The Voice Of Reason

Agree that getting into the meeting, a free programme and seeing the racing from the centre green was good enough for me when I started out as a red- flagger/raker. Lakeside has possibly more trick staff than many, given that the entire track has to be put out and taken down weekly. And yep, it is all done gratis. The only thing that gave me the hump Steve was your attitude that people getting paid were doing it for the wrong reason. Maybe they are but if it's offered, then some people will take it. However, to have a pop at people doing a job, that you admittedly can't do, was out of order in my opinion. No offence meant mate - I just say it as I see it at times.

As someone who worked on Lakeside's track-staff VOLUNTARILY putting the track together, then away again until midnight (often in the peeing rain), there's only one thing that actually annoys me more than track staff who want paying. And that is self-righteous individuals such as yourself Mr Park, that have, in all probability, NEVER lifted a finger to contribute towards any hard graft at a Speedway Track in their lives. Shame really - you look as if the exercise would do you good.

I have ultimate respect for PK and truly hope that he goes out in a blaze of glory - hopefully for Wolves, Suffice to say, that Kim Nilsson has strength in depth - particularly at away tracks - where our form has been mediocre to say the least. There is absolutely no way that our management would have released PK without mutual consent. However, PK has been an absolute shadow of his former self for many, many months. Realistically, as a promotion, how long can you kid yourself that your legend (for whatever reason) just simply cannot deliver? I welcome Kim back with open arms. And, at the same time, salute one of the most genuine, nicest guys to have EVER graced our sport,

https://www.google.co.uk/compare/currentaccount/as?gclid=CPuB9PCOvb8CFQ2WtAodszAA2Q#!accountType=&typicalMonthlyDeposit=&overdraftLevel= And this may come in useful for you too: http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/shelves/Ice_Cream_in_Tesco.html?_fty=Ice_Cream_Bars_Bites_And_Cones There you go - wasn't that difficult. Enjoy!

0.5%? I suggest that you change banks, and ice-cream shops.

El Addio is correct with the explanation of the outcome. I personally find it somewhat strange that the SCB did not see fit to issue a statement of their findings. Maybe, they were simply embarrassed - as their conclusion took nearly twice as long as their own regulations stipulate? We only found out because it was hidden away in Jon Cook's programme notes - with the incident not being deemed worthy to have it's own place on our club's website. Their argument was that there was no evidence to prove they Ellis would have gained a point in the re-run. Well, as there were only 3 riders, it is somewhat difficult to see how he wouldn't. Moreover, based upon that assumption, where is the evidence to suggest that either of the two opposing Leicester riders would not have similarly failed to finish; either through a fall or bike failure? It's a completely illogical, flawed counter-argument. There was no mention, so a I am led to believe, of the failure of the Chief Medical Officer in attendance that night; nor of Leicester's Clerk of the Course - who was clearly clueless of the correct procedure. However, the main culprit was the Referee himself, Mr Peter Clarke. He excluded the wrong guy from the initial running of the heat - Ben Morley. Ben had clearly laid his bike down to avoid Adam after he fell, and was excluded. Had this not happened, then Ben Morley would (and should) have been in the re-run; and therefore have been in a point scoring position - remember, we only needed a third place from that heat to have taken an away point. Mr. Clarke also clearly failed to perform his duty correctly, as per Speedway Regulations, when the protest was put forward by Adam Ellis and The Lakeside Management on the night. The SCB's final positioning is actually an utter farce. The decision that they reached clearly demonstrates a scant disregard for their own Regulations. Processes and procedures were clearly not followed as outlined; a fact I assume that they actually accepted as during the time when the official complaint was being heard, they decided to email out (as a reminder) the aide-memoirs for CoC's and Medical Officers. A mere coincidence? I would suggest not. Quite why our management did not pursue this matter via the ACU, given the SCB's dire decision, is beyond me if I'm honest. It's not just the case of it simply being an away point lost, it's also a matter of principle. And that odd league point may not have sounded a great deal a few weeks back, but with the sad, potential demise of Birmingham, that solitary point may very well affect our play-off position once our 7 points are deducted; albeit by either our top 4 qualification, or indeed our pecking order within it. It's yet another example of why I consider the SCB to be an utter joke. Here we have a body that looks at a key incident, and despite it's very own set of regulations not being followed correctly, concludes that there was no reason to allocate Lakeside a point it deserved. Utterly incredulous. And I say this as a past SCB Licence holder as a Machine Examiner and a Clerk of the Course. And don't even get me started on the three-yearly exam process at SCB HQ inRugby guys. You truly wouldn't believe what goes on for accreditation to be given; suffice to say that for some, it's possibly not the hardest examination they've ever had to sit. I had more controlled spelling tests in primary school.

