PhilK

The crowds did increase last year and were the best for many a year overall. However I certainly see no need to rush back into the PL just yet. I dont agree with your comment about a more stuctured league or paying less in the NL and being a big fish either, I think the NL is a brilliant product. Personally I would like to see us stay in the NL for another couple of seasons and consolidate the excellent work of last year. Don't forget in June 2010 crowds were around 300! It may be that when Ipswich are ready to return to the EL, Mildenhall will have everything in place to move to PL?? Who knows but as Damon so rightly said above " does Mildenhall Speedway offer great value? do the meetings run on time? medical cover ready and waiting? a much improved track? (no blue lines) the answer to all the above last year was YES" and that is more important to me than the league we are in!

Hope the mods don't mind me starting this.... but although there is a general discussion thread on the AJL thought it would be worth having somewhere where all the match results can be placed. I am happy to post all the Mildenhall match details, if maybe Mimmo could deal with Kings Lynn and parsloes with Lakeside? All we need then is Rye House, Ipswich and Peterborough. First piece of fixture news is that the Kings Lynn will hold their first AJL meeting v opponents to be advised, after their press and practise day on Wednesday 21st March! Best news of the winter to see the AJL back in my opinion, long may it prosper.

Sorry but that is just a bizarre post . The Scunthorpe Saints are an integral part of the NL, and the NL would be alot poorer without them When they visit Mildenhall this season I will look forward to seeing young Phillips and Clegg for the first time, plus Greenwood, Wrathall and co. Not sure what you mean by 'that type of entertainment' but I'm sure they will all give a good account of themselves.

Certainly happy to help out with the details from Mildenhall home meetings in the AJL (and some of the away ones) mate! Maybe there could be AJL / MDL and NJL results threads set up on this part of the forum purely for posting details of match results?

Excellent post Arnie, totally agree

Me too Damon. But whatever, it is great to see Jason having a chance to get his career going again. He is one of the nicest blokes in Speedway and was certainly extremely popular at Mildenhall. Hopefully this is just a stepping stone and he is soon back in the Premier League where he belongs.

Leaving Sunday 15th, Buxton or Mildenhall ?

The Mildenhall round is on Sunday 13th May

Taken from the Official Mildenhall Website - Mildenhall Success Story Rewarded! Thursday, 26 January 2012 22:07 | Mildenhall Fen Tigers management team have declared themselves "delighted" with the outcome of the National League's AGM in Warwick, which has seen the club being chosen to stage the 2012 NL Pairs Final plus the opening round of the British Youth Championships. "We are thrilled for everyone, from the promotion and staff to our fantastic supporters at West Row, that all the hard work to make Mildenhall a force in speedway again last season has been recognised and rewarded by being given two such prestigious fixtures," said a happy Chris Louis. "We want to make them days to remember for everyone and look forward to seeing fans from all over the country in West Suffolk. It's an huge honour to get the Pairs and bearing in mind that we are trying to discover new British youngsters, getting the Youth Championship is a real feather in our cap. With 125 cc, 250cc and 500cc classes it'll be a busy meeting which we plan to make into a real family day out." As far as the Fen Tigers are concerned the 2012 season is looking even busier than their successful relaunch last year. Eight teams will come to the tapes in the National League with Stoke, Buxton, King's Lynn, Rye House, Scunthorpe, Dudley and the Isle of Wight completing the line up. It'll have the same format as last year, with the sides meeting home and away before the top four compete in the end of season play-offs. There will be a new competition for the Tigers and the other "stand alone" clubs, Stoke, Buxton and the Isle of Wight, with the four teams racing each other home and away in a mini league series. Mildenhall have also confirmed that the new season will start at West Row on Easter Sunday (8th April). Among the mouthwatering opening fixtures will be a clash against Dudley in the National League Shield and the start of their KO Cup defence which has seen them paired against local rivals King's Lynn. Louis continued, "It's great that as cup winners we've been asked to take on Dudley in the Shield and it would be brilliant to land some silverware early. And what a way to open our 2012 KO cup campaign. It's difficult to imagine a harder start than a local derby but make no mistake having won the cup last year we want it to stay at West Row." Co-promoter Michael Lee also confirmed that this year's official Press and Practice Day will take place on Sunday 18th March, with supporters welcome to attend. "It's an exciting time and it'll give fans the chance to get the first taste of what's in store on the track in 2012". The name of the final team member who will complete the Fen Tigers line-up will also be revealed at the session. "We've decided to not to rush into any decisions and will be inviting a number of riders to our February training days so we can take a good look before making our minds up." There will be the first chance to hear from the riders and promotion at a 'Meet the Riders Night and Disco' in the Fenman Bar on Saturday 18th February starting at 7pm. Admission for adults is £3 with no charge for children under 15. Louis concluded, "Even though this time around there are less teams in the National League, we could end up with more meetings than last year, so a hectic and exciting time lies ahead. We are determined to build on our opening year success and make it another season to remember."

