TotallyHonestJohn

Honestly I didn't think Newcastle ever had Tony Jackson as team manager who is surely the best team manager in British speedway following his treble winning exploits for Workington in 2018 (H18tory) with a team that everyone had written off at the start of the season before a wheel was turned.... (even him lol) (oh and with a little bit of help down at Ipswich when he couldn't make it so a brilliant; dashing; handsome and very modest stand-in took his place and pulled off a dramatic away win) However you will be pleased to know you wont need to change your acronym as "In Ged We Trust" still turns out to be "IGWT" Was told last night that Leicester aren't running their Cubs team next year and its starting to look like BV wont be running their Colts team either so Mildenhall and the IOW will be it (although I was once told that BV had to run the Colts as part of the deal they had with the council so that may have been a bum steer) Regards THJ

Well there you go Tom-Mate-Toe/Tom-Mart/Oh... I can see the reasoning and the more loftier position may have given a better view but it definitely looked like Phillips was on his way down before he got the nudge from Barker so I am doubly pleased that the incident had no bearing whatsoever on the outcome. Regards THJ

Honestly Newcastle flattered to deceive yet again; pulled things back and all square by heat 12 building up to the grand finale only to be let down in heats 13 and 15 and not for the first time, what a damp squib in the end and dare I say; it looked like the Redcar riders seemed to want it more; and well done to the Redcar team a great effort; also the Redcar Promotion and Fans who thoroughly deserved their victory in the end and Newcastle got exactly what they deserved "Zip" because if you cant get a race advantage in either 13 or 15 at home you don't deserve to get anything in my book.It certainly shouldn't be two 1-5's to the opposition (or am I expecting to much?) So the Redcar faithful can bask in the warmth and glory of their Cup victory over the cold winter nights looking forward to the 2020 season. Special mention for Sarj who potentially got the same as Baby Bjerre would have scored so no loss there and it was definitely more than I expected him to score to be totally honest, in fact after the first heat where he followed Worrall home someone said he had borrowed and engine off Cookie and I had to ask was it not Cookie on the bike? The one poor decision IMHO was the exclusion of Barker in Heat 7 for running into the back of Phillips, the ref from his lofty position said Phillips had locked up slightly and Barker had run into the back of him however from where I was standing at the tapes it looked to me (and to everyone else standing around that area) that Phillips was in the process of falling off before Barker run into the back of him, so I am pleased in one way that this incident wasn't a crucial factor in the outcome of the meeting and in the end had no bearing on the final result Good Crowd; Good Craic; a nice cold dark night racing under lights; just how it should be and nice to see the Workington contingent over getting their Speedway fix and there was some exciting racing; but the end product for us Jawdee's just wasn't there in the end. To be fair it was what we expected but to drag everything back by heat 12 only to see it all fall apart in 13 and 15 is just an extra kick in the nuts; the anticipation and optimism coming into heat 13 thinking "bloody hell we might just do this" to have the rug well and truly pulled from under you; well disappointing springs to mind amongst other words (unprintable unfortunately) but never mind onward and upward there is always next year to be disappointed all over again So again well done to Redcar long may the success last Regards THJ

Redcar guest Ben Barker last visit to Brough 17 points Sarj 1 point from 4 rides... was Kyle Newman not available.. Honestly am getting fed up with this... just give Redcar the cup now to save the embarrassment... A knocked back Wolves tickets but a think it will be watch the football team show themselves up first in the pub and depending on how much drink a get through this could be the first meeting I will have missed at Brough since October 31st 2010 and a still managed to see the last heat of that meeting... Regards THJ Oh and the report on the web site has Sarj down as a Tiger rather that a Monarch which is the last thing Glasgow will want the blame for knowing how delicate they are at present...

Most have 4, 5 or 6 pre signed contracts lined up with offers in to riders and one team that I know has all 7 riders sorted and it will boil down to minor issues like will the championship follow the premiership and only allow 1 x 8 point rider in each team; not that I think they will; or what will they do with the 2,5% reduction for British Riders as it may go up to 5% and it could be allowed for all British riders regardless or it might just be for Brits who have rode in the NDL and the reduction will last the first 3 years of them moving up into the championship. Any rule changes and the like will be debated and they will also be getting the details on the new TV deal which will all be up for debate at the AGM in November so it appears that promotions do what they want with regards to team building pre AGM and then argue their corner at the AGM for the relevant build points and we will have to wait and see what happens with that one. Someone will set a thread up shortly with regard to the AGM and watch it go; some ideas put up are spot on and others well lets say are not so palatable; but it is all part of the fun as everyone has an opinion and its usually the promoters opinions that hold sway (usually always) So promotions know now what they want (or would like) they just need to get it ratified from the rest of the other promotions at the AGM and I would suggest that it is at this juncture when the fun starts. Also if any teams moving up or down the leagues will be allowed to do so like Sheffield moving up a league although not officially sanction yet; they will have their new position ratified at this meeting confirming their status as a premiership team. But for all intents and purposes its a done deal Regards THJ

