The White Knight

I think you are probably right PPM. He would not be my choice anyway. I would be happy with Nielsen.

I totally agree with you BOBBATH. The Forum would be a much poorer place without Norbold's input - and yours too for that matter.

I can't agree as a lot of the Riders that you are talking about are 'doubling up' Premier League Riders. Jason Doyle reached Number One for his Premier League Club and was able to do exactly the same for his ELITE League Club. You/He could not have done that in the 'Seventies'.

Best Gater: Ivan Mauger Best Racer: 'Briggo'/Peter Collins/Chris Morton (I can't split them). All three were great Racers. My personal favourite: 'Briggo'.

I am not saying they are not. What I am saying, and yes I am talking British League here that the British League of the Seventies was way stronger than the Elite League, both in British Riders and International Riders. You could make two reasonably decent seven man British Teams out of the Riders who were eligible to Ride for Great Britain both of which would give a good account of themselves (they may not both win, but they would put on a good display) - we cannot even make one decent four man Team that can be competitive in the SWC these days. On top of that - all of these British Riders were riding against the very top International Riders in the World every week in those days - not 'Doubling Up' Premier League Riders. Yes - I am discussing Britain because that is largely the way the Discussion is going. The comparative state of British Speedway in the Seventies and today.

And I suspect that Davey would possibly be top 30 these days too. As I said - there simply isn't the Competition around these days. I would grant you that Riders, in general, are more professional these days - though Ivan Mauger might argue with that. But I still believe that most of the top Riders were better then. As I have said before we can't win an argument at International level these days, back in the 'Seventies' it was a different matter. You actually had Riders fighting for places in the Team. Nowadays they largely pick themselves, because - the sad fact of life is - there is nobody else. Finally, there were a good few Riders around who were not International regulars in those days, but were of International class, and were not automatic 'picks'. Nobody like that around now.

I agree sidney - I would never claim that Tony Davey was the best Rider I ever saw ride for Ipswich - but - he was damned good. He was certainly among the better Riders of that era. Personally I believe that - with his passing ability - he would have been pretty good today too. Sadly - we can never prove these things.

How many more would have done so - had they had the chance of qualifying? The truth is that nowadays the vast majority of Speedway Riders are denied the chance to be top of the tree in their chosen Sport because of the Selection System used in the GP Series.

Well said Sir!!. ............. and again - Well said. Well I, for one, do not think that the Riders are of a "higher standard these days". :nono:

Far better Riders then, in general, then though. That is indisputable. You had to be really good to shine in those days. Much easier to shine these days as there is not much competition.

If there is "reasonable doubt" he should not have been found Guilty. I would say, though, that the man is certainly no gentleman to take advantage as he is alleged to have done. Is he a Rapist? - I don't know but there does seem to be doubt.

I think you have a point actually - so - I won't be shooting you in this Season of goodwill. :)

Just live with, and keep your memories BOBBATH. Times, and Speedway were better then.

Forgive me - I thought the discussion was on the British/Elite League - not Sweden and Poland........................

Possibly Peter Collins might get a mention?

People are just looking back to the good old days of the National League and British League Division 2 as those are the equivalents of the Premier League these days. Nothing wrong with that. Actually - it makes for interesting reading.

I think its looking pretty good so far. All Riders signed so far are capable of improving their averages. Depending on who our last two Riders are I reckon we will be there or thereabouts next year barring injuries. The problem is that you cannot legislate for injuries as we have found to our cost over the years.

I would like to have 'Liked' this Post - but - I do not like the highlighted bit. My problem with this is that the man has served his time. He also maintains his innocence. There is a lot written in the Press and on TV that he has shown no remorse and has not apologised. I would ask you to consider, for a moment, that he is actually innocent as he claims. What then? To apologise for something you have not done, or to express remorse for something you have not done is tantamount to admitting guilt. IF he is guilty - I still believe that he has done the Crime and has served his time. Rape is a heinous Crime - but the Law is satisfied with his Sentence - perhaps we should be too. OR: Do we want to resort to mob Rule and have him living on Benefits for the rest of his life? EXACTLY - see above.

What do we (Great Britain) win these days? Answer:- NOWT!!! What did we (Great Britain) win in the '70s? Answer:- Just about everything at one time or another. My argument stands. Q.E.D.

For what it is worth - I would say that the Teams in the Seventies were a lot stronger than the Elite League nowadays - and I was around then. My reasoning is that most Teams in the British League had at least two, and sometimes three Heat Leaders of International standing, that number nowadays is down to about one (unless you are Poole). We also now have some Riders in the Premier League riding for Great Britain in full Internationals regularly, which rarely happened the Seventies with British League Division Two Riders. British League Division One was strong enough to furnish full International Teams with Riders of International Class still on the periphery. THAT is how good we were. For these reasons I conclude that the British League Division One Teams were definitely stronger than the Elite League Teams have been for a very long time.

OH NO YOU DIDN'T!!! :rofl: OOOPS!! Sorry. I can't get out of the Panto mode. I think today's win at Newcastle might have helped.

................. and it's 'goodnight from him'. :rofl:

Got it in one CHR. :rofl:

Graeme Smith and Jack Millen were my favourites at the time. Special mention though for Vic Harding he was good for us and such a lovely bloke. Sadly missed.

OH YES I CAN!!! :party: :party: