erniew

As Aceslider says, the visa office operate at their own pace. However, this would imply that the rider in question is from outside the EU, presumably either an Australian or American, cue everyone to give lists of possible riders. It's now eight days and counting to P & P. Don't panic Mr. Mainwaring!

With less than 2 weeks to press & pratice, I think It's about time to press the panic button. We are obviously struggling to obtain the services of riders that we can afford and I believe that there is a minimum points limit as well as an upper one so we can't just sign anyone. Worst case scenario, there is an announcement in the next two week saying unfortunately we're not running as we can't afford it.

So if we find another potential world champion Dane like Nikki P on 5.2 we have 8.31 for a number 1. Sounds like a plan.

I think predictions are a bit of time filling fun and nothing to get uptight about. Remember that girly sport football? Just remember Leicester City.

I assumed 25th/26th for P&P Just wondering if the meet the riders night could be used as a fundraiser providing there is enough time to organise one.

Good news with the announcement of the main sponsor. All we need now is the announcement of the last 2 riders and the dates of Press & Practice and, if we are having one, the meet the riders night.

Thanks AndyS, no chance of Nicholls then. See you tomorrow.

We had 23.40 left before these two signings, on the last green sheet averages, Wilkinson 4.97 and Aarnio 5.02 making 9.99.

Unless my maths is way out, that leaves us 13.41 for the last two riders.

Dave, no one can dispute your fine efforts regarding Tne Diamonds but the paying customers still expect to receive some indication of what is going on. we are fully aware that finance is vital to enable the club to continue and I'm not asking for any state secrets, but I cannot see how we can survive financially without a sponsor so is it beyond the clubs wherewithall to actually announce that we do in fact have one? Not too much to ask surely?

Our new co-promoter has been announced, but no mention of a new main sponsor. I cannot see the team surviving even with financial consraints without one but once again, the silence is deafening. Surely the club can confirm that we have one even if they can't be named just yet for a good reason.

I reckon they're putting off a decision on Kennett/Nichols until after they have both retired!

Well, 3 down and 4 to go. Are we having an announcement every week as the riders have already been signed? or are we still negotiating with riders?

I agree Andy, I think Lindgren will not improve his average but it's obvious he's back as an asset and we are building to a budget. I think we have to get used to the idea that this season is one of running rather than not and just enjoy the speedway and anything else is a bonus.

Conspiracy theory overload but could the delay in announcing the next rider after the statement on Monday be because a deal has fallen through and this is plan B?

So are you saying that a rider living in Sweden gets 15p per mile to help towards the cost of his 'plane ticket?

No Steve, It's not certain that Danny will be in the team. But what we do know is that Danny was keen on returning if fit. On the financial side, he lives locally and travel costs would be minimal and you also have to factor in he was only one meeting away from virtually doubling his average. I think the fact that the new promoter is his father may have some small input but I don't think that any of the promotion team would let nepertism cloud the issue of assembling the best team possible under whatever financial resraints have been set in place.

Well at least we now know 2 things, who the new promoter is and who will be riding at 7! Anyone know what Martin does and how rich he is?

Actually, us OAP's now download e-books onto our readers, much lighter to carry around!

I'm assuming the new promoter is new to speedway, if they are already involved then due diligence will already be in place. Regarding the lack of any news, the promotion are advertising season tickets for sale without any information regarding ownership or team lineup, It's a bit like asking you to buy a ticket for a stage show without telling you which show it is and who's appearing, not very good promoting!

You can see how little current information is coming out from the Diamonds 'PR Team' when people are reminiscing about riders and incidents from years ago.

I'm assuming that there have been no announcements as to the team lineup is that everything is on hold until confirmation is received from the authorities as to the suitability of the new co-promoter.

Great news! obviously the pragmatic approach means there's not a great deal of money to sign riders. That is not an issue against the prospect of no speedway at all, I would assume that travelling and loan expenses must be closely monitored, perhaps Phillips instead of Bowtell for example. Roll on team announcements and bring on the new season. Merry Christmas!

Ian, What do we have to be positive about? I'm sorry, but I haven't been able to find a new battery for my crystal ball!