East End Fan

Well, how many teams are likely to be in the NL ? And..how many fixtures for the Championship and any other minor competitions ? And when will all this news be made public ? Lots of doubt this year compared to the past.

It seems from this thread that followers of other clubs all want Ben Morley at Kent. I wonder what Kent want ?

Will 6 home fixtures be enough to run in the N.L. ? Doesn't seem like many to me

I don't get to visit the Pits these days, so rarely speak to riders or get to know them. So, thanks, Sidney Robin for what you discovered about Ledwith. I like him as a rider, good to know about the other side of him. I really hope he makes all the critics eat their words.

LOL

I always like to read your comments, Teaboy as you seem to know what you are talking about and never seem to spout some of the rubbish I read on this forum from self important know-alls who actually know nothing. So far as Ledwith is concerned, I don't care if he's 60, I enjoy watching him ride over the edge in 110% effort in every race. I think he deserves a chance to shine.

I watched a lot of racing at Sittingbourne this season as I was unable to support the Hammers. It's fair to say that I am becoming a Kent fan although I did not start there. In my view, and considering the whole season and the various injuries and stuff, 3 riders stood out for me, even after suffering big injuries, who consistently battled for every point in every race. They were Gilkes, Ledwith and new kid, Mulford ( hugely impressed with him). All the others blew hot and cold. So I am not surprised to see Ledwith in the new team, I AM surprised that GIlkes has not been included.

As an ex-Hammers fan, just like Hawks 1975, I must agree with his comments. Maybe our Speedway backgrounds have influenced our views ! The Final against Leicester was entertaining and the Kings COULD have nipped it on the night. Ledwith looked to be the keenest rider there and, in spite of his age, I really get enthusiastic when he is on the track.

I've been out of touch for medical reasons for 3 weeks ( OK now) so I have not been keeping up to date. What is the latest news about Kent running a National League side ? I know most people are very happy that Kent have moved up, but I enjoy the new young riders, making their mistakes and learning. It is fascinating. So I hope that there will be some NL stuff to enjoy in 2020

HGould, you seem very well informed and as Kent came late to the league it would be no surprise if it was hard to find top riders and so putting what you describe as a "Workington" style club together makes sense. Workington won the league didn't they.?. Didn't understand your comment about Len's days of "buying a title" are over. Which titles were they ? None at Hackney when I was a fan there when West Ham shut. A couple at Rye House I think over a very long period of time, and, so far at Kent only minor events.

Does anyone know if it is a fact that the Kent link to the Championship League will be decided today ? I had a phone call from a friend who usually knows such stuff, but he was only guessing. I think he said that the AGM was today, but he was not certain. Must be someone on this thread who knows a bit more.

Funny, I thought this was a Kent thread. All I am reading about is Poole. Must be very difficult for both Kent and Plymouth at present. I am sure that Poole could not be denied a place in the Championship, but both Kent and Plymouth must wait for the decision ( is it this week ?) So neither of those clubs can make any real plans about riders while all the others are getting on with the job. Doesn't seem like a fair system to me.

Thanks, now understand where your information came from. I missed it. So if Poole and Kent go up, what happens to Plymouth if the National League is not big enough ? What is the minimum needed to run a league ? Can't be less than 6/7 surely ?

H Gould from Birmingham..You seem to be well informed ? Are you in Speedway management ? I am a bit confused over this alleged move to the Championship. When will we know for certain ? And if it does not happen, what then ? I hope it does happen even though I actually prefer the National League and seeing young riders learn their trade...Gilkes and Mulford great examples this year. But apart from my personal preferences, it will make most fans happy, I think. But all the other teams in that league will be signing their riders while Kent wait for a decision, so must be impossible for them. Wednesdays will be OK for me.

If this had been a dry October, as is often the case, we would not have heard this suggestion of earlier league finals. Go back as many years as you like (and I go back a good many) , and you will find that finals of almost all competitions are in October. Because the meetings ARE important, fans turn out in big numbers even though it's much cooler. They would not leave the warmth of their homes for challenge matches as they might in mid-summer.

I go back over many many seasons. The weather in October is quite often very dry....admittedly chilly, but perfectly OK to run Speedway. We have some VERY wet weather during the so-called Summer which is one of the reasons that Finals and semi finals of all competitions generally get staged in October. The Clever Dicks on this forum seek the unattainable, perfect warm Sunny conditions on perfectly prepared tracks. Dream On and get real. I was at Central Park on Monday night and the rain started just as the meeting got under way. The ref' got on with things and the riders performed as if it was dry and dusty. The rain did not spoil the racing and we saw any number of close passes. To the onlooker, like myself, it seemed as if the Kent riders wanted it more. I was back home before 9pm Well done to all 14 riders.

Thanks, Teaboy........don't know how I missed that. Just did not observe ! Using my card could be convenient sometimes

If he is going to call off, he always does it early. He used to do that in his Hackney days. So it looks as if Cityrebel is right.

Interesting thought. I always pay in cash at the entrance to Central Park. I must find out if they accept credit cards as that would be very convenient sometimes.

I have noticed that meetings this year have started much sharper at 6.30 and most weeks I have been back home by just after 9 even though I live roughly 45 minutes away. Suits me fine.

Why is everyone assuming that Cradley will not run in 2020 ? Have the club issued a statement ?

I have been amazed at the ability of a 15 year old when watching MUlford. He beats the best on Grass and even though he shows his inexperience, he is a real Tiger on a bike at Speedway. Don't know how he'll fare at NSS because the home boys have it licked, but I don't think he'll disappoint. Wish I could see him there. Spooner has also surprised me after his lay off. Seems to have done him good !

Wow.........what a profound thought. Totally unique. I'll bet no one else had considered that ! Makes me feel "humble"

Cannot understand why Sings is keen to rubbish young Gilkes. I have only watched him at Kent and have been amazed at his speed and tenacity in one so young. If he had problems when riding a 250, he certainly learned a lot from it so Sings should be praising him, not putting him down to make himself look clever.

Yes, fond memories indeed. You are a lot younger that I thought ! I am a child of the 30's and came to Speedway in 1946 at West Ham. Speedway was popular all over London at that time and the memories are very vivid. I was fortunate that I became great friends to a promoter at West Ham which gave me a fascinating insight to the other side of the fence. Sadly, he is no longer with us. I supported the Hammers at Arena Essex, but never liked the uncomfortable stadium. Still sad to see it go though. I believe there are efforts being made to bring Speedway back to that area.