He come very close as did Ludde... Regards THJ

Honestly Gaz But I am sure you would still stick your nose in every now and then just to see what the poor people were talking about Regards THJ

Honestly This season Newcastle had three Danes and Glasgow ended up with four Danes; however fixtures I suggest can be worked around; but that's not the point what about the change of race day in the championship where Redcar had to move to a Friday and Sheffield had to go to a Sunday to free up the Thursdays and Sheffield have cited as one of their reasons behind moving up was to get back to a Thursday race day. I was under the impression that the championship would race on the Friday Saturday/Sunday to keep the midweek free for the "top league" So why are Poole not being asked to run on a weekend if they drop down rather than just assuming that they can come back down and pick Wednesday as their race night? These self serving agendas are okay if its your club and it is two fingers up to anyone else but promotions need to realise that this continuous manipulation and self interest attitude just hurts other clubs. When its gone it is very difficult to bring back... Regards THJ Hang on (getting annoyed now) just need to edit this as may be it does matter about clubs in the lower leagues its dismissive attitudes about other clubs that cause the issues the "Flock you Jack we are alright brigade" that are actually causing all the issues by not giving a "flying flunky" about other clubs and ploughing a lone furrow or even riding roughshod over other clubs ; without the NDL Speedway has 3 years max and without the second tier to bring on Brits for the precious top league there would be no speedway either; people need a reality check we are in the 21st century not the glory days of the 50's and 60's. It needs a joined up approach not insular promotions who spit the dummy when they cant get there own way or get found out trying to twist the rules. Might change the handle to Totally Disillusioned John

Honestly Good luck to Sheffield Berwick definitely are not going up Finally why would Kent go up? cant start until 6.30 with an 8.30 curfew!!! two tape infringements and the extra track grading required to keep the "prima donnas" happy and most meetings will be abandoned by heat 8 with no result declared or standing CVS shouldn't have said anything its not his right to say what other clubs might or might not be doing (Naughty Man) Regards THJ

Honestly "Actually quite enjoyed this year", Honestly and I genuinely mean that Honestly!!!.... you are easily pleased "maybe a bit of a shake up is needed" you are not wrong there... "Lemme have a go, and see what gets picked apart first" Well here goes picking... "I'm building based on a 40.00 average (Who knows what it'll be)" So if you don't know what it will be; why bother as you will have the full picture by the second week of November some 3 weeks away "and all British riders getting a 2.5% reduction" Why? and I mean Why!!! why bother... 1. Aaron Summers - 7.51 - If the rumours of Berwick moving up are true... "Berwick are not moving up and Spud will be back at Berwick so that's the end of that one" He'll need a new Championship team, "no he won't" he riders very well at Brough and would be a solid number 1 "Scratch this one" 2. Broc Nicol - 5.16 - Same as Summers, except I think the whole league will be after him... Unless someone already has him and I dunno? "Someone has already got him, Scratch this one" 3. Kyle Howarth - 6.97 - Same as above but maybe not the most realistic... Tero, Matty or Rene would be nice alternatives "Now this is an interesting aspiration with Sheffield moving up. However I would suggest Kyle will be in great demand on his average and will be spoilt for choice on a team place but is someone who I would like to see at Brough" On your last three nice alternative choices "Tero No Chance he has signed for another team" "Matty will be a shoe in" and "Rene although never say never is a tad expensive for Newcastle I would suggest" 4. Ulrich Ostergaard - 5.98 - Been amazing since signing for us and I think he would do a great job at 3 or 4 partnered with someone solid, maybe even Steve and Howarth at 5? " "Ulrich is a definite may be and I wouldn't be surprised or upset if he came back next year" 5. Steve Worrall - 7.38 - Captain again? I know he struggled a little last year, but he's Steve Worrall... He'll come back to the rider we all know and love... Just hope Leicester don't come knocking "Leicester haven't been knocking but it is highly likely he will be away and I can see a bidding war over our adopted Geordie Mancunian starting (and Newcastle's pockets aren't as deep as they once were)" However I would welcome Steve back with open arms he is quality 6. Max Clegg - 4.92 - Would be the best reserve in the league, I can tell that already, great rider is Max, please come back next year "Well I think you have something right here" 7. 2.08? (Or 2.20 if Tero at 3?) - Can't fit Danny in with the rest of the team, but honestly I see him being our first signing next year, wouldn't be awful, but I'd rather have the other 6 It will be Danny, Danny will be back, Danny Danny Danny and as much as I don't want to see him back he will be, not for any reason other than he does not look comfortable at all going round Brough and its not good viewing whatsoever. Danny would fit at 7 if Tero is the rider at 3? Forget Tero FFS Also I'd love to see Ashley Morris return, Forget Ashley but where? Maybe as an alternative to Max if he moves on? Or instead of Broc Nicol Forget Broc because there's no chance of us signing him? Probably the most sensible comment you have made but you are still persevering with him "Just initial thoughts"... These may be just initial thoughts but why bother? you are just sticking names on a list that as long as you have a hole in your backside will never become Newcastle riders plus you do not even know the parameters of what to build a/the team to? You can write to Santa with your wish list and you have as much chance of a response of him than you have of obtaining your wish list of riders notwithstanding the reasons of why you actually can not have them... So sticking on the theme of ridiculous names on ridiculous wish lists I have put my thoughts down as the team I would like to see and can I impress I do not consider any of the team below to be ridiculous in the context of watching them in the past as they were all brilliant and total legends to Newcastle Speedway.... So I have had a go and lets see what gets picked apart from this team first... 1. Ivan Mauger 2. Kenni Larsen 3. Ole Olsen 4. Nicki Pedersen 5. Anders Michanek 6. Tom Owen 7 Joe Owen Promoter; Ian Thomas Manager; Dave Rowland Announcer; Barry (in the box) Wallace Centre Green Announcer; Andrew (The Mackem) Dalby Toilet Cleaner; Tea Boy: General Dogs Body: Pienpeesman There you go pick away at that one, there are a multitude more "class acts" who I could have included but I have stuck to a tight team built average building the team to an average of 69 (cos its rude) and this team comes in at 68.74 so it fits. If only Dear Santa could deliver.... Finally can I ask "how hard is it to wait three weeks to see 1, What the team build parameters are and 2. once we know this you will find out who is available as several teams are complete or at least have 6 of their seven riders pencilled in so you will know who is left. Martin Phillips done a good job last year putting together what IMHO were 7 good riders out on the track; the problem was they just did not gel as a team and unfortunately the results did not meet the expectation. It will be interesting to see which way he jumps with regards to building a team for next year... Regards THJ

