salty

By all means get an app that allows scoring to be done on hand held devices, but that is a rather cosmetic improvement isn't it? I've got 4 kids ranging from 25 to 9 and at some time I've taken them all to Speedway, some for domestic matches, the younger two just GP's abroad. Biggest thing they don't like is the gaps between races - "it's boring". At least for a Gp there is some modicum of comfort and they can sit with their phones, tablets etc, but I wouldn't inflict a British League match upon them. However, if I suggest a night at the Ice Hockey they are all keen to go. Not because they have any interest in the sport, but because as an overall package the whole night out is far more entertaining. Better facilities, food, drink and entertainment outside of the actual action.

Love your work Arthur. Haven't lived or worked in the area for the best part of 20 years but brings back a lot of memories. Surely the parking and traffic is going to be a major issue? My memory might be playing tricks on me, but I seem to remember utter chaos around the Durnsford Road junction whenever the Dons were at home. I have no issue with the Dons moving back to Merton, but I hate the fact the dog track is being lost.

Get rid of Rosco? The guy has already got us to the World Final next season.

Aye, but it wasn't "the dogs" as such was it? It was the GRA who are owned by a bunch of venture capitalists. The true greyhound fraternity wanted rid of them as well.

Mixed feelings on this one. Pleased to see the real footballing Dons getting back to the borough where they belong. Very disappointed to see the end of Greyhound racing at Plough Lane. As for Speedway, once the battle lines were drawn between the two rival developments - AFC v Paschal Taggart - there was never really any hope. A faint possibility of riding in on the Taggart plans, but once they were disclosed and required housing to fund the development then that was the end for any chance of resurrecting the two wheel Dons. It seems hopes rest with Boris Johnson intervening after listening to the Wandsworth Council complaints, but given how happy he was to see West Ham flog Upton Park to Galliard, I would be surprised to see him do anything.

I think part of the issue is the TV coverage. Nowadays all the top riders are interviewed during the Sky coverage and the nature of the interview doesn't exactly allow them to show a great deal of "character". "We really need the points tonight" "are you going to make any changes?" "Its a bit greasy but there should be some good lines later" As Charlie asks the same inanities season after season, meeting after meeting, any individuality is quashed. And they mustn't forget to apologise for any offence when any "industrial" language is overheard. Fifteen years of Sky coverage and the only rider I remember who I really enjoyed listening to, such that I can still remember him talking, was the wonderful Roman Povazhny. 45 years ago we saw the opposition once or twice a season and that was it. Garry Middleton was, I think most agree, a "character" but I don't think I ever heard him speak. My exposure to him was his annual visit, the occasional guest appearance, and his Speedway Star column. Yet he had a reputation at Dudley Wood in the early 70's that would have added a fair few to the gate. My advice to any rider wishing to be a modern day character. Keep the helmet and goggles on and never utter a word to the camera.

Very one eyed reporting in my view. The SLP article gives the impression that the "hardest hurdle" was the Dons Trust voting to sell Kingsmeadow and move back to Plough Lane. Surely the hardest hurdle is getting the planning permission? No mention of the alternative plans to keep the greyhounds. This article gives more detail of the issues that still have to be addressed... http://www.southlondon-today.co.uk/article.cfm?id=114818&headline=AFC%20Wimbledon%20chief:%20It%20could%20be%20months%20before%20we%20know%20whether%20Plough%20Lane%20Stadium%20will%20go%20ahead&sectionIs=sport&searchyear=current Whilst this report gives the residents view... http://www.racingpost.com/news/greyhounds/football-simply-not-wanted-by-wimbledon-residents/1992928/top/

At a time when the sport is crying out for simpler rules, the promoters have gone the opposite direction. I have no doubt that the FTR and the Heat leader list were conceived with the best of intentions, but the sad truth is they have far too many loopholes and the smarter promoters will immediately examine ways how they can gain the greatest benefit. Premier averages being used for the reserves gave Poole a big advantage in that Newman was classed far too low in the first tier enabling a much better pick in the second tier than they should have got. They have now managed to sign a rider in Buzz who for some reason has not being classed as a heat leader. Kudos to Ford for being shrewd, but the other promoters need a good boot up the hole.

Great to see Bradley riding in the Heathens colours, his Grandad will be over the moon.

I was at the meeting at Cradley in 1973 where Cribby broke his thigh. If I recall correctly he went over the fence and landed against the fence for the dog track. Out for the rest of the season. Just checked the programme and there was no exclusions, but after the re-run Malcolm didn't ride again. Can't remember any nastiness, but I was only 11! Wouldn't surprise me though! Didn't know about the Bridger connection, would be interesting to hear his story.

