g13webb

No, we weren't given the race nights, but we were offered the preference of using them. They were two days the other countries didn't use or want. To change them once they were agreed was a massive backward step..... Probably my wording wasn't right, but the meaning was the same.....

Cant help thinking this is another botched up rule that wasn't thought through. In the wonderful world of ideal scenarios , when every body is fit it should world ok. if a lesser rider or reserve requires covering there are possibilities, but when a team loses their top man, there will be no cover, as all the other teams will be riding They are then, in deep trouble, resulting in a severely weakened team . Also, I can understand Ipswich and Redcar wanting to retain their Thursdays race nights , but surely they cant over rule the FIM and dictate what leagues runs on what nights. Having been given the preference of Monday and Thursdays by the FIM, I cant believe the BSPA would allow personal preferences to ride roughshod over the whole sport. Surely the decision here should have been : The Premiership WILL run on Mons and Thurs, the Championship WILL run on the other days, then ask the teams which league they wanted to ride in . Looking at the quality there don't seem to be much difference between the two leagues.....

I was at both of them matches, and yes there were good turnouts, But they didn't come close to them derby matches when John Berry came to town. You struggled to find standing room in those days. home or away.....

I think it's too late for that now. No doubt it was a consideration, one that had to have serious thought. Probably at the fans forum, Buster will enlighten the fan, all the reasons why we stayed in the top division, probably it was became a condition of having Brundle on board, probably he had this assurance that Niels will be back, who knows. When looking back over the years, the majority of matches that are remembered are always those with close neighbours. Local derbies were the highlights of the year and created so much passion and excitement. Most of these derbies were packed out with many fans travelling away to the nearby venues.... When we done home and away on the same day, the roads resembled a massive convoy. Horns blowing, flag waving, banner in the back windows, sure was wonderful times and great memories. I've got nothing against teams like Poole, Swindon, Somerset, Wolves, or BelleVue, I've visited them all many times, but these distances represent a step too far to travel for the working man, for those midweek fixtures. so any thoughts of getting many away visitors is mostly pie in the sky . It wont happen. In these troubles times, we need to run a viable structure that could work in making the club more appealing. I am in no doubt, Stars matches against the Panthers or the Witches , would draw a bigger crowd then ones against say Poole or Wolves, Likewise , I cannot see the Stars being much of a draw down South. So had the ideal of local rivalry been uppermost when thinking of the season ahead, probably, everybody could have more of them local derbies....

Thanks for your information David, I don't doubt your honesty one bit. This more than anything illustrates just how much the sport has become too expensive and unsustainable. A sport where attendances struggle to reach 1500 it is ridiculous economics for a new rider to contemplate in participating. Top riders are expected to earn decent money which would more then cover those costs, but the majority of riders are less prominent and would struggle to make them ends meet. It is little wonder the riders need that amount to compete and also see why the promoters are flogging a dead horse. Many years ago, in conversation with Terry Betts when riding a 2 value Jawa, he said he purchased a new bike every year, keeping last years as a spare. After each meeting it was hosed down and the chain oiled. Additionally, after each month, the chain and tyres were replaced. He commented this would guarantee competitive equipment for the whole season. How things have changed!!! No the races weren't as fast but the enjoyment was just as good... We need new ideas to control those costs. David has just illustrated the outlay is way out of line....

Them good ole days. Like you say Mr Kings Lynn, Terry Betts was the ultimate professional. Mr Reliable would never say a word out of place, and yes he would use any which way to squeeze a few more quid in contract talks. But Bettsy realised it was 'Bums on Seats' that made the sport work and would never say anything detrimental which could be deemed as negative....

I cant help thinking Lambert has this attitude problem, that's not conducive with communicating with people. Always keen to confront contentious comments from the crowd , a behaviour more suited to lesser lights. He has to realise, most place him on a pedestal and expect a bit of servility. He is good enough to walk around with an air of confidence, a presence you only get when you reach that quality level. I haven't seen this in Lambert yet, mostly its a solemn face showing worry and concern. I appreciate not everybody is built the same way, but being a professional in any sport you have to appear aloft and confident, telling your opponents you are more than ready. I was disappointed at the article in the Speedway Star. I wanted to read that Lambert had again signed for the Stars and was looking forward to the coming season. I wanted read how happy he was, how confident he was of doing well, and his positive views on the assembled team. But all I read was how negativity his views were of the sport, and putting excuses in place for when they were needed.. Sure, the asset system is wrong and dated, but this was not the place or time to put emphasis on it . His sponsorship is also a private matter , I am at a lost why he decided to opinionate that. He has never openly declared his previous deals with the public, so why include it in this article unless he was putting excuses in place... I've got no problems with Lambert earning big money, but he needs to start scoring big every time.