Honestly What a fantastic opportunity for Sheffield and their fans. Good luck as you head off to pastures anew. Enjoy the experience and here is wishing you all the success for the future. I will miss my visits to Owlerton but as it's only a couple of hours down the road I may be tempted down just to see the big boys ride. All the best THJ

Aye first two riders in the bag and it looks like Poole mean this... So it would appear that this dropping down a league is coming off otherwise why sign riders... if it doesn't happen it will be a bigger bluff that the one Boris is trying to pull with Brexit... Regards THJ

Thing is I am aware of one team already signed up and if it is not 41 points that's them stuffed before a wheel is turned (or the AGM has even sat to set a build level), unless the -5% rule is extended to all British riders or they apply the 1 rider on an 8 point average per team rule? riders will be thin on the ground IMHO to spread around the teams (fairly) if building to a figure of 40 or above; especially with the increase in the teams that are expected to be in the Premiership; it will be interesting to see what happens but I expect there will be a lot of unhappy Speedway fans post AGM. To give other teams a chance the build level should be less than 38 points however because that was done last year there are some riders on slightly inflated averages, its a difficult call and it will be interesting to see what the BSPA do... He is a personal friend who I have sponsored for years now and being Totally Honest the name gives the game away; he ain't coming Regards THJ PS. Just about every rider at every club says at the end of the season that they would like to be; or will be; back; if wanted; as it keeps doors and options open for them; however if you don't get how Speedway works now; you never will; so join the club with the rest of us... pull up a chair; sit back and relax and watch the circus unfold from now until Christmas.... its the start of silly season... and all part of the fun... (or not whatever your take is on it)

Tero wont be back and I very much doubt the points limit will be 42.5 if one; or as suggested two more teams come into the league, as there wont be enough riders to go round for the rest of the sides, the build level will be 40 or possibly 41 depending on what happens with the British Riders reduction which again has been suggested that this will be -5% for riders who have raced in the National League within the previous 3 years. Much speculation at present but all should be a lot clearer by the second week of November post AGM Regards THJ

Honestly Berwick are not... REPEAT not... going Premier next year; and we can only hope that Glasgow do... LOL Regards THJ

