Swift Saint

Since the National Shield is only open to two teams it can not form part of any Grand Slam. Mildenhall won every open competition in 2012. A grand Slam in any ones book.

I love Stoke v Heathens battles and the fans. Its great to see such support. So you make a lot of noise. Bring it on Malcolm Vasey

I am pleased to announce the availability of my 12th Book to give it its fuil title "The Complete Analysis Mildenhall Fen Tigers - The Third Tier Years 1994-2006 & 2009-2012 A Statistical and Analytical Review". This is a brand new speedway book that my friends will know has been written over a considerable period of time covering in very thorough statistical detail the results, analysis and achievements of the Mildenhall Fen Tigers in the Third Tier of British Speedway currently known as the National League. The book was compiled by Malcolm Vasey as the first of a new genre of inidividual club books that will complement the eleven books written about this level of speedway. Mildenhall was chosen to be the first of this series some time ago but it also commemorates the wonderful achievements of the Club in 2012 when they won no less than five National Competitions in remarkable and unprecedented fashion. The book contains 240 A4 sized pages and is comb bound with laminated covers detailing a brief early history of the Club, results and riders year by year at third tier level, complete set of official team resuts with riders and scores for both teams for the entire period, Mildenhall's performance sequences, a full career A-Z for all Mildenhall riders in the period which provides many details of riders averages and appearances, Bronze Helmet challenges and maximums scored as well as other features. If it happened it is in this book. There are a small number of coloured photographs and further books of this type are planned for release in the coming months. The book is reasonably priced for its size at £15.99 and will surely be of interst to all Fen Tigers fans and speedway supporters in general. In order to help in these difficult times the book will be despatched post free for a limited period to any UK address overseas postage will be at actual cost. The book has been compiled by Malcolm Vasey well known at Mildenhall although an opponent these days and throughout third tier speedway and is printed by Gemini Publications the marketing company for his work. There is a separate post detailing my other books if you are interested please call me and we will sort out a deal. (07768 073284) New books are planeed very soon as follows: The Complete Analysis Stoke Spitfires and Potters in the Third Tier The 2013 National League Speedway Yearbook (Incorporating the History of Third Tier Speedway Part 9) The Ultimate Statistical Guide Third Tier Speedway 1994-2012 Please give me a call or send me a pm and I will give you full ordering details Malcolm Vasey

Is definitely 7.00pm a most sensible move in order to give proper attention to the Midland Development League matches. The website will be altered very soon. Only last weekend we agreed a date with Dudley which was subsequently used for the National League Pairs. It was a Sunday so that both teams would be at full strength. We had hoped to put on an outstanding National League fixture that day in warm sunshine for all to enjoy. We are currently looking at new options. We are scared of no-one. Make no mistake about that. Malcolm Vasey

But I never tried to be a Foreign Legend. Serioiusly Lord Nelson wouldnt let me serve on his ship withj a ponytail when I was 17 Malcolm Vasey

I have to ask this one question. How can someone who uses the nick name Adonis possibly criticise someone else for perceived arrogance. Speaking personally I would not describe Emerson as being even slightly arrogant in nature. A friendly modest young man anxious to be able to acquiit himself well was the view I gained last season when he first emerged at Stoke. I think we all suffer with disillusion in sport from time to time and speedway is no different. That is not an excuse to so dissmisively abuse a young man who was flexible enough to re-think a decision and brave enough to change his mind. What were you like at 17 Adonis? You thought you knew it all I expect in fact not much different the way you seem see things at the present time. Malcolm Vasey

Heaven help them if that's the case. Malcolm Vasey

We wanted Emmerson Jones becuase he has great potential and he is a very well respected young man with an outstanding approach to his sports activities. I know for certain that he was hounded by other teams to sign for them but I wont say which ones that would not be appropriate. We are delighted he has re-thought his plans and welcome him back. Good God when I was his age I nearly joined the French Foreign Legion. Some would say pity I didnt. Malcolm Vasey

Absolutely correct gentlemen those who say there are very few are not on this planet. There are enough in the borders and Scotland to form a useful NL side for a start. Look at last season's MDL results theres another group and they are far from wobblers good all round riders in need of the development opportunities of team racing on a regular basis. But running a team is not cheap even though it brings benefits for the Clubs who run two teams. There is also a problem for thrid tier standard riders in the far south west although I am not sure how many potential riders are there. I am not sure how these problems can be resolved perhaps two or three teams banding together like say Berwick, Workington and Newcastle. Also Glasgow, Berwick and Edinburgh. Three matches at each would just about cover the requirement and an intensive cam[paign to win public support. But such activity has to be in conjunction with the guaranteed availabllity of places on a quota basis for Brits in the higher Leagues. Public sympathy is with that at present and such guarantees might persuade folk to attend third tier speedway. After all it is so exciting in its own right and any real su[pporter will have seen that. Malcolm Vasey

