I don't really care that much about the facilities (and I'd accept that isn't everyone's point of view) so, up to last season, I rather enjoyed my all my visits to OTA. What I object to is someone having a pop at a track that can do very little about their facilities when their own stadium isn't up to much and they can.

Aside from the restaurant/bar, I am wondering precisely what they have done since then, because it can't be much. Four visits to Plymouth for me this season pencilled in so far, and that's because its one of the best racing tracks around. Rye House down there could be an absolute cracker of a match.

That's rich coming from a Somerset supporter. OTA isn't exactly Wembley stadium where supporters facilities are concerned (unless you count those nice seats on the back straight) and Plymouth at least have the excuse that they don't own the land and have been around for half the time. From what I have heard and seen, Somerset have even lost the reputation of having a terrific race track, while from what I have heard and seen Plymouth have gained one. No question about which track I would prefer to take a newcomer to (Mr Bowden included).

I think you are probably right but it will make them very difficult to beat at SBA. Barker is almost unbeatable there and there's no reason why Fisher can't be the same. Cockle scored some big points on his home circuit at the end of the season and Glanz should do OK. In addition, any team that has two riders in it capable of beating anyone, anywhere, will be a drawcard and that's something the Devils most certainly were not in 2011. This thread tends to turn into a bit of a Bowden bashing session but I think he deserves a bit of credit here. He's gone out and signed probably the best rider available who fits average wise, hasn't done it on the cheap and has given Plymouth fans reason to be enthusiastic and inspired about the new season.

The problem with all that is 'Mike Bowden says'. Firstly, its one side of the story and secondly since when is he someone to be absolutely trusted ? Word is he changed Ashworth's contract, so its little wonder Ashworth gave back word. Having said all that, Berwick might say that they heard that Ashworth had become available and then contacted him but it does rather fit all too nicely doesn't it ? Still, everyone's happy in the end, so who really cares what happened ?

No more than I was coming anyway - its the company and the racing that make SBA such an attractive (if expensive) destination I might take in a few more away matches, though, as the sight of Barker & Fisher must make Plymouth attractive visitors where ever they go.. To be fair to Bowden, that's a superb signing . Not only that, Fisher doesn't come cheap and while he might have moderated his terms a bit in the face of missing out altogether he will still cost more than many.

To be fair, I think you have given a genuine comment here after watching him on Saturday, perhaps for the first time. I, too, was a little disappointed with his overall score after seeing him put in a very, very impressive first ride; after reading Scunny Stag's comments, I now know why that was the case. What I will say is this lad has made a huge amount of progress in a very short time, and commented so to his Dad on the boat coming back from the Isle of Wight last summer. His first race win on Saturday was, as I say, very impressive indeed and a huge step up again. Given that he has just turned 15, Buxton could have a very good rider indeed on their hands. Very best of luck to him for the new season.