Steve Irving

Christ are people actually clamouring for the signing of Campton because he’s rode the track well a few times? Campton is crap. The amount of stick that superior riders get on here from Ipswich fans like Heeps and Covatti who they don’t want back, and then mention Campton as a possible signing? LOL oh boy you’d love Mason Campton. Mark Riss rode Ipswich well before they signed him, do you want him back next year? Thought not. Normally I always say you start with your number 1 and then work down, but when a talent comes around like Kemp, you rip that strategy up and get him signed first. Then move on to your number 1.

I’ve seen reference to these “real supporters/what would you know etc” comments a few times. I’m assuming they were made from someone authoritative at the club to fans on social media? If so who made them?

Said this before. Bob Ellis is bloody useless as a trackman. Just because someone has given many years of service doesn’t automatically make them good at what they do. Could I do better? Well no I couldn’t. That’s why I haven’t offered my services. If you do offer your services and take on the role, then you have to be prepared to accept criticism if it looks like you’re doing a poor job. Again as I’ve said before, there is a reason why Ipswich have never been shortlisted for track of the year, voted for by referees. Its because the trackman is crap and doesn’t consistently produce a good racing surface. Simple as that. Do the people of Ipswich a favour Mr Ellis, and retire from track prep duties. Let someone else have a bash that just MIGHT, produce a decent racing strip. I may just then pop along to watch.

First thing Ipswich need to do is get a new track man. I understand the word loyalty and I know the chap has been around for donkeys years and given terrific service, but there comes a time when you have to move on to improve your product. Chris Louis has spent an awful lot of time and money changing the track shape over the last 6 years. You’ll still hear people saying the track shape doesn’t produce good racing, which is absolute bollox. There’s nothing wrong with the shape whatsoever. The surface on the other hand, leaves a lot to be desired and Chris himself needs to hold his hands up and accept some of the responsibility too as he also gets his hands dirty with the track prep. Every year tracks are short listed for track of the year in all divisions voted for by referees. This is for track preparation. There is a reason why Ipswich haven’t just never won it, but to my knowledge have never been shortlisted to be in contention either. Get someone in who can consistently prepare a surface that consistently produces good racing and you improve your product tenfold.

I assume you weren’t there on Thursday evening then? Pity, you’d have seen a good meeting (for the first time ever)

Couldn’t disagree more. I support neither club but now living in Colchester and recently retired, I visit both quite frequently. Ipswich is a much better race track IMO. Having been to both venues Thursday and last night it was night and day. Respect your own personal opinion of course. We all have an opinion and what we see. I’ve seen Covatti for example pull of moves at Foxhall in recent weeks that he’d never have a chance in hell of pulling off at Lakeside.

Some riders at the same age are more ready than others. I’ve no doubt Drew will take it in his stride, and he’ll score points too. A completely natural motorcyclist who has the potential to go very very far.

Ipswich fan, Ipswich mascot, Ipswich second halfer, big talent. I somehow don’t think Chris Louis will let this particular fish slip the net. Having spoken to the lad at the Sheffield meeting a few weeks back, it would be a major surprise to Drew himself..

So let me get this right. He would have been 51 years old, lured an emotionally fragile 17 year old in to the back of his sleazy van with the promise of free merchandise, whilst also bedding her 23 year old Sister in same said van, all whilst his poor wife was battling Cancer? Absolutely despicable.

Maybe you were right Tsunami? http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/sport/tommy-gunning-for-speedway-bosses-1-134675 http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/ipswich-teenager-tells-of-harassment-1-100203 So which is it, Raymond or Tommy!!? there can’t be two Ipswich based Scott Nicholls speedway riders surely?

Prickly lot you Panthers fans! You really do come across as a horrible bunch of @rseholes on here.

A new assessed German? Struggling to think of a half decent one to be honest..

Incredible bad luck for Witches

If the rumours prove to be true and Lakeside and Ipswich move back to the top flight, Peterborough should look to do likewise. Easier said than done obviously and I understand the current unsettled situation, but it makes much more sense for Peterborough to move back up than remain in the predominantly Northern league.

For what its worth Ive found these smartphone weather apps next to useless. They literally change every 10 minutes depending on what the current weather is outside!!

In the top flight? Very much doubt it.

Good racing. Thought Lambert was excellent. Season is ending at the wrong time for him!

Looking forward to this.

You asked for that Crumpet tbh. Your dig was totally unnecessary.

Congratulations to Sheffield, at the end of the day it’s their name on the trophy. Fair play to the Ipswich supporters for being so gracious too, not sure I would be! Had their work cut out before their season even got started with Newman coming a cropper at Poole. Then as soon as he returned the injuries to Covatti and Hume (who was making a mockery of his average by the way) were catastrophic. Then as the season came to the climax they lost their in form rider (Heeps) and then just as he returned for the final, they lost an in form reserve (Mountain) and replaced him with inferior riders in Bacon and Bowtell! Sheffield on the other hand went in to the play offs at full strength and got a lucky break picking up Gravesen at reserve who has contributed hugely. Not sure I agree that the best team always finishes top or wins the league, in this sport luck plays a massive part too. No doubt in my mind that the 1-7 Chris Louis put together last winter was a title winner. Their chance had gone as soon as they replaced Covatti with Sedgman. 1 point last night from R/R when Covatti is usually good for double figures tells you everything. Sorry Ippo fans can’t help but have a little chuckle at your misfortune. Ever since Ipswich dropped to the PL they’ve put together some corking sides but still the wait goes on. Maybe next year!

From an Ipswich supporters point of view you're right it's probably good to see a change of strategy from your promotion. Nice guys finish last and Ipswich haven't been successful for a while. Didn't Somerset sack Proctor a year or two ago before he'd even turned a wheel in anger because a better option cropped up late on? Now that's ruthless but Somerset have been very successful with that mindset. At least Sedgmen could have few complaints as he's been utter tripe! If he'd been doing the job he was brought in to do then changes wouldn't have been necessary.

Couple of tweets from Hawkins the last few days to questions about the track.. "A lot of work went into the track over the winter to improve racing. Expect big improvment next week." "Chris is working his b0llocks off to get it right. We want to win & entertain " I wouldn't hold your breath, but there is hope!

Maybe Ipswich should get in another trackman? I understand the current chap has been a loyal servant to the club for many years, but if the track is crap he has to accept responsibility surely? I refuse to accept that there is anything wrong with the track shape. It used to be famously very tight but that's no longer the case and there's now plenty of room to race. So if the racing remains poor then I'm sorry but you have to point the finger at those that prepare it.

He may well have a bit more time on his hands though if the mooted Poole changes come to fruition.

Well if it was engine issues that caused Skornicki to perform so crap, I'm sure now those issues have been eradicated he will be inundated with offers!