Interesting article - particularly concerning the divvi-up of Sky money

I have little doubt that Mr. Sandhu's time is being taken up at the moment working out how many flats and houses he can squeeze into the available land at Brandon.

It's a totally alien concept for them.

Just thank The Lord that the track staff managed to hide all the rakes and shovels; or with Tai in town, you'd have still been there at Midnight!

So pleased that I'm not the only one to see through Mr. Mole's rhetoric. When put on the spot, his responses appeared shady, unconvincing and somewhat contradictory. Despite his previous commitment to British Speedway, and Birmingham in particular, some misguided folk on here perceive him to be The Messiah. This is 2014. The goalposts have moved. How misguided. How very, very misguided.

Two replies, no 'facts' forthcoming. What a surprise.

So as a self-proclaimed 'racer and royal', please firstly wind your neck in, and then enlighten us with some 'facts'. What are Tony Mole's actual responsibilities as President of the BSPA? Does he receive a wage from them for his services? If so, how much? If he is indeed 'trying to keep them alive' then what has he, or his(?) association actually done (to date) in order to collate unpaid monies? He did not deny this during the interview so one could assume that this statement by Mr. Phillips actually had some degree of credibility. The only evidence we heard from Mr. Mole regarding his efforts to 'keep them alive' (as you suggest) was his admission that he had offered a sum of money, albeit a derisory amount, for some of it's assets. The term vulture sprang instantly to mind. I'm sure that many of us await your measured response with baited breath. Have a pleasant evening. x

Whilst I do not blame the BSPA for Mr. Phillips predicament, nor expect them to bail the club out, I have to say a few things having listened to the programme. First and foremost, for the BSPA to not attend is exceptionally poor positioning. Their reasoning for not attending is, to be honest, totally incredulous. Secondly, Tony Mole, as a person allied to the association, appeared a very confused individual. To be perfectly honest, his performance was quite embarrassing to listen to. He added very little value with his input; contradicted himself regularly; and appeared somewhat vague to some of the questions directed towards him. Not being present at the meeting with Alan Phillips makes one question what his actual responsibilities as Chairman consist of? Is this guy actually getting a wage from the BSPA? I seriously hope not. Moreover, surely even if he was unable to attend such an important meeting, are we to believe that it's content was not minuted? "I was told......." Carried the depth of a grain of sand. Moreover, that good old cliche "we've been working very hard......." just had to also creep in, didn't it. Forget about 'working very hard' Mr Mole (by the way, turning up for important meetings would be a start) - what are you, or your association, doing in order to expedite the apparent non-payment of riders by, I now believe, FOUR other clubs? Mr Phillips meanwhile was similarly unconvincing. Again, a fair few contradictions; albeit he has brought about a new excuse - no longer "the cheque's in the post" but nowadays it's a case of "our Internet banking went down". And yes Mr Phillips, this excuse did indeed sound somewhat unbelievable. Then finally, along comes a breath of fresh air in the form of Tiff(?). Someone that could actually converse well, answer all questions posed fluently and genuinely sounded concerned about the future of her club without apportioning blame. But then, Tiff is a Speedway Supporter, so should we really be surprised. Finally, fair play to the commentator who at least tried to get a resolution to the current problem; something which I now have to question is the genuine goal of either the BSPA, or the current Birmingham Promotion. Good Lord, no wonder this sport is in such a complete and utter mess.

So you are basing your statement upon a few random pictures; and nothing else whatsoever. Who is to say that those pictures represent EVERY Brummies supporter that was in attendance at Belle Vue last Monday? Were YOU there? You'd make a great Prosecution Solicitor.......not! And please enlighten us precisely WHAT the BSPA are supposed to do in order to remedy the mismanagement of a Speedway Club. The last time I looked, they weren't a Registered Charity. Suffice to say if Mr. Phillips had sought assistance sooner, instead of lying through his teeth and stating that there were no debts, etc. then there is a chance that more meaningful action could have been taken before it was clearly too late. Mr. Phillips blames lack of support, the BSPA and possibly others for the sad demise of the club. Quite possibly, one of those individuals that has the temerity to apportion blame on others, instead of looking much closer to home. Just to add your irresponsible rhetoric is, to quote your own word - 'pathetic'.

You can mate to be honest. It costs a few quid weekly to subscribe but Gerald Richter (Lakeside's track curator) has it. It literally shows high res. satellite images in 15 minute intervals; outlining not only predicted rain, but how wind velocity and direction is going to affect rain clouds throughout the day, and at specific times. Undoubtedly, the most accurate, real-time updates/forecasting tool I've ever seen - you can literally zoom in to a precise location; not just a locality. As for the Bees rain off - blimey, that was a late web update wasn't it? I checked before leaving work (in Canley) at 7.15'ish having checked the website - and the skies over Brandon looked pretty clear. That said, not sure what damage the earlier deluge had afforded the track. All I do know is that the late cancellation has undoubtedly cost the Cov Promotion a lot of dollar tonight; and if they could have run the meeting, then I've no doubt that they would have. Oh well, glad-rags on and off to the boozer earlier than anticipated. Enjoy your weekend folks.

