SteveLyric2

OK I'll bite, what rules have Poole bent/broken?

Nope. Moved again

Its called 'team riding'!😉😇

Its been well documented that in their final Premiership/Elite seasons - having won the titles several times - Poole took a big hit financially. Crowds dipped on Thursdays, sponsors changed. stadium rental/costs increased (and Matt was moving temporarily to France). Fans were asked what level of racing and what race night they preferred - the answer was Championship on Wednesdays. So be it! At the time MF stated it was 30% cheaper to run in the Championship than the Prem. A greater variety of fixtures/opponents also appealed to the fans who continued to attend in good numbers - especially as Poole continued to track successful, winning teams, all built within the same points limit as everyone else - no rules broken, no super wages paid!. In the background was - and still very much is - the long term future of Poole Stadium, Council owned and until recently leased to Clarke Osborne's Gaming International company. (CO passed away in August leaving his widow as the sole Director of Poole Stadium Ltd) Its understood they still have 14 years left on the lease. With all Councils under pressure to generate more house building, everyone is waiting for some clarification as to the stadium's future.... No club no matter how successful or otherwise, will take a major step into something that is going to cost significantly more when its traditional home maybe under threat - or at the very least requiring firm clarification.

I think Richard has totally different priorities in his life now with a baby son and an unwell partner. That's aside from moving house again as well.

With both of their overseas commitments next year, I can't see either going to a Friday track! (Unless of course Glasgow are going Prem?)

Indeed it was with Alan Hodder as the day-to-day Administrator.

Not bad. Only about 4 or 5 wrong assumptions.😉

Prem to have 5 rider teams. Championship to gave 6 or 7 rider sides.

No (I could add something here but don't want to get Lewi going!)

Oxford's issue (if it is indeed an issue) in stepping up is with the costs and security of tenure of the stadium. Poole's issue, other than those previously aired, is also stadium-related, especially with the passing of Clarke Osborne! Poole Stadium Ltd (plus all the other companies registered at Wimborne Road) now has only one active director - Mrs Susan Osborne! It'll be interesting to see if she wishes to carry on? As I understand it there is still 14 years left on the Stadium lease with the Council so it just means more short-term uncertainty requiring clarification before any major speedway changes or decisions are entered into. All clubs have a different base cost to run speedway - owning or renting the facilities; costs of same; level of sponsorship; attendance levels; other income streams; costs of riders etc etc. Thats why its not a simple question of 'operating at a higher level just to suit the minority'!

Oxford's issue (if it is indeed an issue) is with the costs and security of tenure of the stadium. Poole's issue, other than those previously aired, is also stadium-related, especially with the passing of Clarke Osborne! Poole Stadium Ltd (plus all the other companies registered at Wimborne Road) now has only one active director - Mrs Susan Osborne! It'll be interesting to see if she wishes to carry on? As I understand it there is still 14 years left on the Stadium lease with the Council so it just means more short-term uncertainty requiring clarification before any major speedway changes or decisions are entered into. All clubs have a different base cost to run speedway - owning or renting the facilities; costs of same; level of sponsorship; attendance levels; other income streams; costs of riders etc etc. Thats why its not a simple question of 'operating at a higher level just to suit the minority'!

Probably for GPs and Premiership only!! Phil Morris with his Premiership-only remit will undoubtedly concentrate on Prem meetings and the British final (the latter having mainly Championship riders taking part!)

I see Poole will have Harry Redknapp in attendance for the home leg.

Both for Premiership?! Phil Morris only has a Premiership remit and Mr Coleman is primarily interested in GPs and Premiership fixtures. It's suggested elsewhere that the Prem and Championship should have separate administration/management like it was (successfully) back in the 80's in the old British and National leagues.