bigeddiechek

There has been a lot of improvement. So, we have last season's results. Pretty good for a club our size. The track is immeasurably better than it was several years ago. It's lunacy to say otherwise. It's maybe not perfect, but it is far from bad. We signed Ben Barker, pretty good, no? We have Vissing and Doolan back, good? We have competitive pricing, good or not? We have the best deal for kids entry in the UK. We have a well kept stadium that has been improved over recent years. We get a regular newsletter that is packed with plenty info. It's maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but that is why it is subscription, so the people who want it, get it. The programme is of consistently high quality, and has been changed this season after supporter's suggestions. Posters are put out every month with upcoming fixtures. We get additional national and international meetings that we never used to get. We've now had two visits from Sky. The results this season have not been great so far - for various reasons - but, this has been before the league campaign gets fully underway. The promotion have acted quickly and decisively with the team to give us a decent shot at the league (well, I can hope for the time being at least). So I wouldn't say that is sitting back and waiting for things to happen. It is plainly not the case. Nobody on here will believe me, and I think it is just because they do not want to, but there are several people I know that have either returned or become new regulars over the past 2 - 3 years. I only know of the people who have stopped coming because of the aforementioned reasons. I've also had a fair few people along who have just said it is not their cup of tea. Nothing that can be done about that. I heard someone complain last week that Vissing and TJ missing this Saturday had not been announced. It was: both at the track, and also on Radio Borders. There are some people that there will be no pleasing, and they will drag others down with them. I really just do not get the point of it?

I think it would be fair to say that last season we competed with the above four, although not quite to the heights of Edinburgh and Somerset! I don't think anyone wants the club to close, but there are only two things that will stop that. Either wealthy individuals putting the hands in their pockets, or more people coming through the turnstiles. What I am really saying is you don't know what you have until it is gone. Look at what is happening around other tracks, the sport is not in good shape, but it needs paying punters to get it liquid again. Only then will there be any point in pushing for changes. If we focus on complaining at this point in time, then it will just drive things further into the ground. I would say that everyone involved since Peter stepped aside has done a hell of lot to try and address as many issues as possible. I would also say that Peter did an incredible job of keeping speedway alive and ensuring that it was passed on into good hands. Let's face it, there are not many people around capable financially or with the expertise to run a speedway club: much as many of us like to thing we are. Sometimes it's important to step back and think.

I know it might seem daft, but they did just get absolutely scunnered by some constant nipping in their ear. It's a real shame. Anyway, the fact is it has happened, accept it or not. Moaning is fine, of course it happens, but when the same things get repeated every week then I defy anyone to tolerate it. Different people react differently, I tell folk when I am fed up with them, others are more discreet: which isn't hard! It is also normal to balance any criticism with praise. I shall give an example. Last season the Promotion were given a hard time on here for not being ruthless enough and giving Liam Carr too much of a chance. So, this season, similar position and they act pretty quickly. An experienced rider too who could potentially score well. Furthermore, the change has added a lot more strength in depth. Both things that have been suggested on here: and both very fair points. So, the Promotion have acted and done things differently this season. Not a peep from the critics to even acknowledge that. It's all one way traffic and it is damaging. I feel it is a pity that I spend most of my time on here trying to balance up the case rather than discussing speedway. It was the same in the days of Peter Waite, and it was the same people castigating him. I can't understand this incessant attacking of the club, I don't understand what the ultimate aim of it is. I'm completely open to being given an explanation of this.

Bit of denial going on here.

I'm sorry Taffy, but it is actually the case. They just got so sick of it. Don't mis-represent me by suggesting that I am saying it is the only reason, just a few people I know got worn down with it. If you like, I can ask for their permission to post their names. Phew! The track is certainly a scapegoat, the same people that were complaining about it 10 years ago are complaining about it now. The negativity is really starting to do a lot of harm. It is likely going to finish things off. It's easy to be critical, and it's usually the bottom feeders of society that become critics. That is sensational hypocrisy from you Taffy! I lost count of the amount of times I heard you tell me that "Peter's biggest problem is that he never listened to anyone". That it was his way or the highway. Talk about invalidating your opinion!

I'm sorry to disappoint you, but there is a silent cohort (please do not paraphrase me, unless done correctly) who are really fed up of negativity on the ground. In their own words, they are not the sort of people who go on internet forums, so they are unaware of what is presented on here. I can thoroughly assure you that there are quite a few people who are fed up with this. I also know of several who stopped coming because of it. It just got to them. Nothing to do with the speedway. So just take that on board as it is a fact. I'm also sorry to disappoint you in that I really do not know what has caused any discord. It's not that I couldn't ask, it is just that I am not really interested. It looks as if the sport can only continue with wealthy benefactors. The crowd levels - although very good compared to other sports in the area - clearly are not going to significantly increase. Why would anyone give up valuable time, and money to continually be told they are not good enough? Even worse to be subject to verbal abuse. You can accept that, or likely not, but will you miss speedway when it is gone?

