steve roberts

...I was fortunate, at least, being an Oxford fan as we entered our most productive period honours wise and was reflected in crowd levels at Cowley and generated interest at away venues. At least I have some great memorable moments to look back on!

...John Berrry was often quoted as saying that Poole supremo Mervyn Stewksbury had his own agenda and was one of the worst things to happen to speedway in recent history.

I witnessed all those achievements Sid! Used to enjoy my trips to Swindon...as for Gresham? A nutter on a bike but apparently has mellowed over the years!

Remember Roman Jankowski on his visit to Swindon recording a 12 point maximum!

Oxford had a pretty good record at Wolves (Dag Lovaas was a track specialist) and, of course, during the Nielsen years we enjoyed much success as we did at most places...has to be remembered that the City "Rebels" securred the Championship back in 1977 on one memorable Sunday afternoon!

Difficult one really as I used to enjoy visiting different tracks and seeing how they compared however my least favourites would have to include Wolves (too long straights with tight curves), Arena Essex (I visited during their first year of operation and found it weird viewing a fenceless track), Coventry (early visits when gating was all important before it was improved), Reading (basic good shape but was far too often too slick) and Newcastle (not called (B)rough Park for nothing).

I'm sure that Kai Niemi and Veijo Tuoriniemi would have ridden together at Eastbourne in 1979?

Sorry to go on about Bob Radford Sid but mentioning Bobby McNeil I'm sure that Radford was instrumental in him going to Swindon rather than the "Rebels" when he finally moved up full-time in 1975 after doubling up with the "Rebels" during 1974 on occasions?

If I recall that was Henk's debut match? Yes I remember the return tie...an all round team performance from the "Rebels". We also spoilt Swindon's 25th Anniversary Meeting when we were, again, the victors! Happy days!

Never saw Archie ride but another sad loss. RIP

I'm afraid that Bob continued to carry a 'chip on his soldier' as regards Oxford long after he left under a cloud Sid! The Pole would be Andrzej Jurczynski who ocasionally showed some form no more than in a second half (remember those?) final where he came from behind and beat Gordon Kennett twice! They passed and re-passed on a number of occasions and when the race was re-run the same thing happened!

...not a name that revered at Cowley after he walked out during 1974 and the last straw being when he took a call from Gordon Kennett who was enquiring whether that day's match was still on and was told by Radford that it had been called off but then went ahead and we were beaten by Swindon with a depleted team with Alan Johns replacing the missing Gordon who didn't travel from his Kent home. Radford later tried to claim that he had laid the foundations for White City's title win in 1977 which was a total nonsense. The only two rider's who rode under Radford's era was the aforementioned Gordon and Trevor Geer (who occasionally put in an appearance for the "Rebels") Sorry Sid...not a fan of Bob Radford based on his Oxford exploits.

I recall Teuroniemi who looked useful but failed miserably when he moved on to Swindon!

I remember Lars riding at Cowley for the touring Bysarna side at the tail end of the 1972 season at Cowley and he did look useful.

I'm surprised someone didn't take a chance with Samuelsson unless it was his own decision not to race again in the UK? Recall Klingberg at Eastborne as well as Ring and Hammerberg. Eastbourne lost their way when they joined the British League giving outings to many average foreign riders which was a great shame considering their history developing British talent. I enjoyed my visits to Arlington and then they changed the first two bends (I had stopped going by then) but what I saw of it on TV thought it was a mistake with riders giving the impression of a coming to a near full stop at the apex. Would liked to have visited The Shay and got to view inside the stadium a long time after the "Dukes" had moved on and it was nigh impossible attempting to work out how the track once fitted!

....was I correct about the two Finns or was I imagining it?

Dag Lovaas and Helge Langli at one & two at Oxford in 1975.

...I was being lazy thinking out loud!

...I could add Cradley and Wolves to that as some of their fans could be somewhat 'enthusiastic' to coin a phrase!

...who, if I recall, were brother-in-laws? Piet Seur and Frits Koppe at King's Lynn in 1978 (not sure whether in the same meeting?) Henk Steman and Henny Kroeze at Bristol in 1978 (ditto)

Yes Mike was one of my favourites also. I recall Albert Klinge and a Lars Inge Hultberg (1973?)

....remember the open to the elements toilets!

My interest in New Cross is based on watching the film "Once a Jolly Swagman" and for those living in London during that era were really spoilt for choice however remember reading Martin Peters' 'autobiography' when he was quoted as enjoying his trips to White City Speedway during his youth!

...probably the sport would be in a lot better condition!

Went to Cradley many times during the Nielsen era and more often that not we turned the "Cabbage Patch Kids" over! Not one of my favourite tracks I have to admit but it was always nice coming away with a win!