jennywren

I heard that the Louis' have ordered a top of the range Mercedes each based on the extra money they will now have coming in from this deal and with the money they get from Robert Miskowiak being loaned to Wolverhampton they may even consider putting a deposit down on a luxury villa in the Caribbean

At the recent Supporters Club AGM Chris Louis confirmed that Mat isn't taking part in any LomgTrack this season so he shouldn't be missing any of the away meetings that you mention.

Sorry, incorrect again - some people can apply for a settlement visa while living outside the UK...

Incorrect - you can claim patriality in two ways - firstly via an ancestry visa (british grandparents and you have to be 17+) and secondly via a settlement visa (if you have a parent with a british passport and there is no age limit for this one). In both cases British citizenship is not automatic and in fact the holder of a settlement visa is nearer to applying for it than the holder of an ancestry visa. - the UKBA will verify this if you need further clarification.

Think this highlights that criteria based on a rider's average alone allows some riders to stay at this level for too long - it is supposed to be a development league so perhaps a maximum stay of 3-4 years should be introduced to encourage those riders to step up a level and free up a few places for some more riders to develop. I know that Cameron's inclusion in the NL was unpopular in certain quarters but I think you'll find that he will not linger any longer than necessary at this level as he has been brought up in a culture that promotes ambition and the courage and/or confidence to take on bigger challenges.

Looks like this has finally been sorted - news story just appeared on Tigers website!

I think you meant to say 'what the BSPA consider as having patriality' as this appears to be different to the criteria used by the UK Border agency. If you ask the UKBA what serves to prove UK Patriality they will state that the person needs to hold an Ancestry visa (British grandparent, etc, as quoted somewhere on this thread by Mr Vasey) which apparently only runs for 5 yrs or a Settlement visa (next step on from the Ancestry visa, entitles the holder to the same rights as a UK citizen and after 12 months entitles the holder to apply for a UK passport. This information is very simple to find - took about 5 minutes by talking to their very helpful call centre. Assume the problem with Cameron is that the BSPA do not recognise or are not aware of the settlement visa as according to the Speedway Star he has one of those (British parent maybe?). Fully agree with the 'level playing field for everyone' statement but it seems that the BSPA interpretation of Patriality is not 'equal'. If I was cynical I may conclude that this is an attempt to stop a particular rider from riding in the NL.

So are you one of the girls that deals with said paperwork or one of the committee that rumber stamps it. Either way, as you must have access to confidential paperwork can we have a copy of the chairman's expenses form next please?

Just seen that Ashley Birks is guesting for the injured Brundle (fall at Ipswich on Thursday apparently). A bit confused about Hackney lineup given on Mildenhall website as the averages are different from those shown on the BSPA site - anyone know which is right?

This is not entirely accurate as the sponsorship system allows other riders such as Troy Batchelor to work here as well.

Fully agree, you don't get anywhere in a competitive market if you hang around. I understand that several clubs were trying to get his signature so either they were also being hasty, their owners also thought that he was eligible or they thought they could get him accepted by the powers that be (e.g. they are possibly in a more influential position in the sport).

I also think it will be a huge shame if he doesn't ride after all the time & effort put in to bring him over and also for the rider himself. While I agree that the National League should focus on developing British youngsters, in today's society we are all expected to offer equal opportunities to anyone entitled to work in this country regardless of their place of birth, etc... I'm not sure that the rule quoted on a previous thread about the requirement to hold a UK passport holder or have patriality status would pass close scrutiny by someone who has expert knowledge of this type of thing.

Fen Tigers website just announced that he is on his way over but some doubt over whether he will ride on Sunday.

The Mildenhall website says that Danny Halsey & Lewis Blackbird have signed for the Fen Tigers with Oliver Rayson going to Kings Lynn.