The meeting that was held was restricted to one person oer club and i didnt attend so I cannot say other than by hearsay what the thinking is although I suspect you were right. I'm afraid I am unable to comment about the specific riders mentioned above except that they are all great lads and I regret that there not vacancies for them. I am not sure if 8 man squads are permissable in 2013 and that may afford a limited opportunity. The main problem is the lack of teams and the limited use of British riders throughout the sport. Next season the National League needs a team in the far North of England or in Scotland. It also needs a team based in the far south west of England. It also needs Scunthorpe and the knock on effect of their riders being elsewhere has further limited the opportunities for others at those tracks. We all have to try and achieve our objectives which of course vary from club to club but will include viability/affordability, rider development, competitiveness all to varying degrees with other elements and to achieve such a balance in times of financial difficulties throughout the country is far from simple. Many clubs are also recovering from the effects of the weather of this year which is without precedent and the extra costs and crowd limitation which such consistently bad weather brings. Sadly many riders who deserve team places are without teams. I wish I could improve that perhaps some of the development League teams should take the plunge even perhaps in a track sharing way. Times are extremely hard unless you are in an Olympic Gold medal sport. Malcolm Vasey

I dont think so Martin other teams ahve been built to 40.00 points and it was set for three years. In my opinion changes from last season will hinge around the doubling down eligibility in my opinion neccessary to allow newcomers to get team places. Malcolm Vasey

The rules surrounding this were not finalised at an earlier meeting that was held. Rule 17.9.5 states Where a rider has a previous PL and NL match average the highest will apply. Rule 17.2.2 states Where riders transfer between Leagues when a conversion is necessary the factors shall be From PL to NL = divide by 0.6 If that was the factor used would be 8.17 for 4.9. But if he had a previous NL average that would be used if it was higher. Some aspects of eligibility may be discussed at the full AGM and could be changed but I doubt the 40.00 points limit will be affected. I hope this is helpful Malcolm Vasey

If more people would come and watch the National League matches especially at tracks where they operate two teams there would be much less of a problem as more teams would be able to compete. Riders like James McBain, Tommy Fenwick and Liam Carr would form the basis of a Northern team cutting down on travel costs for them and any club further south who used them. The answer is simple come and watch the most excting and unpredictable speedway available. They certainly enjoy it at Dudley looking at their massive support. There is such a need for a team north of Newcastle and in the far south west (and Scunthorpe). Malcolm Vasey

Im always nicely turned out as it happens Malcolm Vasey

I have two recently published speedway books available of special interest to connoisseurs of the National League and these can be ordered direct from my small Company Gemini Publications. The full titles are: The British Speedway National League (Incorporating all Third Tier Leagues since 1994) The Continuing History Part 8 – 2011. The book continues considerable history of the National League and contains approximately 240 pages with coloured photographs and a mass of statistics reflecting the third tier in its entirety as well as full narrative and results for 2011. This includes my report of "The Greatest Ever Third Tier match Mildenhall v Scunthorpe Play-Off second leg. The full cover price is £14.99 discounted to £12.99 for readers of this forum plus £2,50 towards the cost of postage making £15.49 in all. Also available is an Interim version of my Ultimate Statistical Guide which includes a full A-Z with career details of all riders to have ridden at this level since 1994 year by year and team up to and including 2011 with averages and appearances etc. The book includes a full 2011 team match log and other statistical features offered at £8.00 plus £1.50 If both books are ordered together I will send you them for a total price of £24.00 (including postage) not bad for 400 pages that will provide a good way to shorten these long winter evenings. Times are hard I know and if you would like the A-Z and Team Match log for 2011 I can supply these in an appropriate cover for £5.00 (approx 125 pages) or both items loose unbound with no cover in a punched pocket for £4.00. Please add £1.00 for postage in either case. All of my books have laminated covers and are comb bound and I have many regular subscribers. . All of my earlier books are available except the original A-Z now superseded by the above and the Ultimate Statistical Guide. They are The British Speedway Conference League - A History Part One 1994- 2000 (220 Pages) £12.99 plus £3.00 P&P) The British Speedway Conference League - A History Part Two 2001- 2005 (294 Pages) £14.99 plus £4.00 P&P) The British Speedway Conference League - A History Part Three 2006 (200 Pages) £10.99 plus £3.00 P&P) The British Speedway Conference League - A History Part Four 2007 (220 Pages) £11.99 plus £3.00 P&P) The British Speedway Conference League - A History Part Five 2008 (220 Pages) £12.99 plus £3.00 P&P) The British Speedway Conference League - A History Part Six 2009 (240 Pages) £13.99 plus £3.00 P&P) The British Speedway National League - A History Part Seven 2009 (240 Pages) £14.99 plus £3.00 P&P) The British Speedway National League Ultimate Statistical Guide 1994-2010 (320 pages) Contains complete A-Z, and All Team Official Match log 1994-2010 with every scorer, all League Tables Roll of Honour etc. (£15.99 plus £3 P&P) NB Postage will be combined if more than one book is ordered please phone me for a quote and bulk purchase discount details number below. I'll always try and work out a deal with you. Orders to Gemini Publications, 5 The Cove, Belton, Great Yarmouth NR31 9LA Cheques payable please to Malcolm Vasey. Bulk orders will receive a healthy discount and postal charges will be combined please phone me for a quote. (Telephone 07768 073284) Malcolm Vasey

