Halifaxtiger

Champions: Workington 4's : Somerset Pairs: Plymouth Highest Average : Gjedde Newcomer : Heeps Improvement : Bunyan Wooden Spoon : Edinburgh

I think its a case of what might have been . Barker, Ashworth & Glanz are all good signings, and Boxall isn't a bad one. Holder & Werner are very poor, though - I doubt if anyone would want them and there are much better options available, particularly to a club that probably gets the biggest attendances in the PL.

Chris Morton states in this weeks Speedy Star that they are 'hoping' to run an NL side.

Its a myth that Mildenhall supporters (including Kev) merely want their club to put a side out that attracts fans. In the case of any stand alone club, they have to do that - after all, they do not have the luxury of a PL side subsidising potential losses - and consequently putting out an decent side is a must. However, that does not mean that they do not also view the NL as a training ground for British riders and Mildenhall's plans to have an academy underline their intentions in that direction. It isn't Mildenhall that has a problem in recognising that there must be a compromise between the needs of the double up and stand alone clubs, is it ? As I understand it, Mildenhall are not refusing to pay at all - so 'not paying' and 'welsh' are just not true. What they are asking for is time to pay. Given the economic conditions and the grounds under which they wish to have time (ie the creation of an academy) their position appears to be wholly reasonable.

Thing is your last view is tainted by your opinion of the Mildenhall promotion. I too have an issue with Heeps being allowed to ride in the NL (and, indeed, the fact that he is a 3.00 average in the PL this season) but that is merely an example of the problem - the problem itself being the corrupt culture of backhanded favours that pervades the sport which allows decisions to be made that are directly contrary to the rules and regulations that the BSPA themselves write. All that happened was Brundle was not allowed to double up (although his average clearly stated that he could) and, as compensation, Mildenhall got Heeps. As it happened, it worked very nicely for them as they were clearly a much stronger side with Heeps & Baseby than they were with Brundle & Laurence. I don't blame Mildenhall for that as they just took advantage of a situation that was not of their making. They are not the first and they won't be the last to do so. In this situation, I blame whoever sanctioned the decision itself and the remaining NL clubs for failing to ensure that the relevant legislation was complied with and passively accepting that Heeps could ride. As I say, though, this is just an example and the root issue lies with the fact that there is no independent scrutiny of BSPA decisions in relation to their own rulebook.

I agree..........but I don't recall your promotion (or any other, for that matter) doing anything about it. I'd say that is for one (or both) of the following reasons: they have either benefitted themselves from similar dealings, or they are fearful of what would happen if they did ask too many questions. While it is very difficult to argue with any of the posts relating to youth development, I would personally prefer to have procedures in place (preferably through independent arbitration) to ensure that the BSPA adhere to their own rule book first. Otherwise, all of the efforts made to ensure the production of our own assets will be caught up in the same corrupt backhander culture that is rife in British Speedway.

I think that's the crux of the matter. Did Mildenhall know they would have to pay this amount at the outset and are now merely whining about it, or has the BSPA levied additional payments over and above what they were originally asked to pay. Alternatively, has the rate of payment been varied ? As far as I am aware, the financial bond is higher at Mildenhall than at other tracks simply because of the financial insecurity of the track. While I can appreciate that sentiment, it is also somewhat unfair to judge this promotion on what has happened in the past, especially given their links to Ipswich.

I thought Sweetman too - worth a punt on 5.48. You could fit Jerran Hart in, too The sadness of it is that would be a useful outfit if Werner was not there.

'Cough'............................ Bu**er me with a fishfork Even though I couldn't see anywhere else for him to go, I am truly astonished - partly because I never thought Bowden would meet his demands, and partly because I couldn't see Ashworth switching the wide open spaces of Owlerton for the polo mint SBA. Given the difference in the tracks and the amount of travelling involved, I would say this will either be a big success or a major failure for him (although he can certainly ride small tracks - he was a favoured guest for Mildenhall). In truth, I have always thought that he should have left Owlerton a few years ago to develop his career. Best wishes to Ricky down in Devon - he won't find more passionate and dedicated fans anywhere .

