Devilman

I too have a connection with St Boniface College and I know that they can certainly do with the money. I hope for their sake that a suitable arrangement can be achieved. As for as targeting the pupils on a promotional basis that may not find approval with the Education Authorities. Purely an observation, I do not know the answer.

Appreciate your situation Barncooseboy, although I know of you we have never met. I trust your health is improving and you have my very best wishes. Had you purchased the Deviils on your own I would have been happy to support you but not a viable option along with previous groups. Regards

Deal expected for completion early next week from report in local newspaper this morning. Can't be sure but it does look as if it is not either of the former promotors from the way the report was worded.

Still no news out of Plymouth a week after the bidding ended on the administration. I understand someone has until this weekend to finish negotiations.

Hi All, I have read through all the posts on this thread as I have just joined this forum. I understand how opinions are formed, often with fragments of information which colour the way we think. I have been around Plymouth Devils from all the way back to the days at Pennycross Stadium in the early 50's to the revival by Mike Bowden at the St Boniface arena and all the years since. Without that revival it is unlikely that we would exist at all today. However, it was not all roses as I remember the riders boycott when they refused to ride due to non payment of their fees. Reportedly a BSPA representative on hand ready to secure the site. More recently with the help of Manor Delta the trust set up by Colin Hill from Exeter for speedway in Devon, co-promotors took over running the Devils. (To answer an earlier question this fund is reportedly now run dry) It is now well documented that before the season started the Devils were closed down and the fans, their committee and a few investors got together to save the situation. The sole objective was to keep Premier league action in Plymouth for the entire season. There were considerable donations from the fans and the new "Fanzone" developed bringing in a very large contribution through events and commercial activity. Sadly main sponsors did not come through, to my mind poorly negotiated with no formal agreement in 2016 and a failure to live up to expectation in the sponsors opinion in 2015. This was a significant blow to incomes. Add to this the, investors, due to the failure to conclude outstanding contracts by the promoters, refused to dig any deeper into their pockets. So into administration, at a sum that was obviously a carry over from earlier seasons losses and way beyond what had been earlier admitted. So from the Fanzone point of view, despite all the success they had achieved it they were left high and dry. There were significant deals being negotiated for 2017 and 2018, way beyond anything formerly achieved which will now not go forward. Premier League was a realistic financial ambition for the foreseeable future especially with the Fanzone team staying together. I sincerely hope that for the continuance of Plymouth Devils neither former promoter gets control or we will have more of the same no matter in what league the Devils find themselves. Over the years I have missed very few meetings and sadly I too am finding my loyalty severely stretched by recent events.