Simon G

Taken from the CET Coventry have been given dramatic fresh hope of resuming speedway competition in the Elite League next season. A joint statement was issued yesterday evening between the Buildbase Bees, fellow outcasts Peterborough and, crucially, the BSPA, which indicates that a resolution could still be found to the problems emerging from the recent AGM. The various parties have come together for the first time since the Bournemouth conference last month, and while there is no confirmation of the Bees and the Panthers returning to the league, the fact that there is dialogue has to be seen as positive. It was previously stated that the Elite League would simply run with eight clubs next season, without Coventry and Peterborough, and with newcomers King’s Lynn elevated to the top level following the AGM. There does now appear to be serious hope of that situation changing, although with the Christmas period on the way it is highly unlikely that anything will be resolved ahead of the New Year. The statement read: “We are pleased to inform fans of speedway that the BSPA, Coventry Bees and Peterborough Panthers have held discussions with a view to resolving the issues that have arisen between them. “We are at this stage unable to relay any information as to the nature or the content of those discussions but we can confirm that all of the parties remain committed to resolving the matter amicably. “We thank all of the fans of speedway, the commercial partners and the members for their patience during this time.” Peterborough’s top two riders from last season, Kenneth Bjerre and Niels-Kristian Iversen, have already been declared as starters with King’s Lynn, but none of Coventry’s title-winning line-up are fixed up elsewhere in the top flight as yet, although Ben Barker is known to be on the verge of a move to Premier League Plymouth with the intention also of doubling-up in the Elite

They have already signed up one rider!

If that's what you think keep guessing!

Depends on how much cash is on the table!

We still harping on about this, if they broke any rules then the BSPA would have stepped in and actioned it. No rules were broken just used to Bees advantage and fair play to Rosco

Just lock Shovlar's account, make life on here much easier!

Should be interesting to see them ride tonight then!

Good post - Shovlar take note

I thought Shovlar's absence for a week would have got over those sour grapes. Still waiting for his match report...

No rules were broken otherwise the BSPA wouldn't have let it stand. Poole should know, they are up to it every year

Or that Barker was part of the team that won the Elite League

Can't see the weather effecting this one. Bright and sunny. Bring it on

Well if he rode last night and is riding U21 tonight he'll be riding against Poole on Monday

I reckon we could be without Shamek for Monday, will be a big loss but hopefully Auty would do a good job if that's the case

Why what happened?

Great meeting last night, the track was so deep on the outside. I think the tractor did more laps than the bikes. I've never seen such a large following of Bees fans, brilliant. Roll on next week, whatever happens the Bees should be pleased that they made the playoffs nevermind the final!

I agree Gem, think it's going to be close. If they throw away a 14 lead then they need shooting!

If the track is slick then I think the Bees could struggle. Can't see them making it grippy as that would suit the Bees

So, what sort of track are we going to expect tonight? I would imagine it's going to be slick if he's been telling everyone it's going to be grippy! From the CET COVENTRY boss Alun Rossiter insists his side will be ready for anything Peterborough can throw at them in tonight’s crucial play-off semi-final at the Showground. The Buildbase Bees take a 14-point lead into the second leg clash at a venue where they won during their regular Elite League programme earlier this month. Post-match talk from the Panthers after last week’s first leg centred around how their late-meeting collapse had been down to their failure to adapt to the track going slick – which hardly tied in with the evidence of Bees skipper Chris Harris using the outside to make passing moves throughout the meeting, including in the very last race. Peterborough manager Trevor Swales stated their circuit will be made “deep and grippy” for tonight, conditions which would suit several of the Coventry team in any case – but Rossiter is aware Bees could be faced with something completely different. He said: “We keep hearing about all the scenarios of what the track’s going to be like, but we’ve got a plan for everything. We’re prepared for whatever, and we’ll assess the conditions when we get there. “Last time we went there they weren’t happy with their own track, I’ve never seen as much tractor racing and even the referee was getting fed up with it, so they can think what they like or play silly games but at the end of the day we’ve got to got there and make sure we don’t lose by 14 or more. “We’re riding on a high with plenty of confidence, and we kept that going with the win at Swindon on Thursday. But even though we’ve got a 14-point lead it’s still going to be mighty tough and we certainly aren’t counting any chickens.

Can't wait for tonight, let's hope the Bees can take as many fans as last time.

The Panthers seem to be finding form at the right time. I can see Peterborough pulling this back, should be a cracking meeting.

Perhaps he's saying it will be deep and grippy but in actual fact he may make it slick on the day to catch the Bees out?

What time does it start?

How wrong was he, bet he feels a twit now!

Cracking meeting, the Aussies thought they had it in the bag I think! Great race track