Old Saint

I am always a little concerned when someone says that "X would be well supported". There are so many factors involved. The crowds would be made up of very different people to those who watched the original "Saints". Expectations are different today to 40 years ago and there would be relatively few who would remember the traditions of the Saints. Those who do remember those days, would find speedway to be very different.

It has been more years than I care to (can?) remember but once upon a time New Milton was on the main Southampton - Bournemouth railway line, I believe. Of course it may well have changed.

I have informed my brother who still lives in Southampton and shall try to be there. It is a good many years since I last visited New Milton. I remember a trip over 40 years ago to the Rickmans' factory. Would the surprise guest have the initials "BK", perhaps?

I have only just seen this thread so I am sorry to be late with my condolences for Brian's family. I have a small autograph book with the signatures of, amongst others, Brian, Ernie Rawlins and Dick Bradley. David, the old Saints may be dwindling but they will live on in the hearts and memories of those of us privileged to have been part of the Banister Court family of fans. It is a sign of age to look back with fondness on events and people but I can truly say that when I look back at the days of the Stadium watching the Saints with my brother and late parents, it is entirely genuine.

I am afraid that I cannot comment on that one as it was before Briggo joined the Saints. I cannot recall seeing him wearing anything other than normal speedway boots. To be honest, he was usually riding too fast to be able to notice his boots anyway Possibly a Dons fan could help out on this question?

When Barry Briggs joined the Saints he wore a black and white jumper over his leathers. Some Saints fans decided to knit him a new one in red and white. Unfortunately, his wearing of the red and white jumper seemed to spark a run of bad luck for him and he ceremoniously set fire to the jumper - on the centre green if I recall correctly.

It's my age, you know

I don't remember Alby being Saints' captain. The two I mainly remember are the great Ernie Rawlins and his successor Dick Bradley.

I saw Maurie ride at Southampton in a team of gentlemen. His passing is a sad reminder of how long ago it was when speedway had places for such riders and of the fun in the sport that has now gone. My sincere condolences to his family and close friends.

Can't really see why there was a need for run off at all. Surely they should have been decided on the "count back" system? In which case, Chris Harris would have qualified in seventh place by virtue of winning a GP.

Why is it that every time the riders say that the track was completely different in practice? Usually, the track is more grippy in practice than in the GP, they say. Surely the aim of practice is to get the bike set up for the GP which seems completely impossible the way it is. Yes, I do know that track conditions can change for various reasons but from what is said, it seems that the track is deliberately made to ride differently. Can't remember who said it but one rider commented that it had been packed hard between the two days.

Steve, please read what I said - I wrote that I criticise him for "the statement". However, that then begs the question as to whose responsibility it was to ensure that the team was properly prepared, including having the right equipment. Further, surely practice would have given some indication as to how well the equipment was prepared?

I would criticise him on his statement that the equipment was not fast enough. Surely someone should have taken steps to ensure that as far as possible the equipment was correct for the track? Perhaps winning straight through to the Final is not the advantage that it was cracked up to be?

I said in an earlier post that I had never heard of the three pre meeting acts and now, having seen them, I wish it had stayed that way! What a terrible way to lose 45 minutes of your life. Glad I did not waste even more of my life watching the TV programme.

I have never heard of any of them At least I do know Chas and Dave.

Just checked the status of my tickets on Seetickets.com and it says that the tickets "are in stock and will be despatched shortly".

I don't know but I remember my parents talking about George Bason. In fact, I remember finding a photograph they had of him 1949 was the year of my birth and the first time my parents took me to the Stadium - so they told me

What a striking contrast between the modern lay down and a real speedway bike in the shape of a JAP

I thought that Mr Millard had improved considerably tonight, so much so that I now prefer him to Mr. Pearson.

Chris' performance tonight showed the best of speedway. If there were more riders like him in the Elite League, the future of speedway would be secure.

Wembley will not be finished for another ten years or so Keep it in Cardiff whatever else happens.

When I joined the Forum in June 2004 my first post was asking for information about Southampton speedway. You may like to look at the replies I got. I remember Ernie riding for Southampton - he was my favourite rider It seems that everyone who says anything about him always states that he was a real gentleman and he always came across as that. My memory is suffering from the effects of age these days so they tend to be a bit vague but Ernie was a real team man and of course captained Saints up to time of his tragic death. He was a real trier and always gave his best. I believe that he rode for Oxford before joining Saints. Obviously the one thing that tends to sadly stick in the mind is the accident that led to his death. The memory of that instant will last forever in my mind Edit: Your post prompted me to check what I said about Ernie riding for Oxford and I am correct but what I was not aware of was that he was a team mate at Oxford of Bert # Name Removed # who also rode for Saints and became the team manager.

May I add my congratulations to Chris? I wish you every success

Wonder how good Tony Millard is at commentating on baseball?

Shazzy, that link is for Newport Speedway in North America!