I think his performances for Ipswich might prove us both right 12+1 from nine starts looks OK, but that includes 4 wins or paid wins and 4 lasts !!

How about Jerran Hart for one of those final few places ? I seem to recall he was almost unbeatable at SBA in NL days.

EL is a possibility but he apparently can't make PL pay so I would be surprised. Sadly, I think you are right. The way I see it in Plymouth's case (almost uniquely) it is somewhat of a false economy to run with a team destined to be near the bottom of the league as I am certain that the additional cost of a winning side would be offset by an increase in gates. I suspect that the damage has already been done, anyway. Even if Ashworth and Hefenbrock were signed, you still have Werner

I can't either, but you have to ask yourself where else is he going to go ?

Local paper mentions James Holder, Christian Hefenbrock & Ricky Ashworth.................. Ashworth, Hefenbrock & Franchetti would fit and Werner aside, that wouldn't be a bad team. Better Cockle than Holder.

Word I had (and that is not from that 'certain manager' but someone at Stoke ) is that young Mr Sarjeant needs to look a little closer to home for the source of his problems with the management last season. He was one of the most impressive riders I saw last season but I'd think twice before signing him.

I am going to break the habit of a life time and agree with you Real shame Lakeside won't be competing and it looks like Roger Cearns will not be entering a team for 2012. The only thing is the prospects for 2013 look infinitely brighter. With moves afoot to establish Bodmin & Bristol and something going on at Weymouth, there could easily be 4 new tracks in the NL for that season.

One of the biggest league crowds I saw last season was the final match at Plymouth. Bearing in mind they were second bottom, it was against Edinburgh and it was, effectively, a nothing meeting the queue outside at start time was absolutely astonishing. A successful Devils outfit would be pulling in at least 2,000 every week and its one reason why I can't understand Bowden not trying to assemble a league challenging side instead of going for the likes of Brent Werner.

That's a poor team. Cockle, Glanz & Franchetti are OK (particularly at home) but there's room for two in the team, not three. Bowden's cheap skate penny pinching is soon going to catch up with him, believe me. What is so hard to understand is that he isn't a promoter who has had to shovel shedloads of cash in to keep it going - he's made a lot of money at SBA. You and all the lads I know at Plymouth deserve better.

Werner is a bizarre signing. I suppose there is a small possibility that he might actually improve on that six point (or so) average, but the likelihood is anything but. Worse still, it won't inspire a single person down in the south west or create the excitement for the forthcoming season that every fan needs. The sadness is it almost completely destroys the terrific news about Barker returning.

Great news, Tim. I was just starting to really appreciate my visits to the Wessex Stadium when it closed. Very best of luck to all concerned.

From what I saw this season, Mildenhall provided better racing than almost every other track in the country (Scunthorpe & Plymouth possibly excepted). That is of course from the point of view of a spectator, but I have always held the view that tracks should be prepared (within reason)with spectators not riders in mind.

I think it was John Berry who said that the dislike between Carter and the Collins brothers was 'intense'. Peter Collins, certainly, blames Carter for the crash that caused his retirement, while Neil lost several front teeth after Carter decked him - I think with a bike stand. The thing with Carter and Penhall was that there was, in contrast with many of those mentioned, genuine personal dislike which I believe was a result of a track incident way back in 1978.

Its a question I asked Main Man earlier in the season when I was down there and his response was that supporters just would not turn out for NL speedway. Its something I have never understood because the quality of the racing is certainly no better and it seems to me that a choice of NL speedway or no speedway at all is a no brainer.

Very unselfish of you Just don't tell the Birmingham lot......... I certainly hope he is at Plymouth next season - he's simply brilliant to watch there.

That's a good team. Mind you, I think Plymouth are more likely to get Klindt than Ingalls.......... I don't want to worry you too much but Graham Drury has said he doesn't want double up riders next season.....