steve roberts

Sad news indeed. Spoke to someone a few years back who knew Reg and would play cards with him. RIP

Sad news indeed...a good servant over many years to the sport. RIP

BoBo Valentine...can't recall what it stood for? Sumner McKnight.

To be fair I think that history tells that the majority of riders who became champions were worthy ones...of course there's an argument that suggests when Wembley held the final that it favoured their riders but overall I don't think that the one-off system produced that many "shock" wins.

I last saw Ian about five years ago when I visited "Mouseman" at Kilburn.

Thankfully Osborne's time at Oxford during the mid seventies came to an end when he "sold" the stadium to the local council but was saved by some pretty resourceful characters who formed a committee as regards its future. Personally I would turn my back on him if he ever entered a room I happened to be in.

Very sad news. A true legend. RIP John.

I was late on the World Final circuit but those I attended were 1981, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 & 88.

Radford never fitted in at Cowley and the last resort was when Gordon Kennett phoned Radford to see if the meeting against Swindon was to go ahead to be told that it had been cancelled. It did take place and Oxford had to cover for Gordon and subsequently lost to Swindon...Radford resigned soon after and he wasn't missed.

Apparently according to the late Bob Radford who was the manager at Cowley in 1974 Ulf wished to return to Cradley after signing for Oxford and agreeing terms. Bob Radford only lasted half a season before resigning his post.

Ulf after a slow start not helped by an early season injury began to register some decent scores. It was a shame he missed the following season (due to family commitments) and subsequent seasons because he could have gone on to be a very useful rider.

Just re-reading Ian Thomas's book and as you say he was a great advocate and it generated much interest and publicity.

I'm sure he scored double figures at Swindon in 1982 when "The Eagles" won in a late season match?

Sad news indeed. A valuable member of the "Cheetahs" RIP

I used to stay on and watch the second halves. At Oxford during the early to middle seventies we were spoilt dure to our tie up with sister tracks Eastbourne and Peterborough where many of their riders would contest the second half. Great days!

Sad news indeed. Recall Rick's last year at Halifax. RIP

I'd agree...1985 was a special year whereas as you say 1986 turned into a bit of anti-climax when the weather beat the "Cheetahs" when we on course to win the four main trophies.

Brilliant news!

Sad to hear of the death of the character at Oxford Ernie Tipping(?) known as "Kojak" to many fans over the years who used to sell the "Star" and "Mail". He was a great character enlivening many a "discussion" winding up the away fans especially. RIP

We had both Bob Dugard and Danny Dunton join a belly dancer prior to a meeting at White City on one unforgettable occasion!

I seem to remember my mother saying that he was serving in the RAF when he rode for Oxford? I've just checked and apparently his RAF posting was cancelled so he could continue to ride for Oxford?

If I recall he was in the RAF?

Having just finished Alan's most excellent book I thought that I'd re-read Peter Collins' book because of the close connection and history between the two riders and again found it very informative and a very good read second time round.

Agree with that...would have made sense.

I would agree but better than the awful "Silver Machine".