The Voice Of Reason

I'd call it someone who clearly can't count.

This is the same Jon Cook then that gave Bjarne Pedersen a contract to ride for us in 2016; and said (just a few weeks ago) we'd have a squad system is it? Personally, I wouldn't trust the bloke with 50 Bob to go down the chip shop for me. But there you go......people these days are dense enough to suck up to any old BS; particularly if it's what they want to hear.

Stop panicking guys and please stop asking such stupid questions! Take E I Addio's advice and simply look on the Lakeside website. Everything that you are asking, particularly following last night's 'Cook-In', is just oh so crystal clear.

Poor stadiums,that should be condemned, don't stop thousands turning up at Kenilworth Road (Luton Town FC) and Roots Hall (Southend United FC) every other Saturday though. In the case of Luton, the away supporters bogs actually have green slime running down the walls at the urinals. It's the only time I've ever been for a p!!s and wanted a tetanus jab afterwards. Whilst I don't disagree that many speedway stadium facilities need improving, it isn't going to happen. Take Lakeside - we haven't even got any seating; yet attendances are relatively healthy compared to some others in the league. I truly believe that cost of admission is still the major factor that turns newcomers off - at all levels of our sport.

Are you two a double act? Let's clarify one thing. I'll reply to whom I want to reply to. You aren't on that particular list. As for the 'idiot' comment. Childish and quite pathetic.

Getting through to you isn't the easiest, is it. It shows 9 riders. A team normally has 7 (or 8 max). That's before we include Mr Bridger into the equation - who has also been mentioned by Cook in dispatches. So are we using a squad system or not? If so, whom? And when was it sanctioned by the BSPA? Show me that upon our wonderful website. Tell you what, don't bother. Let's just ignore each other............we clearly have a mutual dislike for one another. Adios E I Addio.

I don't know what you are alluding to; suffice to say that I went on to our website this morning to see if there was any background information about what was going to be debated at tonight's meeting; particularly around the squad system. And as our website is apparently such 'an all-embracing platform for communication' maybe you'd like to refer back to it and outline, HERE AND NOW, what our actual squad is; together with their respective riding numbers? Because I'm quite certain that I'm not the only person who hasn't got a bloody clue!

I haven't been to the track for ages simply because, as you are probably aware, it's just a tad difficult finishing work in Coventry at 6pm (earliest) on a Friday night and getting down to Lakeside. It would take around 1 hour alone getting onto the A14 near Rugby from where I work on the A45. Then, last August when I managed to get some summer leave, we had no meetings. Yet again. Notwithstanding this, over the past four years, I have been to most away meetings in the Midlands; and also to Belle Vue on three occasions. How many times during those four years have you honestly ventured outside of Essex to support the team? I don't read the website.......really? Check our forum and see who posted the link this morning (around 8.30am) about Dennis Jonsson joining us. Where did I get that information from - in a dream? And you accuse me of being naive? Pot bleedin kettle fella!

If you used the new (or the old) forum, you'd see that my comments are rarely in a minority of one. And just for the record, I've honestly often perceived that YOUR comments are presented upon this forum as if you are the 'official Lakeside mouthpiece'. If you never want to question the antics of Mr Cook, or the BSPA, then so be it. Your choice. Meanwhile, its up to others, including me, to occasionally have a different point of view. Our choice. If you don't like it then tough. Grow a pair and deal with it.

I honestly do not know - particularly when it was suggested that if Lewis Bridger rides in our opening meeting, we might re-sign him as well. How that's going to work - your guess is as good as mine. I've raised the question over on the Lakeside Forum - the new one that Kommandant Cook can't close down; because, as of earlier this week, none of us on there appeared to know who was riding and/or at what number. What really amazes me more than anything is why Lakeside is suddenly the club that all riders wish to join? Previously, we have not been one of the more attractive units - in fact, we've generally been lumbered with riders that don't really want to even be there (Davey Watt springs instantly to mind). Now it seems we are getting more people into work than ATOS!

Fair enough. Let's all ponder a myriad of reasons why something can't be done; rather than looking at how it can. Meanwhile, we can all drudge wearily along, shoulder to shoulder, into the abyss.

Apparently, we are going to have a bingo machine on the centre green. The programme is going to have a bingo ticket in the middle pages, instead of a line-up. At 7:45 The first winning line of seven numbers shouting 'House' will mean those riders getting changed, and being ready to race at 8pm. The winner of the bingo will then be 'guest team manager' for the evening. It is anticipated that they'll do a better job than Neil Vatcher.