No one can doubt his obvious ability on a bike. Probably it would be best if he let his riding do his talking, and forego airing his views in the national magazine...

There seems mixed feelings from a majority of fans for the coming year. We, more than any other club, have a massive mountain to climb to get back to the exciting existence we once were. The sport is not exactly brimming with confidence that guarantees success, and drastic measures are in place just to maintain any interest still abode. With Television contracts up for renewal, and top riders thinking twice about coming here, it can only mean we have hard times ahead of us.. I feel this year is of doubled importance for this club, a make or break period for the Kings Lynn Stars. The fans made no secret of their feelings last year at the way the club was run. The promotions have been given another opportunity to change things round and I really hope this new brush will be allowed to work. From a professional aspect, Robin Brundle could be a breath of fresh air that blows positivity right through the club, From the riders, through to the fans, to the sponsors and the management. He has to be given this chance to work his magic... If he can make this work Lynn can become immense and spectators will again come back . My one fear though, is that Buster won't take that back seat.......

As expected, the two latest additions to the Stars line-up are Robert Lambert and Lewis Kerr. Both having taking it upon themselves to release this information prior to the official announcement. Two riders who know the Lynn set up well and have ridden here for many years. Strange point of interest with these two, is that Kerr is probably the most consistent 'Gater' in the team, whereas Lambert would love to add that pedigree to his armoury. Probably with Kerr and Lambert as team mates, Lewis could learn Robert some inner beliefs needed at the starts, that would not only benefit Robert, but also the Stars team as well. We can but hope.....

Forgive me for my feelings towards Lambert, but to harp on about sponsors and equipment shows a lack of professionalism . When the season ends all top riders make the sponsorship business their first concern. They all want to be assured the deals are in place to cover most of the expected expenses. If someone like Lambert, who is regarded as the best English hope, is struggling for support, something is drastically amiss. However, probably it was my up-bringing , but airing ones washing in public is not the behaviour, you expect from a member of the exclusive top earners in the sport, and I feel this information should be kept private. Pleading poverty doesn't do the sport or anybody any good..

The Lambert article in this weeks Speedway Star indicates he has agreed to ride for the Stars this year only, but it also says he didn't want to , He wanted to go elsewhere but his hands were tied... It also said he would be riding old equipment because he needed additional sponsors to finance new machinery. As a Stars supporter, it wasn't good reading at all, he appears to be moaning about all and sundry, instead of being happy and looking forward to the new season. I read it as though he cant wait to leave..........

There are some strong looking teams being assembled, Leicester, Swindon, Wolves, Lakeside have all been very positive in the team building, but to me it is Poole who have the team the rest have to beat. However did they manage to acquire such class riders like Woryna & Sch-paniak on out dated averages is beyond me..... It makes the team building so unfair..... Every year, there must be more deceptions occur over averages than any other part of this sport......

Riders like Kerr, Rose , Jorgensen, Lambert have all got something to give but when it comes to class, they don't come close to the standard THJ has achieved. If he wants to ride, and can acquire decent machinery, I think it would be a no-brainer to turn your back on him. Looking down into the pits from our high vantage point THJ helps more riders with his knowledge and enthusiasm then anyone else. If Brundle and Allitt can squeeze him in it would be an astute signing...

Its so much easier being a big fish in a smaller pond....

Of course there are many fans who want to see the top guys, me included, but we don't provide the support needed to finance their inclusions. Your example suggesting 5 clubs, yet only 3 teams managed to run a viable existence last year and I have heard 2 of those were in the 2nd division. I have read all your posts, and understand your idea, but to me we are 10yrs too late. Something like this could have worked when the top guy rode here and a good TV advertising and promoting all that is good in the sport, but as with everything else we missed the boat. We have very little left to offer these top riders, We cannot afford them . so we need to build a new product, staring from the bottom, and hope in years to come we will have that support to welcome back them top riders...... ....... .. But on our terms....

