The H Man

Had the BSPA acted at the end of 2013 when they were warned by trustworthy people that Brummies under Phillips was heading for financial meltdown then a Phoenix would have risen out of the flames and in all likelihood a Brummies team would be functioning today. Had they heeded similar warnings about Mallett at Newport 2 years before there still could have been speedway in South Wales! The sport is on its knees and it's self governed body is allowing people who aren't fit for purpose to drive more nails into an already well worn coffin! Where's next?

3% from track sales as a former SS / SM salesman for the legendary Alf Weedon in the mid 80s at Reading that's sad to hear it's fallen so low. My 10p per copy sold used to earn me almost as much as my YTS cash in those days!

I subscribed to the star for 12 years got the usual letter in post saying 4 copies left in September 2013 forgot to re-subscribe, didn't really miss it and no one from the mag bothered to chase me by email, phone or snail mail and haven't bothered to buy a copy since. Thing is had they'd called me I would have re-subscribed for sure out of habit/loyalty alone! Wonder how many others you've lost Phil in same way?

Thank you

Hi Can anyone help out by providing me with the postal address of Glasgow Speedway? Not sure if they use the stadium or have different postal address elsewhere in the City Thanks Paul;

Fabulous turn out for Doug today. With lots of former Reading officials, riders and staff including Armando Castagna who flew in from Italy. Wonderful send off to a lovely guy who spent countless hours doing track work at Reading.

Yes, Doug was a smashing fella, who was popular with officials and riders alike. Loved his ciggies, loved his speedway and loved his Smallmead. RIP Doug.

I've subscribed to the SS for over 10 years, on a yearly basis, got my usual renewal form back in September, popped it in the drawer and forgot all about it. When the Star didn't arrive a few weeks later thought I must renew my subscription now where did I put the renewal form for whatever reason didn't bother to find and now a couple of months later still haven't bothered and not really missing it if I am honest. My point is though had at anytime around the end of my subscription someone from the Star called me and gave me the chance to renew by taking my card details on the phone or via an email, I'd have renewed there and then! Customer retention is key in any business Mr Rising, may I suggest each time a subscriber doesn't renew, a simple call, email or a reminder letter may retain that business.

I've said before and I'll say it again Nigel is obviously held in highest regard by sky, Eurosport and talk sport, his commentary style delivers perfectly what they (and other broadcasters) want from their commentators, passion and excitement. The guy has worked tirelessly to promote our sport at every opportunity - yet he gets knocked all the time, whatever the future holds for speedway on sky, you can bet your bottom dollar he won't be short of work as a broadcaster.

Sad news - condolences to his family & friends! I'm sure he'll be calling many "fast & furious" battles in the sky

1. EK was 100% Middlo's pick 2. Phil Morris named as Manager as Middlo didn't attend FIM Accreditation

Chatting with Phil Morris this morning who was on route to Stanstead via Hotel H man, knows how tough it is going to be, but all four of our lads have shown a great desire to be part of the team and it will be a fantastic experience and help them with their progression in the sport. Lets hope they can spring a surprise and progress through.

Just do like Wrestling Promoters do over here say they are American stars even if they've only seen Dallas on TV! Looks like a big crowd building at the stadium. Hope it all goes well for those who've put in all the hard getting the club launched.

Pretty much the final nail in the coffin for the sport in Reading! and like 25 year fan says, the old stadium site lays barren and will continue to do so for years to come!

When I was an avid fan I used to get both delivered. I remember the controversy of the Mail printing pictures of Erik Gundersen crash at Bradford when Star elected not too. My fave bit in Mail was the Fastbenders stories which included the legendary Bernie Collier if I remember rightly.

Nice idea in principal but even if the likes of Cook, Worrall and any other developing British talent wanted to do that, would a Poland or Swedish team snap them up? I doubt it, as they seem content developing their own rather the British promoter who seems intent on signing a developing Swede, Pole, Aussie or Dane rather than investing in the development of home grown riders.

Local press and Radio have reported that Stadia UK along with a leisure company have submitted plans to build a speedway/greyhound stadium along with leisure facilities including cinema on the land allocated after the closure of Smallmead. Stadia UK CEO appeared on Radio Berkshire confirming a planning application had been submitted as part of a tender process and a decision should be forthcoming next month!

Yep I agree A-Z much better idea, especially as several of the SS hacks are embedded in the backside of their team's promotion so give a totally disjointed prediction!

The track is about a mile from where I work, 12 miles from Reading, 8 miles from Basingstoke. It is on the main A340 opposite AWE Aldermaston, not near Greenham Common as some suggest. It is flanked by business units and a recycling centre. No housing in immediate vicinity, but, potential for localish residents to whinge I'm sure. It's certainly got much of the infrastructure required, a concrete oval track, pits area, small terracing with few seats and plenty of parking. I understand there is already planning permission for a dozen banger racing meetings and that the stadium owner has good relationship with local and parish councils. I know of one well known speedway party that have already met with the owners. My personal opinion is that the stadium would need to be upgraded as facilities very basic, but if someone is prepared to invest it could have good potential. I understand that a certificate of lawful use would have to be applied for where the venue is already licenced for motor sport.

Will Godfrey Spargo be bringing his good friend the former Reading Team Manager ivan Shears back into the fold. Shears is now based in Plymouth and the two used to room together on a lot of the Reading away tours when Spargo used to mentor Shears.

Pleased to hear the positive news - just checked on Edinburgh website, photo shows good number of fans in attendance, worryingly not one of them looks under 60!

With regards to Adam Ellis, his family have been friends with Phil Morris for many years and as many of you will know Adam and his family are based in France. Adam's focus was firmly on grasstrack/longtrack, but Phil encouraged him he should give speedway a crack and invited him over to Birmingham for his farewell meeting. Adam's progression on a speedway since that night in September 2011 has been stunning, so instead of having a pop about getting paid to travel round the country etc, how about giving the guy some credit for channelling a superb talent into British Speedway. If you speak to the up and coming Brits they will tell you Phil interest is to develop their abilities on a bike, not using his role to sign talent for the team he is involved with. Think there may be a little envy from some within the sport that Phil has the respect of these lads!

Yes all the best. Good luck to Godfrey, Peter,Seemond etc. Also would be great to see Plymouth resident Ivan Shears back involved in the sport.

Who forgot their boots then?

Yep I am told only four Russians at Kings Lynn for practice - what a shame as it could and should have a great 3 way tussle!