steve roberts

What about Hans? Four wins, six seconds and two thirds by my reckoning?

There was an interesting interview with Bernie in edition Number 14 of "Backtrack". His best mate in speedway was Dave Perks and he had nothing good to say about in-coming Promoter Dan McCormack "...That Scotsman came to Cradley with a big mouth and I felt bad about him from the the beginning. I couldn't forge a working relationship with him, not even from the start. After arguments over my bikes, we split up. But I tell you, I was not the only one in the team who didn't like him..."

Hasse was declared in the Oxford line up at the commencement of the season but personal issues delayed his return until June where he turned out against Hull I recall. He rode in a couple of more matches (one was a challenge at Reading which the "Rebels" won...the first team to beat Reading at Smallmead) before he was unable to continue to commit to riding in the UK. Oxford used the facility on and off that season but were by means the only team to adopt that mandate...Ian Thomas at Newcastle was re-nowned for manipulating the rule book to suit and the Wolves team of 1976 was always short of a full house using very much a "horses for courses" policy winning at White City with a team consisting of guests who were Wood Lane track specialists and pulling off a win much to the home promoters annoyance. Eric Boocock very nearly signed for Oxford in 1975 but decided to carry out his threat of retirement and Dag Lovaas eventually joined the team of his choice...and what a season he had!

Another great read...interesting interview with Ron Henderson who had shown much potential at Newcastle but decided he had had enough and returned home to Australia. Unfortunately he was involved in the race that ultimately cost the life of Christer Sjosten when Christer ran into the back of him.

Yes R/R during 1975 and the bizarre thing that he was then allocated to Wolves for the 1976 season and they operated the facility also! Going back to Tommy things may have worked out differently for him had he ridden for King's Lynn in 1975 as was planned but the "Stars" management were gazumped by Thomas/Mawdsley and he ended up at Hull! He did indeed win the 1973 Swedish Final but that was after Michanek took Persson out in one race and Bernie either broke an arm or leg...can't remember which...an act that Anders regretted although they did eventually make up although Bernie's wife never forgave him!

Recall that storming ride in the 1974 World Final when he passed Ivan as if he was stood still!

Sweden had some great talent during that period Sid...what with the likes of Hasse, Tommy Johannson (who never really got going In the UK due to illness but a good rider) but they all seemed to disappear about the same time due to various reasons and Sweden remained in the doldrums until the likes of Andersson, Nilsen and Jonsson came on the scene.

Nice to see you back Sid! I never sae much of Bernie 'live' but was no doubt one of the big Swedes from that era. Recall he and Anders having a massive fall-out during the 1973 Swedish Championsip Final much to Michanek's regret but thankfully they made up.

I remember when SKY was covering League matches and a friend of mine would prefer to stay at home rather than watch the televised meeting from Cowley (just down the road from where he lived) whereas I would always go to the meeting much preferring the live atmosphere generated and meeting colleagues on the terraces having a good natter.

A Cradley legend. RIP

Sad news indeed! RIP Bernie.

He was a real enigma. He achieved double figure scores around Coventry (may have claimed the track record albeit momentarily?) and Swindon but really struggled around Cowley. Continued to ride for many years in Sweden but it's shame that he wasn't given another chance in Britain but as I hinted it may well have been his personal choice?

Looking forward in receiving my copy...looks to be of its usual high standard!

Does anyone have any memories of Conny Samuelsson? He rode for Oxford in 1969 (before my time) and although looked upon as a failure around Cowley he put in some useful performances at Swindon and Coventry. Shame he was never given another opportunity to shine in Britain but perhaps he felt that his talent was better suited on the ice where, if I remember, he achieved two podium places in World Finals. My brother remembers him at the local Blackbird Leys Fair when he proved a crack shot at the rifle range picking up many prizes...apparently he had just served his Swediish National Service! He would be a good subject in the "Backtrack" or "Classic" magazines.

...and quite emotional in places. Remember Bob especially during his two years as a "Rebel".

Couldn't agree more. I have nothing but happy memories of following the sport over a thirty plus year period. Met some great people on the terraces which also added to the occasion.

I've just re-read Bob Kilby's book written by his son, Lee, and their was real friendship between Bob and Jimmy Mac.

Blimey! Forgotten about Greg Dekok...he occasionally rode in second halves at Cowley.

...and I believe Ipswich loanee (?) Lawrie Bloomfield had a run out or two?

Coudn't agree more!

I have a great relationship with my postman/woman...always polite and leaves any small parcels in a designated area around the back if I'm not around.

Remember it well. Did the same duo achieve something similar at Mildenhall and Canterbury during the same season...viewed both with my cousin who was a "Diamonds" fan and we took in both matches.

Sorry mate...just got in from another fishing trip and feeling flustered! I was at that match also!

I was there!

Gordon Kennett scored a 21 point maximum and Kai Niemi 19 riding for Eastbourne (both from seven rides) at Swindon in 1980 but the "Eagles" still lost 46-62!