Kester

No, it's not 'northern humour', it's infantile drivel. I wasn't aware there were any upper class people on here, I can't imagine Lord and Lady whatever donning their Wulfsport jackets and heading to Loomer Road or wherever. Though if there are any noble types on here and I've spoken out of turn then I doff my cap sir or maam.

I'm think the PL promoters want whoever is on a good average or a good prospect at reserve. I doubt they care about nationality either way. And there's nothing wrong with that.

TBF he was ok at Swindon. If there's any track he can show some sort of form on it's probably there. It's always clear which teams he thinks could be a threat to Poole. He's also been on the KL thread posting the usual drivel.

And how lucky we are to have him. I don't know if there's still a list of Birmingham assets on the website, half of them were over 45 and the other half would make a decent NL team.

Ollie Allen, The Drymls? How more horrific do we think the team could get - lets just sign Carpanese and be done with it.

Of course the statement said that, they're not going to make a statement saying 'This is our new initiative. To be honest we put it in place because 4 or 5 clubs are close to going to the wall'. John Cook was very clear with the intentions before the AGM, see his statement earlier in the thread, E I Addio posted it. As I said, if it was genuinely for the benefit of younger riders then it would be in the PL, why do you think it wasn't introduced there - were the EL promoters so desperate to help Britain's young riders they just wouldn't let the PL have such a good idea? And regarding riders, I couldn't give a monkey's where they come from, it doesn't enhance or detract from my enjoyment of a speedway meeting one little bit, and I suspect I'm far from alone in that.

I don't see how crowds will improve. By seeing more British riders? I suspect that the number of British riders is having no bearing on attendances. This season we will have a British World Champion, what effect will that have on attendances - I'd wager it'll be none at all. The motivation for this move is cost-cutting, as I have stated before if the intention is genuinely to improve British riders then wouldn't this be done in the PL first?

You're right, it often does provide a good night out. But stadiums are often dilapidated and presentation old-fashioned. I've taken plenty of newbies to speedway, Without exception they enjoyed it, but none of them thought that spending £17 regularly to see it is a good use of their money.

Can't argue with that. Personally, I think if you view the reserves as a 'meeting within a meeting' it could be potentially quite interesting. As you say (and I'm paraphrasing we'll have to suck it and see.

I was responding to claims that the rule was there to bring on youngsters. What is really needed is a business plan to increase attendances. As Orion has pointed out - yes, this measure will cut costs, but if attendances dip as people decide that paying the same money for less (in terms of rider quality) is not for them, then it may not be a saving at all.

But are they indicative of the racing that goes on week in and out in both leagues? Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the PL and the racing can be good. But in the EL the 1st and 2nd bends are far more cut and thrust, and the higher ability of the riders means you do see moves in the EL that you don't in the PL.

In what way? I've followed my club in both EL and PL, and I prefer the racing in the EL.

If the sole, or even primary, aim was reversing a trend then surely it'd be introduced in the PL first, as young Brits would have a better chance of making a fist of it. As it is, it's hard to see it as anything other than a cost-cutting measure first and foremost.

I'm not KKS, I'm a doctor from Germany/Travel Agent/Student etc etc etc

He won nowt, but did get to present the 'Most Gorgeous Sporting Coach' award to Peter Adams.

KKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ollie Allen - Jeez, we're still trying to get over the signing of Kennett. At least give us a few days before heaping on more pain.

OMG!!!! Viewing figures could be down by as many as ten whole people. I hear the BBC governors are convening for an extra-special meeting even as we speak. If Gary Lineker and Clare Balding look more ashen faced than normal we shall no the reason why.

It occurred to me I'd got that wrong. Either way, he'd be better than Kennett.

Exactly the same as in the PL. People will visit your track and watch what happens, they'll then tell you if it was rubbish or good. I wouldn't expect the quality of racing to differ drastically from the PL days.

I'd like to think that this was irony, but I'm sure it's not.

GP track conditions which are usually different on the night anyway. So that's not really worth much either. Look, if you want I'm sure Tai could be pressed into saying something nice about it. But the acid test will be in March, people will be quick to comment either way. Though if speedway is on tv next year I'd get your tin hat out for the first televised meeting at BP.

Could it be Lenny from Motorhead, he's be a 3 surely?

Tai was round on his own though, so I'm not sure his opinion would be worth much - which was the point being made.

Based on Kennett's recent form it's a shame he was ineligible for the NL draft.