As a Leyton Orient Supporter of some 45 years, I know a little of how Barry Hearn operates. He transformed the way that our club operated; and dragged it screaming into the 21st Century. He would not pay ridiculous wages - based upon the fact that he knew full well that we had a limited supporter base. Talking of which, if you think Speedway teams find it difficult to survive, try taking over a 4th Division Team in London; with the likes of West Ham, Tottenham and Arsenal literally on your doorstep. But he managed the books. He controlled costs. He would not be dictated to by players; nor by their blood-sucking, parasite 'agents'. He improved (actually re-built from scratch) three sides of our ground by thinking creatively; or outside the box - selling the four corners of the ground for the development of flats. That wasn't too popular as it does still appear that we are playing in the middle of a council estate; but needs must. He was not prepared, like so many other Chairmen who have learnt to their despair, to throw bucket loads of cash at improving facilities that were going to potentially bankrupt the club. Meanwhile, to bring in rent throughout the year (not just during the season) he built our West Stand to incorporate all Doctors Surgeries within the London Borough of Waltham Forest. We've even got a chemist shop next to the Supporters Club! It's fair to say that the facilities of our stadium could have only been dreamt about 15-20 years ago. Despite the ridicule that he has received from some elements of our supporter base (and they are more than entitled to their opinions) he basically steadied the ship; and whilst we didn't tear up any trees, we enjoyed some really exciting play-offs; a couple of brilliant F.A. Cup runs; and finally a promotion during his tenure. Compared to the 'eccentric' (and maybe that's being overly polite!) Italian Chairman we now have in charge, he was a breath of fresh air that basically saved us from oblivion. Of course he's also transformed darts; and many don't know he actually brought fishing to Sky TV. Not knowing anything about fishing, he read that there were literally several thousand 'fishermen hobbyists' within the UK - so basically said that he knew there was a market for televising it. He took the risk (something he's generally willing to do) and the rest is history. His tenure as a boxing promoter was of course extremely successful - particularly when Chris Eubank was under his wing. Getting back to darts, ask Phil Taylor (another from the 'Hearn stable') what he thinks of Barry - he truly adores him. I once read an article whereby he related that his son, who had just achieved a marketing degree, told him (words to the effect of) 'Dad you break every rule within the marketing/promotion book". To which he replied, "yes son, and that's why I've become a multi-millionaire in the Real World". I am absolutely convinced that Barry Hearn would improve Speedway within the UK. He has the ability, and possibly more importantly the contacts within media circles, to raise the sports' level of awareness. And whilst I admire ALL Speedway Promoters for their financial support and ongoing efforts, if truth be known, they aren't even in the same league as Barry Hearn. The sad thing is that it's possibly now too late. Barry certainly doesn't need the money; and isn't getting any younger. Such a shame as I truly believe without someone of Hearn's capability, the sport that we love will, in a few years time, probably be semi-pro; whilst a number of clubs will have gone to the wall. It's not a scenario that I'd ever want to see come to fruition - but I really don't see any alternatives at this particular time.

Joining now.....well done Kev. Are we getting a Hackney section as well? Let's see Kommandant Cook try and close this one down!

Well best of luck for Saturday Bryn; but I really don't see what your personal health and family wedding have got to do with anything Speedway related in this instance? My post referred to you in dispatches given your closer (than many of our fans on here) relationship with the promotion; coupled with your blasé attitude with the closure of the forum; and it being replaced by Facebook and Twitter. Given Tony's experience, outlined above, it just cements my opinion that such platforms of 'social media' are nothing but a camouflage for meaningful communication. Censorship clearly reigns supreme; and will no doubt continue to do so across both of these biased smoke-screens. And for our promotion to produce such a weak, untruthful reason for our forums closure is basically treating those of us who regularly used it (including your good self) with nothing less than contempt. Sorry to learn that you are so angry over someone simply expressing a point of view; I just perceive such a pile of utter bullsh!t from our promotion to be extremely patronising.

I think that totally proves my point Tony. Clearly, debate via Facebook and Twitter is going to be a complete and utter waste of time if we aren't even allowed to fairly question decisions. Mr. Cook clearly wants everything obliterated that is in contradiction to his own ideas. What a sad individual he has become. Maybe Bryn would like to come back on here and try and justify such censorship - from a promotion that apparently values the views of its supporters?

That's just my point though TNT. From what I understand, people can post comments on both Facebook and Twitter; but they do not enable such open debate as witnessed upon a forum. I believe that both also restrict the amount of words used; and anything deemed even mildly negative can be easily deleted by the respective owner? I don't have either, nor do I want them. However, my concern is that they are primarily used as one-way communication tools; in order to drip-feed a one-sided perspective to placate the 'happy clappies'. Moreover, in the case of the Lakeside forum, I can assure people that the positive discussion far outweighed negativity. Clearly, Mr Cook does not want to provide some of his supporters with a platform upon which to make their preferred method of comment. That's fine; it's his call. However, it just saddens me that our management have not been truthful around the true reason(s) for its sad demise.

Below?

