Hodgy

Surprised the double entendre took that long. Pleased to hear you enjoyed the meeting and was worth attending.

This the PL we are debating, most of those that pulled out have probably reached their level or are foreign. Can't see this instance assisting Team GB's climb up the rankings. 2 meetings in Poland without PL meetings would surely put a rider out of work. Might struggle with the mortgage if that were the case. In Allens case, he recently stated in 2 interviews that PL was his priority this season. Then a few weeks later 'chose' the Polish play offs over the PLRC due to the money on offer. I can understand that but given the number of meetings provided by his PL club, and resulting wages, I would have expected the PLRC to take priority. Can't imagine it would have an adverse effect on the Polish attendance. Whereas when all the riders pulled out so did I. It's supposed to be the top riders from each team - that's the meeting I wanted to see. As we have all said, the annoying bit is it could have been avoided with simple forward planning.

It was only Allen's second meeting of the season for the Polish club v +30 for Somerset. It's not about precedence, it's about showing some loyalty and respect. The PLRC isn't just a meeting filler, it's supposed to be the best riders of the season battling to be overall champion. It wasn't just 'some British fixture' when he so proudly won it last season.

Agree but this is a BSPA meeting, held at Sheffield. It just frustrates the hell out of me when it's the supporters that are treated with no respect, by the riders or promotors. With a bit of simple planning and a pair of balls it could have been avoided - but no one seems to care and just expect we will turn up regardless.

And Kennett.

First thing I thought upon hearing Allen was out as riding in Poland. Contradicts his recent interviews in SS and British Speedway web-site. Especially as you say, he is the defending champion. Understand these guys have a living to make but +30 meetings a season in the UK v the odd call up abroad. Maybe I'm missing something but appears to show a lack of respect to your full time employees and supporters.

Agreed, so why take the Polish fans into consideration? They hardly know or have seen these riders all season. Also agree that if the relevant bodies worked together it surely could have been avoided.

It's one of the major PL events of the season. Some of these 'drop outs' have rarely been called on for their Polish team yet been given a permanent team place at their PL club all season.

In my opinion this is a disgraceful action from a number of riders, not to mention a real slap in the face to their clubs supporters. 5 withdrawals to date, still time for more. If they can't be ar$ed then why should I be. I'm so fed up with all this farcical crap and the lack of respect towards the paying punters. Think I might just give it up and stick to GP's.

Leave a team, due to injury, with a chance of the making the play offs to then ride in between meetings elsewhere. Doesn't seem logical but hey what do I know.

So Lasse didn't come home and A Dryml rides abroad at the weekend. In next weeks episode of Panthers and the 'Supremo'........

If there is / was a payment issue, which is all still rumour, why keep missing the away meetings but ride at home?

I don't think they do. Most people are forwarding and/or exaggerating the rumours. Concerning situation, that's for sure. Do tell, would like to know the facts.

Would like to see him score 2012.

You've proved his point, again.

I'd reached that point.

Thought it was quite clear. Forget it, let's move on.

Not according to your last post.

Don't understand why they all keep putting themselves in the same position year in year. Like it or not the play offs will have to carry a cut off date, for obvious reasons. The PL start with a meaningless League Cup, then drip feed a few PL fixtures before going weeks without a meeting in the height of summer. The weather will play it's part but not in all cases. Start all leagues with the play off qualifiers, league matches. This should provide sufficient time for a full fixture list, none of this play some teams once, others twice stupidity. It would also give enough time to promote the play offs. With such an inconsistent fixture list, riders riding for 2 or 3 teams and foreign league commitments it was destined to end in the farce we are facing. Double-headers used to be a rarity, we are inundated with them this season.

That's a very blinkered view. You have been involved in numerous discussions surrounding the shenanigans and corruption in the EL. Not saying it doesn't go on in other leagues but repeat, I would be apprehensive boarding a sinking ship. Birmingham tried it when desperation came calling after Frost/Sadhugate.

Mildenhall done and dusted around 1 hr 15 mins yesterday, excluding parade. That's with both teams using R/R, therefore a few heats with 2 on the trot. Admittedly no incidents or restarts which can make a big difference.

I agree it should have been used in the PL, 2 Brits at reserve would suffice. All I'm saying is after the balls up they've made of the EL I can understand the apprehension / reluctance to go with their idea. Is that really what the EL wanted, where would their cost saving come from?

I don't see it like that. Would you vote to board a sinking ship. Not really worked very well for Birmingham and Eastbourne.

It should have been but The BSPA didn't use what they have. It's terrible for the sport now as people can see on TV what a complete mess it is. It actually promotes how crap it is - not the intended vision. Saturdays GP, that's how it's done.