SteveLyric2

So a 're-brand' for the Pirates to celebrate their 70th Anniversary year. New badge, new sponsors, new merchandise, new pop-up retail shop in the main shopping centre (from 25/11/17). Anniversary meeting on 23rd March involving Tony Rickardsson and Mark Loram. Gala Dinner planned for 14th March - more details to follow. I wonder what else will be new??!

I don't get why some believe that getting 'top' riders back will require x number of extra paying fans to cover the cost?! If some lapsed fans return to watching regularly due to the inclusion of a top rider or two in each meeting then all well and good - BUT its sponsorship that will/should pay the extra cost of having the 'top' riders. Many sponsors want their name/brand associated with the 'top' names.

If you believe Terry Russell in this week's SS, the most important thing to discuss is how to avoid the number of re-starts which delay the prompt running of meetings!!

Why doesn't someone on twitter ask the 'official KL twitter account' who NKI is an asset of then? He did during the 2-year Readypower Poole sponsorship deal. which is no longer in place.

Where's this 'NKI is a Poole asset' come from?? NB. Any relaxation of the Polish '3 league only' rule is dependent on the BSPA approving the fixed night proposal at their AGM. The Poles won't announce/confirm anything until the BSPA confirm their decision!! Even then I won't believe it til I see it in black and white!!

Awright Dave?!

Most 'indoor' sports properly priced in decent arenas/venues with civilised and comfortable facilities can generate very good crowds even with the minumum of 'normal' publicity!! Even better if there are a few 'characters' and a bit of 'rivalry' that can be hyped!! Is ice hockey seen as a 'family-friendly' sport with its regular punch-ups, sin bins etc? Wrestling is popular sports entertainment not because of its purist wrestling skills but because of its scripted fights, rivalries, fouls that are allowed and general rule-breaking!! :-)

As only a very occasional visitor to this thread, as a matter of passing interest, where has the report of Chris Harris signing come from?? Not seen anything official anywhere.

What is this about?? It has no context and makes little sense re Polish transfers 2018?! (or maybe its me....?!)

Matt Ford in the local paper today reckons that confirmation of a TV deal (together with what's happening in other European countries at the moment) will precede the arrival of several 'GP level' riders to British Speedway - some returning and others new to British league racing!! Whatever people think of MF, he knows full well how valuable a TV coverage deal is to get corporate sponsors for both clubs and riders. I can't imagine there is a current Premiership promoter who would be against it?! If a deal is forthcoming - aside from any direct financial incentives to clubs - then the basis to attract/maintain sponsorship for the clubs and ultimately the riders is very strong and positive.

www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/speedway

Each round is being streamed 'live' for the first time according to Sedgeman's promotional video.

With some strangely worded translations of the Polish statements over the past few days, one of the later ones refers specifically to Rune Holta (who is/was due to sign for Torun). It suggests he is the first rider to 'go against the rules' but is not clear whether its against the clubs' new rules or against what his fellow riders agreed on Saturday?! The clubs are due to meet today (Tuesday) so it'll be interesting to read a good translation of what their updated position will be and how the riders will respond en-block?!

Chris Holder would have had to sign or at least reach an agreement with a club before returning to Australia as that club would need to sponsor for his visa application to return next year! Also MF's views on the Vaculik situation in the local Echo today. http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/speedway

Yes that was so clubs weren't wiating til end June (or even later in some cases) to complete their 4 home/4 away meetings to give riders new proper averages!!

Emil's another that has good contacts in Glasgow and Poole!!!! ;-)

Maybe - but would the fans turn up every week? Isn't it the clubs without 'big hitters' ie the Championship clubs that are complaining most about dropping attendances and even closing in some cases?

Newman said in the local newspaper interview this week that he would love to return to Leicester - BUT would not object to a return to Poole!! Having said that, especially at this time of the year riders will say anything that they think clubs/fans/sponsors/media want to hear - until they get a firm contract offer in front of them. NB That's not a criticism by the way!!

I thought that KOC scores were being included in averages after initially (and in the rules) being excluded?!

I believe there has also been a statement from Riders Representative Krysztof Ciegelski - but I can't find it now. The riders are apparantly up in arms about the new rules and their effect on earning capacity. OK the Polish leagues make a big thing about announcing their signings for the following season - and then try to introduce new rider restrictions after the riders have agreed to sign!!

Don't know where he gets his information??! In the latest Echo article on Thursday. MF said he still hoped to include both Woryna and Shanes BUT it will be dependent on there not being any last minute changes to the proposed team building points limit! I guess that is in light of the whisper that the proposed limit may be lowered (from 42?!) by a point or so if more teams are in the Premiership.

Torun don't look too bad do they? Doyle, Iversen, C.Holder, Holta, Prezedpelski and J.Holder so far - not a bad top 3!!

Iversen joining Holder Doyle Przedpelski and Holta in Torun - not a bad start!!! I wonder how many of them will feature in the SGBP next season?

Great shout Steve0. Certainly took me and quite a few others by surprise even with the knowledge of the Steady connection!! I shall have to have a stern word with my sources!! Why? Sorry I've been out all afternoon hospital visiting!! Never professed to be anything of the sort!

Keep guessing Steve0!!