Kester

How many of them have also done a runner on a bike (illegally). Or been involved in punch ups on the street. Or been charged with sexual offences. Oh, not many of us actually. It all adds up to a picture of someone who isn't really living his life in the right way don't you think? Or maybe you think to act in any of these ways is absolutely fine, each to his own I suppose. If Matt Ford is prepared to make the statement he has, and let's face it he knows the lad an awful lot better than you or me, then something is clearly up.

Middlo may well be a lovely guy but that hasn't got anything to do with this. He is in a position of power (Manager of Poole/GB) With power comes responsibility. If asked to give a quote about an issue involving drugs and other illegal activity it's really best to think through what you're going to say. He's blundered very badly, and rather than coming out with a lame 'misquoted' line should say something a little more believable, such as he wasn't in full possession of the facts (I don't know if he was or wasn't).

I agree Chris. I personally doubt that Middlo has been misquoted. I'm struggling to think of any context where what he said would be anything other than daft at best, unbelievably stupid at worst. As you say there is no reason for the Echo, which is nothing but glowing at everything Poole Speedway, would try and make mischief. More likely is that that Lord Ford read the comments, was not happy, which led to the predictable 'I was misquoted' angle (a catch-all excuse after caught saying something stupid beloved of politicians the world over).

Threads often go off track. Besides, it's nice to have a break from the Swindon/Boro squabbling for a bit.

You would think that, from a marketing point of view, if they're using photos of PL riders then that would be the top level of riders they're looking at. I wouldn't use a photo of Simon Lambert to advertise a meeting with Gollob in it. No offence to Mr Lambert but you see my point.

He's here all week folks It is nice. I've seen people get very antsy when discussing if rosewood or maple fretboards affect tone, there could be a war over it.

I wouldn't normally criticise the mods because it's a pain in the bum job that they do out of the goodness of their hearts. But, I'm also on a guitar forum and the difference in mod behaviour is vast. If there are any personal insults on there, bans are handed out straight away (read the Leicester thread at the mo, full of infants abusing each other). Any posts which are obviously trolling are removed immediately. If someone is banned then kick em off as soon as they re-appear. I appreciate a forum based on a sport might cause a higher level of emotion than guitars (although you'd be surprised!) - but even so.

Agreed, it's a more laughable conspiracy theory than the Moon landings not taking place and aliens living under Denver Airport (This one is really out there - type it into a search engine and find out what some deranged US citizens think is real) .

They're a strange bunch aren't they, speedway promoters. A couple of years ago they came over all concerned about European law and scrapped the 0.25% reduction for British riders post haste, citing the legal implications. Yet they still operate a contract system from from the dark ages. Anybody would think they never think about any of this stuff and make it up as they go along......surely not.

But what is it a contract for and what does it say? Does it say that they can stop him riding for another club if Peterborough don't want to use him? Peterborough's stance is odd as it seems likely they have Bjerre signed up anyway so, as others have pointed out, they wouldn't be able to use Batch and Hans with the 2 rider rule. Presumably though if P/boro wanted to mess everybody about they could spin this out till mid-March by saying 'they're all under consideration you know'.

I agree with you re Iverson, it is reasonable. The problem is that you're then reliant on clubs to have the dough to cough up. Take Brum and the Barker situation, ignoring the possible shenanighans about who said what to who. If Brum have to buy him (especially the figure is anything like £20000) then I expect they won't, possibly because they can't.

You can call some clubs vultures, but a team like Peterborough put themselves in a position where they have far more riders than they would be able to fit in a team. Expecting clubs to stump up for signing riders as assets left, right and centre when those clubs can barely afford to run anyway shows what thin ice the system is on.

What's wrong with the Heep, very eavy...very umble.

No, nor do I as when it's well prepared Brandon is very good. I don't think it's been consistently good since Lance Sealey (was that his name - something like that) was doing it.

It's a good view from the home straight though and I've never had a problem with the locals, on the whole a friendly bunch. I'd rather go to a great track with average facilities than a good stadium and poorly prepared track such as - dare I say it - Brandon. It's a serious point though as I go to both from time to time - I go to Brandon because I have friends who go, I go to Wolves to watch entertaining speedway.

Wolves is a funny one - every time I go there when I first see the track I think 'Mickey Mouse'. But the racing is almost always at least good, and often better. As a venue to go and watch consistently good speedway there aren't many places better than Wolves.

You do know that you responding to KKS who is desperately trying to pretend to be a Wolves fan. Well, for the next few days anyway then the usual drivel will commence.

He'd never ride against them here either so he'll be alright.

If you paid to watch Sowka you'd pay to watch anything.

Just the latest cry for attention.

Or imagine if he signed the Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper. Sure, he would divide opinion but would be great for publicity. Panthers may even get 1000 through the door.

If only Belle Vue rewarded the fans for the faith they have shown with the promotion.

Looks a competitive team, all things being equal should be up there you'd think.

That's only because the idiot hasn't been on. As soon as they are you'll be all over it like a rash.

You accuse me of talking pish - what on earth is this? Brum had already agreed to go up, replacing Ipswich who came down. King's Lynn were hardly forced, they were just offered massive sums of cash to go up after the situation had been botched and the EL was short of clubs.