Shadders

Spent half an hour or so in there late on Saturday night. Plenty of speedway riders in there (sorry Trees), could've been either of those. No sign of Mickey Dyer

Lucky you weren't there on Monday for the Leicester meeting. Rarely have a decent afternoon meeting at Rye House

To be honest I was so pi**ed off with all the rain offs over the weekend up North I just wanted to get back home.

Missed this the first time round due to the rubbish weather. Unfortunately unable to make the rescheduled date I think we'll be lucky to make 30 let alone 38

Perhaps he's getting his average low enough to race in the National League next year. His confidence must be shot to pieces after his enforced time out of speedway. Dudley will need someone to replace Adam Roynon.

What would a 6.85 EL average equate to in the PL? I suppose you mean Coventry's number one.

His average is only going one way. Last resort as far as I'm concerned which probably means he's a dead cert.

I've only ever seen 2 or 3 top division league meetings in 27 years watching speedway. It's only recently that I've started to watch anything but Rye House meetings, thanks to B4E's influence. In the mid to late 80's I took in some Wimbledon, Hackney and Arena Essex home meetings that didn't involve Rye House, but I was single then with more disposable income. I'm sure I'll knock off those last few tracks over the next couple of years.

Looks well over at first glance.

Not sure if Stoke can afford to move up. They lost a bucket full of money in the Premier League. In the current economic climate I very much doubt they would contemplate a move back. Mildenhall's crowds dropped off during their final PL years. I remember some pretty poor sides they put out. Didn't they go through a season losing all but one home meeting, against Kings Lynn? Not sure how their support has held up since they dropped down. Would Dudley contemplate a move up without a track of their own? The support base is easily enough for them to be a PL side. They'd be a welcome addition if they can control the hooligan element amongst their supporters who give the ordinary decent Dudley fans a bad name.

It really is ridiculous the prices these hotels are asking for what is basically bed and breakfast. Hmmm... Some people have it their head they that have to be bang on the centre of the city, but that comes at a premium

I feel the standard has improved since I began watching 3rd division racing when Rye House reopened over 12 years ago. Rumour going around Rye House is that the Raiders side is going to be shelved for 2013, probably to reduce costs.

The Marriot and Holiday Inn near the castle were asking £350 a room for the Friday and Saturday. Anyone who pays that seriously needs their head examined!

I'm afraid I agree with Waco, it's likely to be a horror show tonight. Give Len his due, he's giving the youngsters a chance, but the NL isn't a training league, the quality has shot up over the years. These days they're expected to race against Elite League riders. No criticism of Dudley. As a stand alone club they have to put out the strongest side available. If Rye House were in the same position I'd expect the same.

Because I felt like it. I didn't know we had to send our posts to you for moderation before they were allowed on here.

Pleased to hear you had a good day, despite the poor racing, although I doubt you'll be complaining about that! The meeting did seem to drag on a little, but delays for riders having two races on the trot, fence repairs, watering and the interval for the Ben Fund collection didn't help. I said right at the start of all this nonsense we wouldn't see him this year. Put yourself on his position. He has a partner and a toddler and I've heard he has a decent job working at a mine. Why would he leave his partner and kid to travel half way round the world for 7 months? I doubt his partner was happy living in a caravan at the track away from her friends and family The vast majority of young Aussies come over here without any ties, so it's easier for them to adapt. Nelson's situation is vastly different By no means am I claiming that these are the facts, just a hunch. As for next year, who knows? Nelson presumably!

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Pity you wasn't there when he told a group of Rye House supporters basically to p*ss off when they dared to voice their concerns and opinions. And you wonder why the crowds fell away? Seeing as you've taken on the mantle of Mr Russell's mouthpiece perhaps you could ask him if he rememembers that particular incident.

I'm never drinking again

Back to an evening meeting after Monday afternoons disappointing defeat against Leicester (note the earlier start time). Hopefully a return for Charlie, but not sure about the reported return of Jason Garrity from a hand injury. Rye House have booked cover for both riders (Jason Doyle please). No mention of Ben Morley, so I guess he's being overlooked? Don't envy the National League boys racing on a bare track in the second half meeting with the IOW.

£1,174 raised for the Ben Fund at Rye House this afternoon... Well done to everyone that contributed The Rye promotion wouldn't even allow a collection in the stadium for Robbo after his horror crash at Mildenhall 6 years ago. Some die hard supporters had to organise something at another venue.

Planned to take my kids away that week as it's half term, but they'll have to wait until July when the summer term ends

Count me as one of them

Hotel booked!!

Must be different rules for the FIM, because they've been happy to award Rye House with a couple of meetings in the past.