SteveLyric2

Many of you Panthers fans seem to be missing the point that Rick, Julie and Matt Ford have been good friends for a number of years. Forget all the ball$**t and mis-information that came out of the so-called 'Winter of Discontent', much of which was generated by a certain Midlands team's then promotion, who couldn't get their own way - and threw their toys out of their pram whilst pointing the finger of blame southwards. If you ever get the opportunity to speak to Rick Frost politely, he will tell you in no uncertain terms how he regrets being led down that particular garden path!!! At a Poole Sponsors function 18 months/2 years ago, at which Rick and Julie were guests, he was overheard to say that 'he would be delighted if Panthers had as many supporters as Poole seem to have sponsors'! Slightly tongue in cheek but reinforcing the fact that speedway has to be run as a business and effectively promoted.

Is there much need for plant and engineering equipment for Fish O'Mania?? Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't Readypower still paying to sponsor the Panthers as well as still owning them?!

Yes, anyone would think that's where any alleged offence occurred, rather than on Country, League or Club thread!?!

For today's Round 2 Chris is using machinery loaned by Leigh Adams. The point is that he didn't know that he was definitely going back to defend the title until a few days before Christmas, despite the organisers including his name in the field!!

Because he only just got back to Oz due to visa issues and didn't have any of his own bikes/machinery there - hence using stuff borrowed from younger brother Jack.

Its clearly a business decision between friends!!

Aussie final 1st round underway - Tungate started well as has North, Doyle and Sedgman. Chris Holder riding some sort of makeshift bike apparently!!

Please pass on our sincere condolences to your wife!! Was she a child bride?

Gav, do you know Matt Ford from any other capacity than Promoter of Poole Speedway? I guess you don't as you say you've never met him so any comment 'disliking' or 'badmouthing' MF could easily be deemed as anti-Poole! As far as' your opinion being valid because you believe it' is concerned then I assume that everything a person believes is 100% valid then, despite it being pointed out that its not possible!! Incidentally I note you chose to ignore the fact that Darcy Ward cannot take part in the Aussie Championships or any of the State Championships in December/January, to suit your 'belief'!!

Well there was a whisper a few weeks ago that the Jan 8th date had been moved to Jan 15/16/17!!!! Gav, you can have that opinion about only serving a European ban - but as others have pointed out, its not an option because its not in the FIM rules. Any further ban/sentence will be 'worldwide' as the current suspension is, which is also stopping him from doing the Aussie Championships. That's not me defending him, just stating something factual which makes your opinion on that point slightly less than valid!

Well said, Sydney. He needs to calm down a tad!!

I hardly think Middlo is defending Ward??!! Showing a bit of support? Definitely - just as his Swedish team manager has done! He's primarily having a go at the length of time this has been allowed to drag on - as many on here have also said.

If you are referring to the 2 latest team changes I suggest you check their and the BSPA twitter feed.

Karma!!!

They are probably holed up in a hotel room somewhere, with some of the locals!!

I think they have decided! Its just a case of whether the decision might be changed?! Having taken very little notice of the UKBA (now UKV&I) in the past, its now coming back to haunt the BSPA members.

....but you could have made a quick withdrawal from the 'hole in the wall'!!

Who has to do the inspections??

Just as well Piraterna aren't in it for 2015 then!! Elit Vetlanda are the Swedish champs!!

So, at least she has the Winter Olympics to fall back on!!

Chris Holder is not 100% confirmed is he??!

You are quite correct - although equally nothing in law stops clubs from not signing him!!

Cam Woodward has withdrawn from the Aussies as he is not yet fully fit and wants to concentrate his efforts on being ready for his European season.

If it had been a speedway rider, he'd be ostracised by many - especially on forums like this - even if he wasn't found guilty!!!

I understand it was the fact the lady 'got both barrels' that proved him guilty!!!!