luluthetiger

I absolutely disagree. We all know the "Harry Potter" story was picked up by both the Sun and the Mirror, which gave the club, and the meeting they were publicising, broad national publicity. Berwick are often mentioned in the Glasgow papers, despite being over 100 miles away in another country. Editors want unusual stories. It is the dry-as-dust lists of riders and their dates of birth, etc, that get chucked in the bucket. The quirky stories get the printers' ink.

Is it the case that when Alan Biggurt is in town, good things happen. Then he goes back to Denmark and the silly announcements occur? I agree the "ex-GP star" public statement is a foot-shooting exercise of the first water.

Every year, every competition, we have complaints over who's in, who ain't. Re the Fours this year: 1) Berwick would have sailed in, even with Ashworth instead of Kennett. 2) I think it is a time thing, not number of matches, that includes Kennett but excludes Bech. -- Eddie was in Berwick 1-7 in early May, but MBJ didn't arrive at Plymouth until June. Or maybe it is because of assessed averaging. But there has to be a definer someplace, and this year's groups look pretty tasty. 3) Qualifiers: the northern clubs love them, the southern ones won't touch them with a bargepole! Traditionally, the north had huge attendances, but down south -- with some clubs in the same group potentially 200 miles apart -- there was little travelling support and unprofitable attendances, even in the good times. Every attempt by the northern group of clubs to have qualifiers reinstated has for years been voted down by the southern bloc.

Impressive what a weekend in Scotland by Alun Biggart can achieve!

Go back further. Nearly sixty years ago, the top league ran aground, and incorporated the lower division into 'one big league'. It didn't work, and the sport had to be saved by the arrival of a new lower league in 1960. In 1963, the top league was in disarray and tried to 'promote' Wolverhampton against their will -- result was a year of rebellion and total divorce of the two divisions, ending with the virtual capitulation of the top league. In 1990 the top league was in trouble (again) and totally conned the lower division into surrendering five clubs to prop it up. In 1995 the top league was wobbling once more and forced lower-league clubs into that financially-cripping 'one big league". Three years ago the Elite League was in a panic, and bribed Lynn and Birmingham to move out of the PL to prop it up. That's worked, hasn't it? Or maybe not. We must await the next six months with interest.

As detailed in today's Speedway Star, the edict came from SCB (following the lead of the FIM, who have no interest in structure or composition of domestic leagues) so it isn't anything to do with any future BSPA decision to mege leagues. Article also suggests SRBF have for a couple of years been ready to offer low-interest loans to help clubs who were installing soft fences (but seems to indicate there were no takers). There is also a list of six different approved fences.

Have it on good authority that Glasgow cannot under any circumstances install an air-fence at Ashfield, although -- if funding was available -- a foam-fence might be possible.

When a team is misfiring and crowds are on the wane, there is little chance of reconstruction on a grand scale in mid-season. Even less at a Sunday circuit. To revitalise the Tigers, the Red Revolution needs to bring in just one heavy-hitting big name from out of left field, like Plymouth and Berwick did (proving it can be done). Meantime, where are the three-times-a-week newsletters? Where is the "feelgood factor" achieved so marvellously by Alan Biggart at his close-season meetings? Most of all, where is the water on the track, before and during meetings?

To quote Lili von Schtüpp: "It's twoo, it's twoo!"

Berwick win yet another watch by filling a blank Saturday with what will surely be an attractive fixture, hopefully bringing some of what they used to call the "Cabbage Patch Kids" north! Adam Roynan said to be in Heathens' line-up -- which side of the pits will Paul Starke be on?

No, I am an onlooker who can appreciate sound business principles

A positive concept by a well-run club.

Do you want that explanation once, or all three times?

That release from the promotion wasn't just wild, it was suicidal. A stupid, knee-jerk reaction. Who released it, and who authorised it?

Very, very good to see. They really are proving what can be done if people care enough to make an effort

Lindgren's absenteeism and Paul Starke's ungentlemanly conduct have been dealt with. Starke was fined £100, and both Ludvig and the Newcastle promotion have each have fines, in both cases greater than that handed to Starke for his misdemeanour, imposed on them. Cases closed. Now for goodness sake, can we look on the bright side. Berwick put on a great show, Newcastle had a great win and Sky presented a fine, entertaining programme. Just for once speedway was a big winner, and to have nit-picking over two small blots on a much-larger landscape is a sad reflection on the way some of us go on. Lighten up! Be happy!

No argument, but as we are informed he was fined £100, and hopefully will learn a lesson from it. How much were Newcastle fined for presenting an understrength team?

So, are you saying Newcastle shouldn't have accepted the change of date?

Don't imagine anyone (especially David) thought they would! As he is also out the U-21, Berwick should have his services for the rest of the year. I wonder if he might be a consideration for one of the two wild cards at the U-21 final at Berwick in August? Would surely help boost the crowd!

If announcement comes from Alan Biggurt himself, then it will be positive and properly-worded, explaining whatever his point may be. If it comes from the Scottish-based board of directors, we could hear anything and believe nothing.

It is a fairly well-known fact that Mitchell was really dead keen to go to the Rebels, but your promotion declined.

Their website is bang-on, showing club is making a tremendous effort to promote this one. A tenner entry, kids free and much being made of Kennett's arrival. Special tee-shirts on sale to commemorate the Sky visit, plus the earlier-announced offer of prizes for best fancy dress and funniest signs spotted on TV. Have to say -- well done, Berwick Bandits!

I think that in the cases of Masters and Campton it is the British, not Australian authorities who have created the situation. In any case, their permissions being denied have nothing to do with Tyson Nelson going to the Ukraine or not.

This has to be a big occasion for the north. Newcastle fans will go up the road, sniffing victory and Bandits will be out in force to see the double-attraction of Kennett and Charlie Webster. Weather permitting, a huge night out. I just hope all the Berwick cynics will for once back their team and promotion to the hilt.

Mitch made a good few eat their words after settling down at Redcar. Will certainly do better than young Herr Helfer, and being based in Scotland will be an advantage to club and rider.