I would imagine that assets are very much a secondary concern to that of working capital. As has been demonstrated over the past years, it would require individuals who have good liquidity. It should be noted on here, for balance, that there is also a silent cohort who are fed up of hearing negativity from a certain few. Above anything else, nothing spoils a night more than a moaner. It very quickly becomes wearing. I am not at all up to speed with whatever discord has occurred, and frankly I am not interested. I can't see what is wrong with charging £20 - to those who wish to take it up - and provide a range of thank yous in return. I also don't see anything wrong with a group of supporters raising funds and choosing to spend it supporting riders. In fact, the two approaches actually make sense to me. No matter what anyone wants to call me on here, we have seen a great deal of improvements made over the post-Peter years. By everyone who was involved from the takeover. When could we have hoped to have riders of the calibre of Ashworth, Barker, Kennett, et al.? We've won the fours, and made the play-offs last season. We've had two very commendable Sky meetings, and have also had the bonus of international events staged. The stadium is markedly tidier. The polyfoam fence has saved many potentially very bad injuries. The track is greatly improved, although we have certainly lost the considerable home advantage that used to exist. I'm not pretending that there is not room for improvement, not by a long shot. I don't think anyone is. When you have a lot of people giving up their free time, working very hard, and the Directors dipping quite deeply into their pockets each year, you have to question how long the love of the club will last when it is continually undermined and is - sadly - dropping to the level of personal abuse at times. There is an element within the Berwick "support" that is rather worryingly flying into full self-destruct mode. Will they be the only people who will not miss their Saturday night speedway?

It's strange, their eyes kind of glaze over before they launch into a diatribe that I have been listening to for the best part of a decade now. You could be right.

No, due in particular to a couple of what they described as "track Nazis". Just got fed up of hearing the same record playing in their ears every week. It's really becoming self destructive.

That was in a different part!

Yep, and they were the very same ones who were on Peter's back all the time. Like I say, they disappeared pretty quickly when it came to the crunch. One of whom also broke what was clearly an empty promise. I heard some real crap last night from the same person who told me Katajisto was definitely signed as a replacement for Voldrich. Make of that what you will...

I remember when Peter announced that he was moving on, some of the most vocal critics just disappeared. Hopefully, if we are in that situation again (which I hope we are not), they will step up to the mark this time. Or, it will be gone forever. It would never get back through planning again. It goes back to the old saying, be careful what you wish for.

A few rotten apples... There are a few folk who don't come any more, not because of what is on track, but they have been worn down by the relentless negativity of some. That really is quite a sad situation. Still, I'll enjoy the season and hope for another.

The delay for ambulances kill meetings stone dead. Unfortunately, I cannot see a solution to this? A bit of that chat last night was there are still far too many accidents throughout speedway, and it seems to coincide with new silencer regulations, and other bike changes. Maybe time to look at this. 3 man races due to injuries is also something that has to be addressed in the sport. On the plus side, Barker, Joergenson and Vissing were really flying last night. So were Worrall and Howarth. Good to see a track where these guys were winding it on round the fence. Jorgenson looks are real talent, the way he can work the bike and tries about 100 different lines when not in front. Definitely one to watch. Hall at reserve potentially makes as a very strong outfit.

It wasn't ridiculed. It was , however, pointed out that a few will likely get their wishes come true next season. It will then be like the last time, all the people who had plenty to say suddenly vanished. All mouth and no (positive) action comes to mind. Great news that Alex has nothing broken

Ben Barker saying: "Hope Alex Edberg is ok... League cup out the way now onto the league, on the plus side really enjoyed track tonight." ​Several folk comment on hoping that Alex is OK, and the track looked almost perfection to most this evening.

With the form Barker, Vissing, Doolan, TJ and Edberg are in there is only one side in for a drubbing

Style and taste when it's on me

It's know as style

Ha ha! Say Mr Ladies' Man!

He was spot on. Even the supreme authority with regard to weather prediction - The Met Office - were miles out for most of there prediction.

My replies to my posts have just won me a bit of cash Very entertaining, particularly the multi-quote one Jim thank you for being so punctual with your reply

Splendid irony! 15,205!!!!!

It takes strength of character to change one's opinions, and I'm completely sold on the importance of weather updates on here now. The Met Office website has been a revelation. P.S. That precipitation probability is decreasing each update

The persuasive argument on here has completely convinced me that it is thoroughly important: on here.