george.m

Clouseau strikes again.

That's just a knuckle dragger's opinion.

Pity we didn't get 15 heats last night as the racing was the best it's been for a long time. Ultimately that's what I want to see first and foremost.

Firstly, I'm glad our correspondence has been in the right manner as all too often on forums it deteriorates into personal slanging matches. Thanks also for you "thanks". Since going into the social team I've had my eyes opened. The amount of work that goes into it and the amount of personal time people give up to promote the club and help supporters is considerable. I never realised we received so many FB private messages - especially on match days, mainly weather update requests, which is understandable when people have long distances to travel. Often we're not even at the track in a position to advise - personally I'm en route doing an hour's drive (taxi service for kids!) to and from meetings. We enjoy doing it, and rarely complain when flack comes our way. It's mainly one person who deals with all these messages (as well as other club duties) and he should be commended for the amount of person time and professional pride he puts into it. We take it as compliment when supporters, riders, etc judge our output think we have an extensive media team - we don't. And we're not the only volunteers who help to bring speedway to the supporters - there are many at Glasgow and other clubs too. And many "outside" the club such as Updates texters and admin. We do speak, and when unjustified or inaccurate criticism comes our way we do question why we're doing this - when you could be spending time with the family. Was my cage rattled? I'll admit it was. We work hard and with little or no thanks. So criticism (yes, sometimes our perception) can get to you if you let it. The circumstances we have to work with because of the nature of the sport (mainly late cancellations, or team line up decisions)are not easy - but we try our best. I can fully appreciate the essence of what you're saying. We do report however what is being said "on the record" though. I have genuinely tried to help you and others understand what goes on behind the scenes. I hope I've done so in some way. Thanks again!

Some people really need to get out their little bubble and see there's a big bad world out there.

So some Edinburgh fans and one connected with the club posting on Facebook and Twitter their disapproval that the new date clashes with their end of season dinner dance. One suggesting it's a deliberate decision. Perfectly illustrates what is wrong with the sport nowadays. Parochial, self indulgent attitudes.

For the purpose of balance so forum members can make an informed decision. The Tigers' social media team collectively, and as individuals, work long hours of their own time to improve the end product our followers receive. We don't always get it right, however by constantly (and I do mean constantly) and collectively self critiquing, and reviewing feedback, we believe we've improved our output through time. To reassure you, a significant amount of feedback is received publicly, through word of mouth and private messages. All is greatly valued - positive and negative. As I'm sure you'll appreciate, the first step in reviewing any feedback is establishing credibility so that our limited time resource is used positively to the benefit of all and not wasted on red herrings, nor on supposition provided by individuals with personal agendas. To address your second post. Thank you for clarifying the ambiguity of your original one. I assumed you were using the correct meaning of 'PR'. Which of course is 'Public Relations'. Public relations is, of course, a phrase which encompasses all forms of communication with customers. I can only respond to what is written, not inferred. I also note your use of the word 'rampant'. Which of course could mean - uncontrolled - hard to tell what you mean exactly with such a loose word. I can assure you, Tigers' social media is not uncontrolled. Also, we take very seriously our responsibility to represent the club in the correct manner. So to your original post and the element I quoted. (As an aside, funnily enough there was a similar post on Tigers FB page too yesterday which has very similar wording). Clearly the quoted parts have not been addressed in your response, which perhaps highlights the inaccuracies and by definition the credibility of the original. First - "Which greatly increases the expectations of home fans" - Your second post gives no evidence of this. Are you suggesting you are speaking for the majority, or all, of them? Perhaps originally you were just referring to those who you stand with? Our feedback, and increasing number of followers with all social media platforms, suggests the total opposite. Even based on what can be seen on FB alone - they have the ability to think for themselves. and have a realistic and knowledgable insight of their sport. They are not shy in making their views known. Perhaps your opinion of their intellect differs? The evidence you provided was from some published articles - it was not of the fans' reaction to the articles. Which was your original comment I quoted and referred to. No evidence. Secondly - "no doubt that press release pinned to the Ippo dressing room wall would have motivated them no end". Again no evidence. We have access to the dressing room pre-meeting and that certainly wasn't the case. Of course this could just be the use of hyperbole. And yet again, our views of the intellect of others potentially differs. Thirdly - I made reference to rider, manager, promoter feedback (all with no Tigers' bias) as evidence which is in the public domain and is there for all to see/listen to. It would be remiss of me not to respond to your "press release" comments in your second post. I'm not sure how you would see any Tigers' Press Releases, unless you are a recipient (official or unofficial) of these? What you are referring to, of course, differs as these are written articles. Not press releases. Press releases are potentially open to personal interpretation and therefore misrepresentation. In respect of ours, the articles have accurately reported what was said. Would you prefer we mis-report the views of the club captain to our audience? Or should we just ignore them? Our experience is that such censorship is not what our fans wish for. Cage rattled? Well if that floats your boat then yet again we've got another satisfied customer. It's a pleasure to have been of service. So, in conclusion, I've provided an accurate response to your posts - backed where possible with evidence. As a valued customer we can only apologise if we don't come up to your expectations. In all forms of life you cannot and will not satisfy the demands of all. But we live and learn. For the record, we have already taken on board your comments - having reviewed and assessed them yesterday. We are always looking for people to join our social media team and extend an invitation to yourself - if you believe you can enhance and improve our output. The same invitation has been extended previously on FB, generally and to a specific individual. However, be aware, similar comments about Stevie Wonder would not be appropriate when representing the club. You will need to be prepared to work long hours, incur expenses you will not be reimbursed for and be on call 24/7 (including holidays) to respond quickly to news/queries. Finally, you'll need to accept your output will be scrutinised by the club (to ensure it's not rampant) and a knowledgable public audience.

And you're proof of that is where exactly? Tigers' social media praised this year by Greg Hancock, Simon Stead, Chris Louis, Gary Havelock, Matt Ford amongst others. That's a pretty knowledgable bunch of speedway people who have a different opinion from yours.

After last week and Josh's recent record at Ashfield, I'd go for them choosing Glasgow.

Yes 7pm start

Have to laugh at one of the comments on FB by someone representing Edinburgh's promotion perspective. Some fans not happy with the lack of communication during the wait after 7:30 whilst track prep was taking place. Representative says we'll "take that on board". Seriously? With all the years of experience you're just learning that now? Give me a break.

Swollen hand, but OK to ride on Wednesday for BV

The riders asked for the grading given. Of course it would be crazy to change a track to the visitors advantage - not rocket science.

Fine at the stadium just now. Cold and windy.

Disgusted with any rider that's pulled out for monetary reasons.

According to the report on Monarchs FB page the track was "very lively"

Warm welcome for him in the pits on Sunday from fans, riders and promotion alike, and looked at home.

"From Erskine" meaning he lives there, or was born there?

And his nationality comes into this how, exactly?

Too much information thank you.

Or a "lights off"?

Doubt very much Freddie is on the same sealed unit as GTR are selling to others.

£17.50 gets you a popcorn and Coke at the cinema.

Many times, including extensive work at start of this season

This is going to be a tough one, which I would rather have had a few weeks into the season. Newcastle are a balanced team, with some excellent riders. Out boys will need to be firing on Saturday. A narrow Tigers win for me.