Steve, Remember you from the Oxford forum back in the Purchase days. Some interesting names there. Ulf Lovaas had a short lived stay at Dudley Wood and I remember being disappointed when he didn't return in 1974. I could vaguely remember Bob Radford doing an article on Reider Eide and other Norwegians in an old issue. After a rummage in the attic I was able to put my hands on Issue 32 which indeed does give a brief overview of all the Norwegians who tried their luck in British Speedway during the 70's and 80's. A couple of paragraphs about Ulf where indeed Bob does say "Many, myself included, found Ulf to be the total opposite of his affable brother". As you say it be interesting to find out more. Same with Malcolm Ballard. I can remember him being involved in a nasty smash at Cradley with Bruce Cribb and Dave Perks, but wasn't actually aware he'd retired from the sport so early.

I'd agree with that. I said when the FTR scheme was first introduced that promotions will pay lip service to the benefits of the scheme for young British riders, but would be more concerned with exploiting the scheme so as to gain an advantage. We were all aware how frustrated the Pirates were with their efforts to get a fruitful return from their second reserve in the first season. In the end it didn't really matter because Kyle Newman was so effective that he became the trump card which played a key role in delivering the title. Therefore, given the potency of Newman it seems daft that the Pirates have also benefited from early picks in the second tier for the past two drafts. Given that Kyle is a protected asset they in effect only get one pick. Surely as the champs logic should see that when they do get a pick (in the second tier) that they should get 8th pick?

I think over the years we have seen " a you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" mentality regarding certain promotions. We obviously don't know what horse trading is done, but there are clearly some promoters who work closely together. I'm sure the Poole asset list gives them a fair amount of leverage.

Don't think anyone has a problem with Kyle getting protected as a Poole asset, it's the daft use of PL averages (thus placing him a lot lower in the tier 1 list than his EL performances over the past two years would deserve). I think the issue with Ford isn't so much he was "aware" of the situation, but suspicion of his role in creating the favourable situation for Poole in the first place.

Sure he could have a wee tummy upset for those meetings.

Certainly some bad memories. Strange that Hackney and Wimbledon would close so (relatively) soon after having such strong seasons in the late 80's. Having said that, my own personal circumstances meant that I couldn't afford to attend from 1990 onwards, and I'm sure I wasn't the only one in those economically difficult times.

If I recall correctly the Elite teams had an unfair advantage regarding averages, which rendered the competition a tad worthless. Pretty sure it was this competition where Antonio Lindback was brought in on a daft average.

Much ado about nowt imo. Whoever finishes 9th will probably get a pick anyway

Did I hear "Troy Butler" down the back straight of Heat 10? He'd probably still do better than Batch. Edit: beat me to it bruv!

Don't think Nikki was totally blameless, the way he angled his bike at the pits gate to block Masters was a bit naughty. But agree with Crumpy - little wrong on the track, Masters overreacts, too many people in the pits.

Only caught up with this today. Couple of thoughts. Is Nigel Pearson trying to compete with himself to call a race as early as possible? Last night he was calling 5-1's before they'd got out of the second bend. Soon they'll be on the green light and he'll be telling us if it stays like this it will be a 3-3. The starts were shocking all night. When Nicholls got excluded the first rider to move (imo) was Magic, but he was the only one of the 4 who didn't touch the tapes. Should it not be an unsatisfactory start rather than an exclusion? So many riders are jumping the tapes but not hitting them, does that not show that the starting marshalls are letting them sit too far back? Surely it's time to give the ref the chance to declare a race at any point in the race if he feels it's a "professional foul" and then fine riders who do what Worrall did last night in Heat 2. I suppose the downside is the punters miss out on a race, but I hate seeing cheats prosper. Glad the Aces recovered to make it a match, but reckon Poole will hammer them tomorrow.

The SEC, GP and Polish league that you mentioned in your original post have nothing to do with Sky. I can't remember the coverage that Lol and Steady got, but the loss of Lee Richardson was given appropriately loads of airtime and mentions and more recently so was the Lewis Kerr injury. So what if the Ward coverage is "overkill" - can't believe anyone can begrudge him anything to help.

And why is that so bad?. I got the Darcy overkill when Sky went overboard about his return from his ban, but how can anyone begrudge his current plight being highlighted?

Utterly unrelated. Nobody on the BSF has agreed with your view regarding Darcy. The only support for that view is second hand regarding social media. As I said on the Darcy thread whilst I respect peoples right to have an opinion, that is sorely tested when their opinion is so flawed. Nobody on the BSF has agreed with you regarding the national anthem. Utterly pointless to play the thing in an individual competition.

Cobblers. Hodgson announced before the last World Cup that the team had agreed to sing the anthem and it was widely reported http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2645597/England-players-told-passion-belting-national-anthem-matches.html Definitely nothing there about people not getting picked if they don't sing. Only person who seems bothered about Tai not singing the thing is you. How exactly is it going to come back and bite him?