Ahhhhhh, now things are falling into place. What young Matthew wants, Matthew gets. Actually, I can imagine quite of lot of irksome, spoilt children residing down in sunny Dorset. It's that kind of snobby place. And who better than to grasp the nettle and be Poole's very own guinea pig - Essex's very own 'mouth on a stick' - Mr Cook. As for the whereabouts of Mr Chapman........not having been seen since October 2015. Well, you know about that time, the nights were drawing in pretty quickly; and it's a nightmare at Kings Lynn when you have a major power failure due to ermmm, a blown fuse. Let's just hope that he wasn't residing inside the Lakeside Forum when it was obliterated the other night. Did anyone do a roll call to make sure nobody was still inside...........maybe we need to ask that question on Facebook or Twatter!? Meanwhile, the theme tune of the EL BSPA Members plays on to a 'happy-clappy' crowd. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8LQftYK2n8o

With all due respect, I would not have deemed anything said previously on the Lakeside Forum about Neil as 'vitriolic'. E I Adio clearly has his own interpretation of that particular word that I (and maybe others) would certainly not share. Neil did come in for negative comments - most of it justified, for a number of poor decisions. Moreover, during his tenure at Lakeside's Team Manager, it's fair to say that he presided over the worst level of performance from the team than at any time during the Douglas/Cook era. His subsequent 'Sword of Damocles' no doubt being some of his comments via the programme notes. At the end of the day, and having been a manager for the majority of my working life, you are judged upon levels of performance; and what your team deliver upon. And in today's world, like it or lump it, the manager ultimately has to take the final responsibility - particularly during ongoing periods of abject failure.

AND decided to close our forum down with less than 11 hours notification! Apparently, it's due to other 'more popular' forms of social media replacing a forum that didn't attract much interest. Really? - Not being (along with many others on the dearly departed Lakeside forum) a Facebook'ite nor a Twitter user, I wonder how many posts such mediums attract compared to our previous forum? - I wonder whether 'social media' such as FB and Twitter will enable fans to give as much honest, truthful feedback about the club as our (now defunct) forum? Maybe others can advise how they work - and/or how easily commentary of dissent can be 'disposed of'? - The forum apparently didn't attract much interest. Really? Well, it certainly (and with all due respect) generated more posts from Hammers fans than here on the BSF! Any regular user on here will undoubtedly have noticed the lack of posts regarding Lakeside; or from Lakeside supporters, compared to all other EL Clubs. That's partly due to the fact that we contributed more to our own forum. - To the best of my knowledge, at NO TIME WHATSOEVER over the past four years has the Lakeside Fans Forum been promoted; either via the club's website, nor the programme. Yet it is being closed due to an apparent 'lack of interest'. Such hypocrisy is truly staggering (read: utter BS). - Our Club's Promotion have deemed it fit to close down a free communication medium (proboards)......,,,,,despite, more often than not, daily input from forum members. Presumably Mr Cook, in his infinite wisdom, did not want our supporters to have a 'free voice'? However, I assume that he will be only too pleased to drip feed information to Lakeside Supporters whenever a bout of brainwashing is required for the automatons and lemmings. Nice move Mr Cook - many thanks for the (less than) HALF A DAY notification that you provided for us all to wish each other the best of luck, etc. Of course it is the club's decision to close a forum but to shut it down so quickly, with reasons that are complete and utter BS, leave a very bad taste in the mouth. Basically, our promotion can't even be honest with us by telling us the real reasons why. That is truly treating people with utter contempt This is just a further example of crass disregard for supporters. We are engaged within an apparent squad system - yet, along with the BSPA, seem very reluctant to put anything of any weight around how this will work. Despite more positive posts than negative around a host of issues over the years, questions start getting asked how this 'squad system' is going to work on our forum, and it subsequently closes down within hours. Maybe a coincidence? I don't happen to believe in those happening so readily as some people would have us believe. However, I await 'spin doctor Bryn' to arrive on here - advising us all how closing the forum was in the best interests of speedway, etc. However, maybe he'd additionally like to address my questions above? Something really stinks here..........and it isn't roses.

With all due respect, and based upon the raft of riders that have signed (and subsequently left) Leicester Speedway since their appointment to the Elite League, there are clearly some fundamental problems with the promotion/behind the scenes management, of that particular club. Swidders is a really decent bloke that, whilst admittedly past his best, always tries hard. I've chatted to him many, many times when I was a Machine Examiner at Lakeside. He's a quiet, unassuming man devoted to his family BUT also committed to British Speedway. I don't think many Poles over the past few years have demonstrated his reliability or passion to ride here. It will be interesting to see whether he can still deliver for Lakeside - time will tell. But I for one welcome him back with open arms. He's an absolute gentleman.

Lakeside - 1 heat leader who, despite being top of the EL averages, would have (in the old days of British League) been decidedly average - particularly away from home; coupled with a Dane who is basically going to see the season out in order to get his gold watch in retirement. Add to that a bunch of second-strings and double-uppers from a lower league (who have priority), and that more or less sums us up. Oh, I forgot. We still have a space to fill. Has anyone got a spare bike and is free most Friday evenings - apart from during August of course when, despite potentially the best weather and the kids off school, we will have our usual one meeting? 'Elite' League Speedway............my @rse!

Welcome back SCB. We may disagree at times; and you do appear to enjoy the occasional dig at my adopted team (albeit I'll ALWAYS be a Hackney boy in my heart) but you contribute to this forum with a lot of well-thought, useful and meaningful points of view.

Agreed. He must be getting quite bored having around 10 free hours a day on his hands.