Noodles

Panthers Fans Forum: Plans for a rescue package Trevor Swales is heartened by the response to his plans to put together a rescue package for Peterborough Panthers. The long-serving co-promoter is ready to join forces with North-East businessman Ged Rathbone - the mechanic of skipper Ulrich Ostergaard who joined the clubs management team during the summer in a bid to keep Panthers racing in 2015. They are close to finalising a date for a major fans forum (likely to be at the East of England Showground towards the end of October) at which they will discuss plans for the future and seek financial support. And Swales revealed donations have already been pledged. He said: Myself and Ged are working hard to get the date sorted for the fans event. It will be a huge night in the history of the club. We need everyone who wants to see the club continue to be there. A poor turnout and it could be curtains, but we hope we dont find ourselves in that position. The response to what were trying to do is already pleasing. Weve had a couple of financial pledges and that is very encouraging. But there is obviously lots of work still to do and we want to hear from anyone who feels they can assist us in any way. Swales is not aware of any other parties currently interested in taking over at Panthers who have raced every year since their inception in 1970. He can be contacted on 07920 824092. Source http://m.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/sport/speedway/speedway-news/panthers-fans-forum-plans-for-a-rescue-package-1-6359794

But if he was not involved himself then it stops becoming a hobby. He has already said he is too busy to run it. I enjoy fishing but I wouldn't buy all the equipment and pay someone else to do it for me because I was too busy. Where's the enjoyment in that for me? None.

Where's the attraction in that for Frost? Have an expensive toy and employ someone else to play with it for you?

Torun confirmed 3rd October 2015.

Speedway: The future of speedway in Peterborough is in serious doubt again. Current Panthers supremo Mick Horton has told the Peterborough Telegraph he will not return for the 2015 season. City businessman Horton has decided to pull out of a two-year leasehold agreement with club owners Rick Frost and Julie Mahoney after just one season of Premier League racing. Horton has told the Peterborough Telegraph that losses spiralling to as much as £60,000 have forced his hand with crowds falling some way short of the levels anticipated. And he says a Premier League Cup final first leg showdown against treble-cashing Edinburgh at the East of England Showground on Sunday (2pm) may be the final chapter in a city speedway story stretching back to 1970. There are two massive reasons for people to turn out in force on Sunday, said Horton. There is the chance to see us race in a cup final in what could potentially be the clubs last-ever meeting at the Showground. And that is not just me scaremongering. It is 100 per cent certain that I will not be in charge next year through circumstance rather than choice. Our operating losses this year are somewhere in the region of £60,000. I didnt come back into Peterborough to make money and I could have lived with spending a bit, but not this sort of money. I was let down by potential investors before the season even started and the move to a regular Tuesday race-night did not work out at all. The fans have not turned out in the way I hoped they would. We needed our crowds to average around the 800-mark, but they have been closer to 500. The product is great. The racing has been terrific but the club needs the backing of sponsors and supporters. Im not making excuses and I dont want people to feel sorry for me. But the buck stops with me. All I hope is that someone will step in to keep speedway going. Horton acknowledges that money is owed to riders for September meetings and stresses every penny will be paid. He also experienced tough financial times during his last spell at the Panthers helm between 2003 and 2005 at Elite League level. But he insists he has no regrets about returning for a second stint when the clubs future was up in the air last winter. He added: I let my heart rule my head when stepping in to keep speedway going in Peterborough. I dont have any regrets about doing that, but it is no secret Ive become a bit disillusioned with the way things have gone. I did not realise the situation would be this bad. A lot of people down the years have found out that Peterborough loses money year-on-year. Hopefully Rick and Julie will get back involved as the club needs them. They can provide the financial support. Peterborough Panthers co-owner Julie Mahoney hopes the city club can race on. Panthers future is again up in the air after current supremo Mick Horton announced he is walking away from the club at the end of this season. Horton has quit halfway through a two-year leasehold agreement struck last winter with Mahoney and fellow owner Rick Frost. Mahoney and Frost are not in a position to take on hands-on running of the club again, but they are keen for it to survive if buyers can be found. Mahoney said: Mick has not formally told us that he will not be continuing, but we are aware of the press reports today and he hasnt honoured the terms of the lease that were agreed last winter The club will definitely be available and myself and Rick will happily to speak to any interested parties. I must admit though it is doubtful we would consider another leasehold arrangement given our experiences this year. Were not in a position to run the club ourselves as we simply dont have the time due to our business commitments, but it goes without saying we would like it to continue after investing a lot of money and time at Peterborough over the years. Frost and Mahoney rescued Panthers from the brink of financial oblivion in the summer of 2008. They remained at the helm until taking the decision to resign the clubs place in the Elite League at the sports annual meeting last November. Horton stepped in to front a consortium which ensured that racing in the city would continue, but he claims to have been let down by potential investors before suffering financially. He told todays issue of the Peterborough Telegraph that he has lost around £60,000 during the 2014 campaign - the clubs first at Premier League level since 1998. It will be completed with an appearance in the Premier League Cup Final over the next few days. They host Edinburgh in the first at the East of England Showground on Sunday (2pm) a meeting Horton has billed as potentially the clubs last-ever at home ahead of a return clash in Scotland next Friday (October 10). Source Peterborough Telegraph BBC Cambs Sport tweeted: Owner Rick Frost says Peterborough Panthers won't compete in the Premier League next year unless he is able to sell the club. #panthers

Odd, only a week after Tampere?

Err remind me, when did SKY show the Swedish league?

Is Warsaw a definite next year then?

Yes, no, well sort of. We have an update which has no news. After weeks of silence apparently it is now important to update us on the no news.

North didn't want to ride at the beginning of the season when asked and still didn't want to ride when asked again a few weeks ago. I heard that some riders were getting paid straight from the gate receipts but not entirely sure it's correct to be honest.

I wouldn't fail a drugs test but yes I would be sacked from my job, and so I should. Didn't Ronnie Correy fail a breathalyser before the Fours once?

He wasn't interested

Because of the drug allegations?

And there in lies the problem with Peterborough now spreading their home matches over Sunday and Tuesdays

6.30 I think, exactly the same as Lewis.

Good grief. Horton is trying to attract new fans in not drive the last few away.

I was thinking Richard Hall?

I sont worry - you are top 4 wasn't the best sunday either.

Nope Bjerre is now number 1, rider replacement is now elsewhere in the team but I get your point though.

It's one change not two, apparently.

The Peterborough 'Patched Up' Panthers quest to win nothing this season moves on to Scunthorpe this Friday when we rock up without the suggested replacement for Fisher, and Ulrich is racing in Denmark. Anyone know the record for matches raced without a full 1-7 in a season?

Looks narrow coming into the home straight off turn 4. Looks like the fence comes in before going out again turn 1?

Where is everyone? Is there a ladies basketball match on tonight?

Lewis Blackbird is thankfully fit enough to ride for Peterborough tomorrow.

I was thought the 'imbecile' was going to totally lose it Thursday night, he was getting very annoyed with something and I was hoping he was going to explode into a tirade of explectives. Whilst I am here - is the paddock the same as the pits?