steve roberts

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!

I had heard of that one.

Recall hair spray (?) on tyres being banned for indoor events that were all the craze back in the late seventies/early eighties.

Not as compact as the example given but White City did achieve something similar in 1976 at home to Hackney. Not including bonus points the scorers were Kennett on 8, Greer and Geer on 7, Lovaas on 6, Weatherley and Niemi on 5 and Gachet on 4.

Wasn't a bad team put together at very short notice...trouble is I can't remember if I went to said match or not! I had the best of both worlds watching the "Cheetahs" at Cowley in the National League and the "Rebels" at Wood Lane in the British League.

Must have been a "tyre" some procedure cutting them!

Seem to remember Gary Middleton accusing Ivan Mauger of using nitro at the 1972 (?) Wills Internationale but later withdrew the claim. Not sure when it was actually banned form domestic competition however.

Went fishing today.