steve roberts

I attended the opening meeting at White City in 1976 and saw Tommy ride in two tremendous races with Gordon Kennett. Livened up what was a rather mediocre meeting but in hindsight rather poignant.

Super thread...what this forum should be about!

I would have been there also...although I seemed to be at Cradley every other week during the middle eighties when Oxford seemed to be there on a regular basis...and winning more often than not! What was especially pleasing was winning the League Cup fixture at Dudley Wood in 1985 which was televised by ATV. One to saviour and I have it on DVD too!

I have this on DVD.

Either Bobby or Alan Emerson? Newcastle also operated R/R in a crucial match at Mildenhall (I was there) when, if I recall, both Owen and Hunter again took seven rides a piece.

Didn't like the Newport jacket with a large 'N' motive!

Didn't Mike sign for 'The Eagles' in 1974?

I think that Tommy's last meeting at Plough Lane was a Southern Riders Qualifying round?

Have enjoyed reading the comment on this particular thread...memories of London speedway sadly no longer!

Called in once (but not on a match day) and, yes, it was miles from anywhere down this winding country lane.

Last time I saw Tommy ride.

Basically he was using R/R for Robbie Gardner who had retired! Tony Coupland (Team Manager of Middlesbrough) refused him the facility on one memorable occasion plus the fact that Robbie was fourth in the averages so Thomas was pulling a fast one!

Fabulous collection! Recall Gordon wearing a strange variation of the 'Rebels' jacket in 1974 (he posed in it for publicity purposes) which was silver and a cross that was red and blue with stars if I recall. Not sure if he ever wore it competition however.

Nice to hear Gordon again..one of my heroes! Watched him progress from Eastbourne to Oxford and then to White City where he rose to stardom! Followed him back at Eastbourne before he eventually left for King's Lynn and ultimately 'The Dons'. A great servant!

We did the same...Cowley 'Crusaders!'

Oxford had a good team on paper but were struck with injuries during the 1983 season. Yes I recall that match...Newcastle utilising the R/R regulation for the umpteen time and sometimes not even in a legitimate way (Robbie Gardner for example!) but that was Ian Thomas for you...always trying to find a loophole in the rulebook!

I guess a bit like the Oxford scenario...a stadium remaining idle due to the pig headedness of the owners!

Great to see!

Have you an original 1976 City 'Rebel' jacket...the silver one used for home meetings?

Garry Middleton challenging the holder, Nigel Boocock, and succeeding at Cowley in 1972.

I think that's right if memory serves.

One of the strangest was the Happy Face motive...Barrow Happy Faces!

Yes that's the one...his son, Chris, also rode under dual nationality.

Barry Meeks was accredited as the fastest but, if I recall, Scott Autrey (and possibly Tony Olssen?) were the fastest based on track records achieved at Exeter's County Ground.

...remember when Gordon Kennet scored a 21 point maximum and Kai Niemi 19 riding for Eastbourne at Swindon...and they still lost!