steve roberts

Agree entirely but I'm not sure what point John is trying to make?

Over to you Rob!

Yes it's open to interpretation and whether a rider was actually on the books of any particular track...for example was Mitch Graham competing in second halves at Rochdale before making an appearance in the team? I obviously have no idea... There's many grey areas beyond the remit of this particular thread. Paul Dugard's name was mentioned. He rode for "The Cheetahs" in 1989 but I'm guessing that he rode in Eastbourne's second halves during the back end of 1988 (?). I seem to remember that he rode for Cradley Juniors when he came of age (?). Therefore I guess he was strictly an Eastbourne product but it's very muddy and as I say beyond what I foresaw when initiating this thread. Good fun however!

If I recall Peter York picked up on that when Hans rode for Oxford also.

Yes I missed that one unfortunately.

I was present at Briggo's first bash at Coventry in 1988 and another at a later date again at Coventry but can't recall exactly when that was?

I've got that meeting on DVD...some great riders there!

I've just ordered the Oxford equivalent.

Sometimes it pays to be as explicit as possible when starting a thread as there is often some 'smart arse' out there only too willing to question what has been initiated and/or intended. Slap wrist for Tony Mac initiating a long titled thread when listing the latest editorials in "Backtrack"...not sure how he could improve upon it?

Yes...my memory as I say...but I did check and he made an appearance for Rochdale (I think he was a Belle Vue asset), as did Craig Pendlebury (who re-appeared two years later at Barrow), before making a name for himself at Workington.

Just received my "Star" and thoroughly enjoyed the article on White City...great memories. Also good to see in print that Gordon Kennett was unable to take any R/R rides from August onwards something that is often conveniently overlooked by critics at the time and since. Also the fact that two other teams (Hull and Hackney) had similar dispensation that season but it was the "Rebels" strength in depth and team spirit that ultimately gave them a well deserved championship win. Great days...and I was at Monmore Green on that memorable afternoon when we lifted the cup!

Brilliant...one of many great nights spent at my beloved Cowley!

Great effort by Phil Crump...Per Jonsson doing all the covering. Never particularly rated Rickardsson as the greatest exponent in the art of team riding but, then again, there were a lot who fell into that bracket.

Keep them coming...best thread on the forum! Hampel guilty of riding the man and paid the price!

I don't think so Sid. Remember Dave Lanning in the early days followed by Tony Millard (SKY sports commentator) intoducing the action with a rendition of "Sussex by the Sea". We used to holiday just down the coast at Bognor and travel to Beachy Head and have a picnic before venturing onto Arlington in the afternoon and finishing the day with an ice cream walking the promenade at Eastbourne. Great days!

That's him!

...I agree Sid with Yorkie's commentating. Used to annoy me too!

It was that SKY presenter Keith whasthisname who gave him that title...never referred to by that in his Oxford days. I believe that Dick Barrie (whatever happened to him?) christened him "The Main Dane".

He was pulling them along on a peace of string!

"The Eagles" must take some beating as their record for producing fine young British talent is second to none...and as they were the 'sister' team of both my tracks (Oxford & White City) I got to see many of those riders over the years including watching them in the sorely missed second halves which was another avenue for riders to ply their trade and aid development.

Scunthorpe - Rod Haynes Rochdale - Ian Hindle, Mitch Graham, Robbie Gardner Sunderland - Dave Gatenby

Hans still the master!

Remember it well.

Garry Middleton sold Mercedes cars as a sideline.

I recall that many riders had other jobs as well as speedway. As I mentioned on another thread George Hunter was an HGV driver whilst riding speedway.