Well pleased to see Brendan Johnson finally announced tonight as a Kings Lynn Young Star for 2012

Not quite correct mate. Mildenhall started the season with Lewis Blackbird and Danny Stoneman at reserve, neither had much league speedway experience at that point in reality. Of course Lewis improved very quickly and made a mockery of his 3 point starting average, moving into the main body in late May allowing the more experienced Joe Jacobs to drop to reserve. From that point we did indeed have an experienced reserve for the remainder of the season with both Aaron Baseby and Dan Halsey having spells at reserve. Mildenhall still have 4.50 points left so it remains to be seen whether the other reserve will have some experience or be a 'newbie'.

On Official Website - Mildenhall side Josh Bates.

Taken from the Official Mildenhall site - Mildenhall Fen Tigers have completed their sixth signing for the 2012 National League campaign by snapping up highly rated teenager Josh Bates. The 16-year-old from Yorkshire impressed the club when he attended the Mildenhall Academy last year, and put pen to paper at the weekend. He is being managed and mentored by Louis Carr who played a big part in getting Josh to line up for the Fen Tigers. Co-promoter Michael Lee said, "We can't thank Louis enough for making this deal happen. The fact that someone of his status has taken Josh on board shows the potential he has, and Louis is as convinced as we are that he has got what it takes. I know he stood out when he came down to West Row to attend the Academy and we are delighted that he is the first rider to come through and earn a team place. He has been getting in plenty of practice at Scunthorpe during the winter, and considering he has only started riding 500cc bikes in the last few weeks, is doing exceptionally well already. He has been practising with Ashley Birks and is already clocking times not much slower than him. He has a fantastic mentor in Louis and I am delighted he felt that we were the right club for Josh to start his professional career with." The youngster has made startling progress since first getting on a 125cc speedway bike at the start of 2010. He moved up to a 250cc bike in June 2010, before taking part in the 2011 250cc British Championship and finishing fourth. As well as competing in the British championship Josh rode in the amateur summer championship at Scunthorpe, which he won, and also competed in the 250cc world championship in Sweden. Bates's arrival leaves the Tigers with one slot to fill for the new season, with Cameron Heeps, Lewis Blackbird, Daniel Halsey, Stefan Neilsen and Joe Jacobs the other confirmed starters. Lee said, "We are looking at a number of options for the last spot and will make a final decision next month, after we've held some open practice sessions at West Row. We are delighted with the team as it stands and I'm confident we are in for another successful season." Supporters will get their first chance to meet the team and hear from the promotion about the new season on Saturday 18th February, when the club will be holding a 'Meet the Riders Night' in the Fenman Bar at West Row starting at 7pm. More details will be announced in the next week.

Ok Tony thanks for the response. It's a pity as I'm sure I am not alone in disliking reading for any length of time off a PC. I would have been happy to have printed the book off and bound it myself. A shame that is not an option. Will still purchase the disc though as it looks an excellent piece of work.

I think Bagpuss is correct Damon, in that Robert Lambert isn't old enough to ride in the NL this season. Hopefully he will be invited to Mildenhall during the coming season for some second halfs as potentially he certainly looks a very good prospect. Nathan Stoneman would certainly fit the bill though for 2012!

Personally I think Dan Halsey could be the rider to become our third heat leader. No doubt in my mind he has the talent, the machinery and after a couple of difficult years has found a club where he feels wanted. It wasn't so long ago he was averaging 8 in the NL and nearly 4 in the PL at Rye House and it wouldn't surprise me to him up around 7 - 7.5 this season, especially if he starts 2012 how he finished 2011! Message for Nikko - Damn Blackberry's lol !

Just had a look at the links on your site Tony, and it looks an excellent in depth work that fills a gap in the Speedway Yearbook history. Is it possible to print off a hard copy from the CD Rom should the purchaser wish to do so?