Funny... I Honestly believed Lewi made you stronger with the track time he has at Brough, a track where he cut his teeth; Ellis has half a dozen or so meetings at Newcastle max; Lewi has multiple meetings under his belt and watch him go next year, he will be a rider in demand, Eastie have pulled off a good move signing him up early IMHO, I would be very surprised if Ellis gets anywhere near a maximum if used for the second leg; time will tell. (especially if its wet) It's a pity Kerr didn't fit for Tommy as I would have had him in like a shot as a guest if the shoe was on the other foot. As for Newcastle being the underdog; you bet; as I personally can not see them pulling back 12 points; I think Newcastle will win by 6; 8 or possibly even 10 but getting more than 12... well even without Redcar using any Guests it is a big ask; I do hope I am wrong but that's my honest assessment after watching Newcastle all season that this 12 point deficit to me is just a bit beyond their reach; the proverbial "Bridge to Far" but we will see. (again I hope I am proved Totally Wrong) May I add; unlike the Leicester Glasgow play off final where I don't think 12 will be enough for Leicester and Glasgow will win by about 16; but this is what it is all about isn't it? "opinions" and these "opinions" rightly or wrongly will be ultimately put to the test once the bloody weather relents and we conclude these meetings; however and again I will concede that IMHO both ties are interestingly well poised... Finally and back on topic with Wright; Riss and whoever the third heat leader is Ellis, Kerr or a half fit MPT; I think Redcar will have enough in reserve to keep the Jawdee's (aren't Smoggies funny) at bay and pull off the aggregate win IMHO (however here's hoping for a wet track and Brough lives up to its rough reputation; not this smooth; flat; dust pan we have seen most weeks previous as we need all the help we can get) Regards THJ

Jake Allen officially signed up and announced Regards THJ

Can't see it my self... there's a good guy trying to make inroads into the council to see what support they might give and he has all the gear from DP including the shale to set out a new track but the last I heard was the land is proving difficult to obtain... but he is on the case and hopefully the council will back him... Would be nice if he does and I have offered support but we will just have to see where he gets with it... fingers crossed... but the longer it drags on the less optimistic I am unfortunately Regards THJ

Honestly That is an inspired guest... Lewi is flying and certainly knows his way around Brough... Definite improvement on Adam Ellis... makes them even stronger... Redcar really going for this... Regards THJ

Honestly He says owt... Apps... ask their lass he's got a string of seaweed hanging at the back door.... there all the same that Whitley Bay lot.... bladder wort.... the seaside's bubble wrap that doubles up as a weather predictor... And Apps!!! Apps... lol... ave seen his phone... it's like a council clemmy with buttons... Tres 21st century there like Dave... Apps... PMSL... Regards THJ

Honestly My fault totally I lost myself there DOH!!! I miss read or miss interpreted your response to bigred I thought like most Redcar fans you were talking hydraulics but obviously you weren't so sincere apologies (should never prejudge) I thought you got your Premiership and Championship mixed up and were trying to say that they would be missing because the Premiership had priority when clearly you were correct now I have read the thing again and made a total tool of myself (not for the first time) Sorry.... Never mind I will go away now... Note to self "don't try and do two things at the same time, concentrate on the job at hand, read slower and understand the response to the response before you respond.... Argggghhhhhh! Sorry I'm having a bad day... Regards THJ

We (both teams) are in the Championship? DOH!!! Regards THJ

Honestly Told you there was an angle; I worked on that for four years with Darryl Illingworth at Newcastle for the BSPA putting forward proposals and it was thrown out; although Matt was one of the promoters who supported the ideas we were promoting to be fair there would have to be a big shift for that to happen Been there done that and definitely got the tea shirt... Regards THJ

Honestly Thing is if it ends up with everyone coming down i,e, one league; I will guarantee that any money available will not only be spent on providing a competitive team but there will be the additional travelling cost (to all points north of Belle Vue) so any perceived savings will be lost. Its a precarious juggling act financially I would say because crowd levels will drop off if the team are not competitive whatever league they choose to go into. Regards THJ

Honestly Is this pre AGM manoeuvring? is Matt angling for one league or something else, "a switch back to Wednesday racing for a more varied fixture list and a more palatable option to drop to the Championship" really? Obviously a 7/8 team top league does not seem to suit and going on the tramp to Newcastle Berwick Edinburgh and Glasgow in the cold wet north (yes and that's in Summer as well) would appear to be a more palatable and viable option. However knowing the machinations that go on between the top clubs and especially the promotions is this setting the scene for something bigger that is going on in the background and all this is to allow Matt a fall back position if things don't turn out as expected (or wanted) I honestly don't know however there is something just not sitting right with this for me IMHO; If a club like Poole are considering dropping down a league due to cost there isn't much hope for the rest of the sport (again IMO) Be interesting to see what comes out of the AGM as I am hearing certain promotions are hardening their positions on the big changes they deem are needed and require implementing to take the sport forward and Buster may have a mini rebellion on his hands... Regards THJ