chunky

For those who don't follow non-league footy, I'm sure they have no idea just how many teams have been displaced in recent decades. The sad thing is that it is just like speedway, with clubs leaving their homes of many years. At least they often have a chance to groundshare, or - as a lot have done - end up in a sports "facility", rather than an actual ground/stadium. The problem with the latter is that it can restrict growth and upward advancement.

But do you have a "two-minute" klaxon? Don't think your neighbours would be impressed...

Yeah, Andrzej is one of the last of that era. Speedway - like other sports - goes in cycles, Bob. Remember when the Americans ruled for a while. Then the Danes. Then the Aussies. The big thing for the Poles in recent years has been the conveyor belt of good youngsters coming through. As far as league, the Poles have better stadiums, and more sponsorship, so they can offer more to the riders - and so can Sweden. There are many problems with league racing in the UK, and while mismanagement is a big factor, it just doesn't seem to be a "cool" sport anymore. Plus, losing stadia to development hasn't helped, particularly those that were also greyhound venues.

Sadly not, Bob. Toni passed away in December 2001, at the young age of 60.

Not that I ever went there - or even knew where their ground was - but they are now play by Beverley Meads on the A3, just north of Coombe Lane.

Was that the night he rode eight times? I remember something about that...

If this was at an indoor track, we would'nae have a problem!!! I'll get me coat...

Don't give 'em any ideas..

Heard rumors that it will be early December...

Judging by the comments on here, there's no point in doing anything...

How did I forget to include that? I went to all those finals!

It really wasn't that unusual for a rider to ride in the last three heats, particularly the Home 3 or Away 1.

That's the thing I've never understood.... Kelvin even said that tonight.

You have to wait until next year! Hey, I remember 1976 and 1979, when we didn't even bloody qualify!!!

That is the REALLY sad thing...

Nah... I remember the days of Wilson, Hunter, McKinlay, and the Boococks... NEXT!!!

Can we keep it going until GB get in front?

Just like Manchester!

Not the first time we've said that!

This is the BSF; believe...

When I got onto YouTube, and saw the rain, I thought they'd switched it back to the NSS!

Just the weirdos and jokers on this forum...

Funny you should say that! This morning I found George Hunter at Sheffield in 1976 taking six rides, and riding in heats 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13. I thought that was impressive, but yeah, I think Alan would have the record. Obviously, in 13 or 14 heat matches, that can't be beaten!

Unfortunately, I don't have any REAL memories of that, even though I was there. My main memories from the Laurels was from 1980. That's when I spent the second half of the meeting (and several ensuing hours) unconscious in St. George's Hospital after head-butting the concrete arch on the pits bend...

Sad news. Very underrated rider, and I first saw him at Wembley in 1969. So soon after we lost Jerzy Szczakiel too...