On Official Mildenhall website, Heeps / Halsey / Nielsen / Jacobs and Blackbird all confirmed

Taken from the Official Mildenhall website:- Two More Tigers Signed Up Monday, 02 January 2012 17:36 | Mildenhall Fen Tigers have unveiled two more signings as they gear up for the 2012 National League campaign. Rider of the Year Lewis Blackbird, who had a superb debut season, returns for a second term at West Row. He is joined by a new face, the highly rated teenager Stefan Neilsen, who was part of the Scunthorpe/Sheffield team that just pipped the Fen Tigers to the National League title, after a dramatic Play-Off final. The duo will link up with other returnees Cameron Heeps, who will be doubling up with Premier League Ipswich, and Daniel Halsey who was the first rider to put pen to paper for the new campaign. Joe Jacobs, who is currently recovering from a broken ankle suffered racing in Australia, is expected to complete a formidable looking top five for the Tigers, with the names of two new reserves expected to be revealed next week. Co-promoter Michael Lee said, "Obviously we are delighted to get Lewis back. He had an incredible year and I don't think anyone, including Lewis himself, expected he would more than double his starting average. I know our supporters who voted him their Rider of the Year will be thrilled too. "Stefan comes to us with a growing reputation and looks a terrific prospect. He is still only 17 but has already been part of a league winning team, and wants to build on that success with us. He lives just down the road from West Row, so it's a great signing for both parties." Despite his injury Joe Jacobs is confident he'll be fit in plenty of time for the start of the season. "Joe is staying in Australia to recover. He reckons he'll be ready in eight weeks and is keen to fit some more racing in Down Under before he comes home. We were hearing great things about Joe before his injury and I reckon if all goes according to plan this could be his breakthrough year. "As far as the reserves are concerned we have more or less made up our minds who we want, and hope to get things sorted out by next week." Lee admits the club's one disappointment is not being able to fit the popular Aaron Baseby into the 2012 line up. "I am gutted to be honest, but his average was just too high to fit the structure that we want. It's a huge shame as Aaron is a great team man and a lovely lad to have around. I am sure another team will quickly snap him up and he will always be welcome at West Row." The other riders not returning are Mark Baseby whose Longtrack and Grasstrack commitments ruled him out, while last year's skipper Jack Hargreaves is taking a break from the sport.

That leaves 7.50 left if my mathematics is up to scratch . Be interesting to see who the last two riders are.

We know each other well and you know I respect your views, but ... this debate has been regularly raising its head since July this year on virtually every Mildenhall thread. The fact is you won't get the answer you are seeking, certainly not on this site, and as far as I can see all it does is bring out the same divided opinions. Those that are happy to see Cameron ride in the NL, those that are not and a few 'mischief' makers! We are just going round in circles it seems to me, hence my comment on Nikkos post. Of course you are free to keep asking, but I don't really see the point, sorry mate!

Agree 100% Nikko, time to move on i'd think. Interesting point about using Cameron in 2012. Although he was a great rider for us and a crowd puller last season, I too would consider going without him and maybe looking to line up along the lines of 1. Branford 2. A Baseby 3. Jacobs 4. Nielsen 5. Blackbird 6. Halsey 7. A 3 pointer. Being able to have Danny start at reserve would ensure we had one very powerful reserve all season, which would be a useful weapon when looking at the other sides. PS - The side above is just my opinion and a suggested potential starting seven. A previously suggested seven caused some upset in certain areas

According to todays Newmarket Journal, team should be announced in the next couple of weeks

Thats right mate, from the Official Mildenhall website - An Agreement Has Been Reached!! Thursday, 22 December 2011 17:28 The Mildenhall Promotion team and the BSPA have agreed staged payment terms that will see Michael Lee, Chris Louis and Kevin Jolly continuing at West Row. We are so relieved to get an agreement in place that finally enables us to finish our team building plans and build on what was a fantastic start to the project in 2011. With the 'Promotional Rights' bought and a payment plan in place for the National League Entry Fee, Fen Tigers fans can look forward to a more settled period in the clubs history and can rest assured, that we are even more determined than last season to bring pride and success to West Row. We intend to finalise the team as soon as possible and would hope that our fans will know the full line up maybe before the New Year. It's exciting times for us now that everything is in place and although the final agreement has delayed our Academy plans we are still keen to see it up and running during 2012 Merry Christmas

Taken from the Official Mildenhall website Further Update... Tuesday, 20 December 2011 20:21 The promotional team would like to keep all Fen Tigers fans up to date with regards to the current situation. "We have worked very hard to re-budget and re-schedule our payments and have made a request to the Management Committee with regards to payment terms of the Promotional Rights and National League Entry Fees. We have requested a stage payment of the Entry Fee that would see the fee paid in full by the end of August and would certainly help the cash flow situation at the beginning of the season. We would like to stress that the club to this day has not defaulted on any payments and the entry fee is only relevant to new clubs and or promotions and is a one off payment. It would however delay our plans for the Academy but of-course the club and its fans are the most important elements at West Row. The fans have been so very supportive and 2011 has been so much fun for everyone at Mildenhall that we promise to do all we can to fulfil our long term goals at the club........