SteveLyric2

IMO any 'amalgamation' of EL and PL will not see one big league of all teams neither will it see 2 (or more) regional divisions. There will need to be a 'senior' league which, depending on the format and costs, will consist of those clubs that want to compete at that level. There will always be the 'haves' and the 'have nots' - not always simply down to how good a relationship the promoter has with his bank either as catchment area, fan base, sponsorship and facilities etc will always play a part. Sky Sports (or whoever) will always want a 'senior' league that features some of the top riders. Many (not all) of the current EL club sponsors also want to see top riders in a top league. Whether the current 'top' riders and any others will be attracted to take part will depend as much on the number of fixtures/day(s) of the week as the money on offer. My own preference would be for a mix of the above - a possibly smaller 'senior' league (6-man teams?) with those clubs also running a separate team of PL standard. This would provide a manageable fixture list for those GP standard riders that want it, plus a decent standard and number of fixtures (league and Cup) for other non-GP riders to still earn a living. The 'senior' league fixtures could then be arranged away from the GP weeks and the other fixtures planned for other weeks ie not 2 home fixtures in the same week.

What do people expect from an event entitled 'BSPA British Final Fans Forum', broadcast from the British Final venue, containing a panel consisting of the TV broadcast host, venue promoters and 2 riders competing in the final itself?? Simon Stead was no doubt asked for his hopes for world peace - but I don't recall his answer!!!! ;-)

The difference being that Rosco later admitted he 'bent the rules to Coventry's advantage'!! (Don't like to use the word 'cheated'!!) :-)

Matt Ford's statement said that he 'supported any moves to change the rule mid-season'! Surely that pre-supposes that someone else has already proposed it for him to be in support of it?! Incidentally, today Kyle Newman suggests reverting back to the 15 heat format before the EDRs were introduced.

There were presumably witnesses to the alleged/admitted offences?!

I think someone pulled the plug!! ;-)

Many clubs have their own 'Hall of Fame'; 'Legends Lounge' or similar. Surely everyone that is included in those should be given free admission. Of course many do keep in touch with the respective promotions and simply have to ask for a pass rather than just turn up and argue the toss at the pit gate or 'guests entrance'!

I know but there aren't any more EL meetings before Monday!!

He said - they said!!! I have to smile upon reading that DH criticises the SCB for the way they've publicised the adjudication and then he does the same with his letter of appeal?!

So, 6-man teams, 15 heats in a new racing format; no double point tacticals; no reserves just 6 riders in an agreed points limit - enthusiasm abounds. Lets hope we get some factual feedback from Tuesday's 'test'?!

Isn't it Sarjeant not Bates that goes into Bees 1-5 next time?!

You actually go to Foxhall??? Thats a revelation.....!! What EL meetings have you actually been to recently to support your 'crappy' comment?? Mine won't arrive till later on today. Any early twit-bits??

As Buster said in last week's Star, he wiil propose only 1 EDR per EL team for next year!! Clearly lots for the promoters to discuss pre-AGM......?!

The BSPA issue 16 averages don't show Huckenbeck at reserve. His average is shown seperately (ie outside of the 1-7) and correctly as their No.8. The reserves will be Wilkinson and presumably S.Lambert or a guest to replace NBJ. The BSPA haven't said that.

Chris Morton on the fans forum last night (I only got to see a bit of it!!) said that he would prefer a 'top league' of 14-16 teams. That would presume some sort of amalgamation due to circumstances dictating such eg the loss of stadia. David Gordon also said the EDR had gone as far as it could go and should now be scrapped for 2017. It could have run better and for longer if the PL clubs had accepted the scheme earlier, but its now not right for the top league.

Interesting interview on BBC Radio Solent this morning with Matt Ford wishing for more fixtures next season - either from an expanded EL and/or a second competition. Fans to be polled for their opinions and views to be put to the BSPA AGM in October/November!!

Although the overall score kept it interesting for the impartial viewer, apart from a couple of Woffy moves towards his maximum, I found most heats quite processional on a dusty track with some holes in. But of course it is so much better than EL racing??!! ;-)

You say the whole forum is a live broadcast, not just highlights of the best questions?! ;-) Do Sky know? ;-) Is it breaching any publicity rules? ;-) Is periscope involved in any way? ;-) Hope it goes well!! :-)

5 man teams in Denmark only ride 14 heat meetings so presumably you would have to charge less at the gate?! The top riders in Danish League who presumably make top demands for their contracts can also take 7 rides per meeting, so I'm not sure there would be much of a saving for promoters?

He can still appeal. Horton did and got the biggest chunk of the fine removed.

Kerr signs for Scunthorpe!! Great news.

Belle Vue (my pre-season tip), Wolves , Poole and I'll take Swindon to pip Lakeside by virtue of their better away form!!

Oooohh someone has a bee in their bonnet!! I made no reference to Poole in my post and am fully understanding of the EL rules this year. My point was merely aimed at those bleating about PK returning and slotting initially into a reserve berth. The comparison with Sweden was merely to illustrate that they too - no matter what the race format - can have 'top' riders in a reserve berth who can take extra rides if required. As much as I may not like the rule - either in EL or in Sweden - it is nevertheless allowed under the current racing format for any team to utilise - nothing to do with Poole specifically at all. Unless you mean that as I'm a Poole fan I'm not entitled to an opinion?! As you clearly have some sort of problem with anything/everything Poole, I feel sorry for your bitterness. I cannot begin to understand the frustrations in your life as a one-time announcer who stopped being heard - for whatever reasons?! A bee in your bonnet?? Seems more like a pain in the neck. Keep taking the tablets and stay off your keyboard so late into the night!!

So, not confident about the play-offs then?!

I bet he was pig-sick when Norrie signed him to Poole. Ha ha . Ah but wait, that was when he became World Champ - maybe thats the reason for Gav's 'liking' of all things Poole!!?!!