Disgraceful they have not beenm tapped or spken to by Stoke Lets see who they join Malcolm Vasey

yes thank you perhaps be a good idea to revisit the 2012 squad as well or is it a week or two too late Malcolm Vasey

Stoke have made no definite arrangement with any rider for our 2012 squad. At the moment I think it is important to be aware what revisions come out of the AGM of the sport and then arrange to discuss the National League. Until then the rumour mill will grind away no doubt but I feel the next National League meeting is of extreme urgency once the top clubs have advised us what general changes there will be and how they will affect us. Malcolm Vasey

I have never seen this Emergency List and I think that rule is out of date. Perhaps Jayne has seen it. By definition it could hardly include riders in a Team's Declaration. Malcolm Vasey

I asked the referee on the afternoon of the Stoke v Dudley Play Off match about the use of Fenwick. Craig Ackroyd advised that he checked the matter out with Mr Morrish and that his use was approved. Last year in the KO Cup Final Stoke were forced to use an unattached 3.00 point rider (Oliver Greenwood) to replace the injured Gareth Isherwood. I can find no rule about this. I am making no comment just stating the facts. It was always my belief that unattached riders only could be used. Clearly a rule has to be included for next season. I will do my best to make this issue clear for the future. Malcolm Vasey

Did your team never make an unforced change? Of course you did so leave it out mate. Malcolm Vasey

Why use us as the example your own team are using r/r and I expect you will take a ride. Malcolm Vasey

You really are incredibly short sighted Dean or are you,looking for excuses. or perhaps you are ignorant of the facts so I will explain. The rider we had agreed to sign has been out with an injury for months. It was intended that he would ride his first match for us at Mildenhall replacing the injured Adam Wrathall out for the rest of the season after a short holiday that he had booked long before we spoke to him. He had a second half at Somerset last night but returned to hospital today with continued damage to his right heel possiblymuscular or ligament. He will sit the season out now and is very disappointed not to be joining us. I am sorry our approach doesnt suit you Deam but we have taken one 3 point irder out of the team and re[placed him with another. We will use rider replacemnt for Adam Wrathall and have reached agreement with another rider to take his place from next week at Mildenhall. It might suit you for us to replace our injured riders with 3 pointers and help you personally to more points. But it is not very sensible to leave unused the facilities avaialble to cover for injuries whether you happen to like it or not. As it is 3 of Adam's rides have to be taken by our reserveres. What more do you want? Malcolm Vasey

"I believe this is done in NZ and is successful but not quite sure how it works." Doesnt produce many riders. Seriosuly there was a grading system in the Conference League althoiugh not A B C etc. It was not popular and in my opinion what we have now is better although flawed by lack of fixtures Malcolm vasey

As has been the case for every match this season 7 or less You never did manage to state how you thought we cheated. I suggest having examined what we have done you realised that we have not cheated but are so lacking in any form of quality you wont admit it. I suggest there is little relevance in anything you have to say since you cant justify your own misguided remarks. Malcolm Vasey