Your vision of 2 -3 top liners in teams competing in the SC would push expenses through the ceiling. Lets imagine, each of these T L's wanting £3k a meeting, That's £3K x 6 = £18,000.00, plus 8 other riders earning lets say £12,000.00 totalling £30k just to cover the riders wages... Add to that all the other expenses needed to put on a meeting and the figures become very unrealistic. Working on the bear essentials you would need attendances of 3000 just to cover the costings, Probably on a one of meeting it might be possible but not on a regular basis. I cant see that happening. Lets imagine SC goes ahead, the attraction of the normal league would diminish and crowds would suffer. Probably to you that wouldn't matter because you would have your wish watching those TL at a few tracks, but the damage to the rest of the clubs would be immense. You seem to have great difficultly understanding our sport cannot compete with the foreign pricing structure employed by other countries...

Welcome to the Forum 'TOOMUCHGRIP', new members are always welcome, especially those who supports East Anglian Teams. A sensible posting which most supporters would have to agree with. The team, although has yet to be confirmed, but it appears a lot of expected names are already known. Must say, from the comments from the club that we are doing it different this year, I haven't notice much change as of yet.. Looking at other team announcements I admit, most are stronger than I first imagined they would be , and can foresee some good exciting meetings ahead. As for the Stars team, Niels is a massive plus for any team, I just hope the rest can back him up in what looks like a close contest for Play off considerations... Cant wait for it to start........

Having just seen the Lions final rider announcement , really put paid to my thoughts that Andersen was destined to Lynn as a 3rd heatleader. Them lions have sure assembled a strong team and have to be the bench mark of others, who have any hopes of being competitive

I agree, this is a strong looking side. Just goes to show what can be achieved when the effort is put in. This has to be to benchmark of all teams in the premiership, A big well done to the Lions..... Last year they were favourites for the Wooden Spoon, this year , I wonder what odds would be on them getting to the play-off.

There is no place in our sport for one or two strong teams, they would do more damage than anything else and remove those fans who have little of chance of success . The only way to induce enthusiasm is to have competitive teams all with a chance of winning. Your idea of a small super league (Super Cup) when benefit only a few supporter, but would do immense collateral damage to our struggling existence . If a team in the SC used same squad in both leagues they would be deemed way too strong for the remaining teams in the single league. If they used a separate team then the lesser one would be of little interest in comparison. therefore punters would forego the lesser option and support the top team only, making the remaining teams question their ideal of involvement. I support all forms of motor sports and would love the opportunity to see Rossi and Hamilton race every week in some form of a Super Cup. But life isn't that straight forward. These top riders wants rewards suiting of their expertise, so we are left with no other option then to go to see them once a year when this country have their yearly GP's. Probably we should look at speedway in the same light..... I actually credited you with deep feelings for the sport, but in truth, all you are thinking of, is your personal enjoyment.

It has been disclosed in the SS and on this forum that there were only 3 clubs who didn't run at a lost last year. You don't have to be Einstein to appreciate the dire situation our sport is in. When I posted my original comment , I would've put you in the first grouping, but following the above comment, probably you come in the second grouping...

But surely , this idea is directed to only a few clubs. That is the reasons why our sport is in the troubles it is, too many promoters thinking about number one.. Any ideas has to be aimed at the sport as a whole, one that can be sustainable and be beneficial to all parties. Most supporters are sensible people and can see the numbers don't add up, they know the days of top riders has gone. others, just bury their heads, thinking that don't mean us, we're alright Jack !! but I would rather we restructure now and continue to watch some speedway in the future, than see more clubs fall by the wayside...... If that means only a single league then so be it.......

The amount of times I needed them extra 2" has been the story of my life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . In more ways then you might think

What a pathetic little person you really are. You make these insane judgements and statements without knowing anything about me. Your assumption of me is so off the mark ' its laughable... In my long years of supporting the Stars, I have attended more fixtures than I care to count, but have programmes dating back to 65 when the club first started. In your senseless thought patterns why would I want a club to close after following the Stars for over 50 years ... It was ridiculous comment from a senseless self opinionated person. As for the failed footballer, brings yet another laugh. Speaking with an Senior FA coach, he once said for every 5000 people wanting to be a professional player only one makes the grade. Of those who do, only 5% will make it to the top. When considering those odds, playing 12 years part-time and drawing payments, I never considered that as a failure. But then again my feet were always firmly on the ground. Reply if you wish, but this will be my last response to anything you may think or write. I've been insulted enough already and believe my integrity is far superior than stoop to your petty levels.....