Was looking forward to this one too. Until I just checked the BBC Weather Forecast (generally pretty accurate). Rain tomorrow from 5pm, turning heavy at 6pm right through to Midnight. Think it's another Friday night down the boozer by the look of things.

I can't understand why the Coventry Promotion even agreed for their team to turn up with such a weakened side if I'm honest; particularly given that League Points are more important to The Bees than Kings Lynn at this moment in time. As we all know, the spineless numpties at the SCB would not have been able to take any action whatsoever. The precedent was set on 22nd May 2013. I'm sure that we all remember who by.........and what it enabled them to subsequently do.

An inconsistent fixture list, R/R's, Guest Riders..........to name just three things that contribute absolutely zilch towards the engagement of a loyal fan base of new supporters. Add into the mix the foreign mercenaries, and top riders turning their back on British Speedway. And don't even get me started on the bloody GP Series. In my honest opinion, this charade has been the single, most poignant factor that has caused the demise of top-level Speedway in this Country. I absolutely despite it and everything that it stands for within this once great sport. SteveC - gutted for you mate, and know exactly how you feel at this moment. The closure of Hackney Speedway left a void in my life that's still present to this day.

Not the track that Doctor Bob should have prescribed for his team. Thought Holt was spot on barring Heat 10. Should never have been pulled back - it was simply riders riding hard for position. Somewhat ironic that the re-run gifted Pedersen his only decent ride of the night. What is it with Pedersen against Poole? Many of us Lakeside fans ask similar questions of Davey Watt. Pure coincidence I assume. First time I've seen Michelsen ride. If I was Trevor Geer, I think I'd be on the phone to Kim Nilsson tonight asking him if he's fit yet. Dire from the gate and appeared to be going backwards 4 laps thereafter. I can understand Poole's frustration tonight if I'm honest; albeit they are probably happy with 2 points. Had to chuckle at Middlo's run to the ref's phone - the only other bloke I've ever seen run with his hands down by his sides is Mr. Bean. It was as if he was trying to hold a Rizla paper between the cheeks of his arse. And just to add, NIL POINT for Eastbourne's Clerk of the Course, who clearly doesn't know his responsibility for allowing a Team manager to jump on the pit phone. Maybe he had to be back in his sheltered accommodation by 8pm - and it's rice pudding for tea tonight. All in all, not a bad meeting to be honest. Some may say I'm easily pleased - or maybe I've just never been to Edinburgh. Roll on next season when they've got their independence; Edinburgh & Glasgow ever week. Enjoy. x

Any updates on this particular news story - which appears just a tad more promising: http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/other-sport/tony-mole-id-hate-see-7335888 And any progress on the bail out front - I'd willingly donate a tenner and get to as many meetings at PB for the remainder of this season as possible (albeit I think Wednesday is a stupid bleeding night)! I lost my team mid-season. It isn't nice. I may now support Lakeside, but the void left from my beloved Waterden Road closing still hurts 24 years down the line. Hackney till I die........and all that.

The weather is significant for ANY meeting - we can't control it, so we have to stop whinging and just deal with it. But that's another issue entirely. Yes, of course we all want to see our regular 1-7 line-ups but given the way speedway is structured (coupled with injuries), this doesn't happen - across all 3 leagues. And unless the sport is supported at ALL levels by people coming through the turnstiles, then it simply won't have any future in the UK - FACT. We need look no further than Birmingham.

I'm a neutral but I'm going (if the rain stops). By the very nature of NL riders and their double-ups, not having a full team doesn't help. However, it's still your team, and NL Speedway that ultimately needs support. Jeeeeezus - if every fan took the stance that unless their full team was riding that they wouldn't attend, then the terraces would be even more sparse than they are now!

Keep him fresh? What a load of utter cods wallop. Even Shovlar would be proud of that one. Newman may have scored his points against reserves, but Hopwood couldn't even achieve that accolade. By the end of his races, he was a good 80-100 yards adrift.

Hopwood had two ducks to his name before he came in for a reserve ride for the injured Nermark; and his 3rd ride would have been utilised in Heat 9. Newman was on 4 (+1) from his first two rides at that stage. From my point of view, it was a no-brainer who to replace Nermark with. Added to which if you'd have seen Hopwood ride last night, it's clearly evident that the poor sod was totally out of his depth at this level. Your beloved Middleditch cocked it up - get over it.