bigeddiechek

A lot of speculation going on here, but that is part of making the close-season a bit more bearable I suppose! We only have 3 riders announced, one of the Ben Barker, Jorgenson should be solid enough, and potentially an exciting new youngster. We've still got 4 places to fill, so we have no idea what shape the team will take at the moment. I think potentially Barker can keep bums on seats if - as a few have suggested on here - we take the early part of the season to "adjust" the team Anyone know if Jan Jaros is still on the go?

Completely agree. More top class humour from Arson Fire

Sounds like a good idea. People are very lazy and need the info. fed to them. I know I am like that!

Bandits are regularly in the press (as mention in your first sentence). Do you mean there needs to be more advertising of events? I agree the further you spread the message the better. I think the club does a pretty good job, but know they are always looking to improve that. Maybe generic posters that have a blank space to write details on to, e.g. next meeting, or the event details?

I'm sure I have read about the Bandits in the local press?

Totally agree Taffy, it is all about the shape of the whole team for me. It's also very difficult to asses the teams on paper as well. I was not at all sure about Kus as a signing at the beginning of last season: but he certainly turned my views round when he started getting hard-fought crucial points in heat 15 and beating several top riders. We'll all have our views when we see the final team, but only after a few meetings will be really get a feel for how it will perform. Will we get the strength in depth that you and I prefer, or a team of tope heat leaders as some others prefer? It's at least keeping things interesting during the close season!

And Jorgenson, and a young Aussie who appears to have a load of potential. Nothing's baffling me either, and I'm pretty easily baffled!

He reminds me of Rymel too, but maybe not as aggressive when behind. I think there is a wee improvement to come,too, he was tremendous round Redcar last year, so I'm not surprised they want him!

I don't think Kus did struggle when he moved up, but I do think that he reached his level. Certainly a massive improvement throughout the season. In full flow he is a very classy rider with a beautiful style. I always admire any sportsman who comes back from a low point in such style. Takes tremendous character to be able to do that.

There are many more reasons other than a safety net for a Ltd company. I understand your point, but I can't see that having a load of shareholders with small percentages adds any value to either side. The club membership is an interesting one. Something rugby clubs have done in the area as long as I can remember. Aside from the potential financial benefit, it might well enhance the feeling of being part of the club rather than just a supporter. Interesting discussion you've started here Taffy

I see what you mean with this. Berwick is a limited company and produce annual accounts, annual return, etc. So financial accountability is subject to correct corporate governance. I wonder, would a membership based system as you outline be able to raise the additional working capital required to keep the club afloat (it has been mentioned that it is in the region of £30l p.a.)? It is a very complex and difficult type of business to run. I do my bit, but I'd run a mile from any corporate responsibility: unless I won the lottery, but I don't play it!

It's fair enough putting debate and ideas forward. There are a small handful on here who are rather cynical. They don't help at all. I'm not saying not to be critical, you can always learn from that, but that is very different from having a dig, as some do. With the team, I like the idea of having at least a couple of new assets, risky, but always good to see new riders. I think Glasgow will see a lot from Berge and Palovaara this year now they have realistic averages.

Then they have take as share of the liabilities of the business too. I will leave to work out the potential implications of that, and the potential difficulties that it would introduce. Corporate governance being just one of them. As Goodiepatch points out, speedway has always relied on volunteers, as do many other sports clubs. They volunteer to keep the sport they love going. I know many at Berwick who have volunteered for decades: they have been an essential part of keeping Berwick Speedway alive. Taffy, your financial support is also one of the factors that has helped, along with many others. Both the Supporters Club and 2012 Supports, also vital. Instead of (some) picking fault all the time on here, maybe they should show a bit more respect to everyone that helps out behind the scenes and realise that running a speedway club is an incredibly difficult task. If everyone brought one new person with them at every club in the country, we'd see the sport actually have a chance to move forward instead of peeing into the wind. Then the clubs would be better placed to act on some concerns the fans have. I know, there is also an awful lot more to do than that, but that is what I see the fans can do to help.

One burger's not as unhealthy as 10 pints Not as much fun either!

Only if there is a burger, a programme, and a can of pop thrown in I don't think that has to be the case. If you want to have a say in how the club is run, you really need to invest: this is particularly the case when the finances are underpinned by the owners. Volunteers do not have a say in how charities are run - and don't expect it. Another problem speedway seems to have is everyone thinks they can run a speedway team better than the promotions. I can't think of a more difficult business to run, and I am very impressed that so many clubs are still managing to survive!

You points in general about business are fine Taffy. Every business is different, and certainly many sports clubs rely on a certain amount of volunteers: but most importantly fans. I don't know about any bust ups, so can't comment on that, but I am only recommending as A SMALL PART of helping the sport survive that we try and bring friends along. An interesting point brought up is that it is a complicated sport to learn. It needn't be, but the wonderful rule makers see to it that it is. Also many businesses do everything right, but their market just isn't there. That is one of the worries about speedway.

This shows the difficulty the sport is in. I actually think there is a hell of a lot of good work done by both Edinburgh and Berwick, yet crowds are not enough to sustain the sport. One thing that is frequently sad to see on here is the incredible propensity for posters to attack their own promotion, and to almost gloat at small crowds. This attitude has to change as we need to attract more fans. Who would want to go to an event with someone who constantly moans about the track, or the sport in general? I even get lambasted on here as I've managed to get a few new folk to come along regularly! If every one could bring just one person along each week, it would make a huge difference. If we want the sport to survive the fans have to do their bit too.

Can't argue with that, although not sure what their crowds are like. Always looks very low any time I have been.

I though on both occasions they used the Sky meetings well to bring in new fans. Certainly brought a few new people to the sport that I - at least - am aware of. I think the general promotion is good, and that it will continue to improve. I'm not saying it is perfect, but it is certainly not bad. That's why I was bit surprised with Screm's post, there was no logic to it as they were two very specific events.

I completely agree, Barker as a signing alone is exciting. Watching two new riders is also exciting. There has to be a long-term view with that as they are usually handicapped with an unrealistic average at the start, but again - as you say - get the first 12 meetings out of the way, then you really see them fit into the team. To give one example, I think Palovaara at Glasgow will be one to watch. Now, where these riders come from, I haven't a clue, and I wouldn't want to be the one having to hunt them out! Peter had a lot of crackers, but not many can forget Benny!

This is a genuine question, which meetings were truly promoted, and what was the resulting increase in numbers? Aside from FIM and Sky meetings which are anomalous.

Still consider it above yours, buddy I'm not your buddy! Another spot on post from one of the most knowledgeable posters on here.

That's a pity, still nice to dream!

I see, thought there would be a reason for what you said. So you'll put a bit more towards them, even better still, they did well last year The extra left over to spent in the Black & Gold? I'll be the first to admit that my knowledge of speedway is infinitesimal, however, my enjoyment is substantial. Compliments of the season in return!

Good post, Tsumani.