Lake Bodom Comet Posted June 28, 2007 Report Share Posted June 28, 2007 Any Kaparna fans got any news on the Blades prospects for the immediate future?? With defeat after defeat and spending the season in exile in front of ever dwindling crowds can they survive this season and rise again if the new stadium ever becomes reality?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostwalker Posted June 28, 2007 Report Share Posted June 28, 2007 well they surely have some difficult time ahead of them. Poor results on track and poor results off track. The new stadium will if ever most likely not be ready until 2009 according to Tommy Rander due to appeals and that kind of stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwoMinuteWarning Posted June 28, 2007 Report Share Posted June 28, 2007 Surely they can't afford to have another season in 2008 like this year? They can hardly save costs by reducing the strength of the team, even when they are relegated to the Allsvenskan next year - it's more or less an Allsvenskan strength team already! Can they not take a 1-year break from the League, then come back in 2009? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostwalker Posted June 29, 2007 Report Share Posted June 29, 2007 Can they not take a 1-year break from the League, then come back in 2009? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> No it doesnt work that way. A Team can pull out yes but if they want to continue the season after they will have to restart in the division 1 league. Then they will need to win the Div1 in the 1st season then the next season they will have to win the Allsvenskan play-offs to regain their place in Elitserien. The strength is sligthly better then regular Allsvenskan teams. They are a bit too good for allsvenskan but not good enough for Elitserien. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarabanko Posted June 29, 2007 Report Share Posted June 29, 2007 Only Tommy Rander knows the actual situation regarding Kaparnas economical situation. It is not enough that Kaparna are stonelast, at every match they have a team under the minium teamaverage and they get fines for it every match, I dont recall the sum though. Rander has said that they need a average attendance of 1500 to row it allaround. And that attendance figure has only been reached one time and it was at their 'homematch' staged in Nässjö against next door neighbours Elit Vetlanda that drew a attendance of 2464 peoples. Their other homematches has drawn: At 'home' in Eskilstuna against Hammarby: 708 At 'home' in Hagfors against Masarna 1295 At 'home' in Linköping against Piraterna 1460 At 'home' in Karlstad against Rospiggarna 509 At 'home' in Gislaved against Västervik 1013 / Mikael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lake Bodom Comet Posted June 29, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2007 Sounds like depressing times for speedway fans in Goteborg ....and even if the new stadium is built will the fans travel to it?? Eskilstuna's decline in fortunes seem to have co-incided with the move out of the town to their new home at remote Grondal Only a few years ago the Elitserien was booming but now their are dark clouds on the horizon........ Then again its probably in a lot healthier state than the British Elite League and the increasing profile of Hammarby in Stockholm must be a definite plus for Swedish Speedway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostwalker Posted June 29, 2007 Report Share Posted June 29, 2007 Sounds like depressing times for speedway fans in Goteborg ....and even if the new stadium is built will the fans travel to it?? Eskilstuna's decline in fortunes seem to have co-incided with the move out of the town to their new home at remote Grondal Only a few years ago the Elitserien was booming but now their are dark clouds on the horizon........ Then again its probably in a lot healthier state than the British Elite League and the increasing profile of Hammarby in Stockholm must be a definite plus for Swedish Speedway <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Well im not so sure that the location of Smedstadion is the biggest reason for decreasing spectator figures. Since its either 10-15 minutes by car from the major parts of the city/Municipality there is also special bus line that has 2 departues on match days. It has a quite reasonable price (20kr for each direction). Alos the 2003 season which was the 2nd year with the new arena show up some fantasic spectator draws with an avergae of 4200 and a pike at the home meeting against masarna where an amazing number of 8353 came to see the match. However one important thing that might affect the spector draws is that Smederna lost the Swedish team-final in 2003 despite being the best team during the season and i think that this still affects the number of spectators. IMO its the less good results that is the major reason but since Smederna now has performed a kind of generation change the "oldies" like Hamill and Nahlin and "semi-oldies" like Nicki P, JBJ and Scott N are gone. They are replaced by a young hungry team with alot of fighting spirit with riders Like Roo-boy, Miskowiak and Buczkowski together with polish stars Jagus and Kasprzak and Swedish riders Eric A, Linus Eklöf and Stefan "Ando" Andersson. This season with the help of a bit luck we might make it to top 6 and playoffs but next year (if we can keep the team intact) a place in the semi finals is definitely with in reach and i think if this team starts show good results the spectators will comeback. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Schumi Posted June 29, 2007 Report Share Posted June 29, 2007 (edited) No it doesnt work that way. A Team can pull out yes but if they want to continue the season after they will have to restart in the division 1 league. Then they will need to win the Div1 in the 1st season then the next season they will have to win the Allsvenskan play-offs to regain their place in Elitserien. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Does that only apply in that instance, or do you have promotion and relegation as a rule? "semi-oldies" like Nicki P<{POST_SNAPBACK}> Edited June 29, 2007 by Schumi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostwalker Posted June 29, 2007 Report Share Posted June 29, 2007 Does that only apply in that instance, or do you have promotion and relegation as a rule? NThe Promotions and releagtions are reglated in the rulkes for the speedway series system. last team in Elitserien is relegated to Allsvenskan and the bottom team in Allsvenskan is relegated to Division 1. In the oher direction the team that wins Division 1 is promoted to Allsvenskan and the team that wins the Allsvenskan playoffs ; teams 2 and 3 meet in a semi final and the winner meets team 1 in the final where the winner is promoted to Elitserien. I hope this was what you wanted to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Schumi Posted June 29, 2007 Report Share Posted June 29, 2007 NThe Promotions and releagtions are reglated in the rulkes for the speedway series system. last team in Elitserien is relegated to Allsvenskan and the bottom team in Allsvenskan is relegated to Division 1. In the oher direction the team that wins Division 1 is promoted to Allsvenskan and the team that wins the Allsvenskan playoffs ; teams 2 and 3 meet in a semi final and the winner meets team 1 in the final where the winner is promoted to Elitserien. I hope this was what you wanted to know. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> That's great, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarabanko Posted June 30, 2007 Report Share Posted June 30, 2007 (edited) Sounds like depressing times for speedway fans in Goteborg ....and even if the new stadium is built will the fans travel to it?? Eskilstuna's decline in fortunes seem to have co-incided with the move out of the town to their new home at remote Grondal Only a few years ago the Elitserien was booming but now their are dark clouds on the horizon........ Then again its probably in a lot healthier state than the British Elite League and the increasing profile of Hammarby in Stockholm must be a definite plus for Swedish Speedway <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes the booming years are over for some clubs in Sweden but not all. I belive that with no tv transmission from a elite match later on tuesdays nights after the elitemeetings has brought down peoples awarness of speedway. And the clubs are usually very poor with PR and the swedish motor federation (SVEMO). If you not are showing up your product at the track region ( + 10 miles around the city holding elitespeedway) people will not know of that there is elitespeedway in their municipality only the hardcore fans know.. I are a member of Smedernas organization group and we have LOTS of ideas of how to promote the product speedway, but we are sadly very short of people who wants to work for it. It means to be out in the schools with a bike, a rider and a video of the product and do the same at shopping centras, youth recreation centres, give away free tickets to schoolkids to name a few things. We have been to one school and the reception was tremendous, but you cant stop there. You must have a vision of what to do with intrested kids ( such as speedwayschool) and if the kid or kids shows potential the club must help with bike, protection clothes, helmet and the other stuff you need to have riding a speedwaybike and of course trainers. / Mikael Edited June 30, 2007 by tarabanko Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarabanko Posted June 30, 2007 Report Share Posted June 30, 2007 Well im not so sure that the location of Smedstadion is the biggest reason for decreasing spectator figures. Since its either 10-15 minutes by car from the major parts of the city.. And about 40 minutes on a bicycle!! I have done that trip to many times to remember.. And I think you are wrong Ghostwalker then saying that you are not sure if the location is the biggest reason.. Ponder this: the old track Snälltorpet was lying a 5 mins walk from the centra of Eskilstuna and the track was easily reached for the most of Eskilstunas citizens with a nice walk or bicycle. From the other side of Eskilstuna you had to cycle for about max 15 mins to reach the track, you did not need a car to get there. Now: the track is 1.2 Swedish miles out from the central Eskilstuna and just a few bicycle, the majority goes with car and and a handful with the bustransfer. If you were thinking of walking, you shall count on approx 2hours at least one way. People arent walking that distance! Of course the location is a very valid reason that the attendance are that it is. Cheers Mikael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lake Bodom Comet Posted June 30, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2007 Thanks Mikael and Ghostrider for your very interesting comments..... I think the point about there being no Elitserien on Swedish TV is a major factor in the problems facing Swedish clubs this year. Just why did the coverage stop? Was it a question of money?? Did the clubs want more cash for the TV coverage??? A new deal would seem to be vital if clubs are to attract new fans and re-awaken the interest of people who used to go!!! The need for clubs to get out into their community and promote the sport is just as essential as the TV deal and I can only agree with everything Mikael wrote. My team Workington are in a similar situation to Smederna. We used to get big crowds but now interest as dwindled to the hardcore speedway fans and the local council want to move us to an out of town stadium!!! The current track is within 10 minute walk of the town centre. At least the Workington management are now doing their utmost to make people aware of speedway and participating in local events such as carnivals and fun days to spread the word. Swedish speedway still has a lot of positives though and I don't think the situation is anywhere near as bad as the British Elite League which has big problems even with the Sky TV coverage. I think the biggest hope for Sweden is the potential for Andreas Jonsson to follow in the footsteps of Tony Rickardssson and bring the sport to the attention of non-regular speedway fans. The guy is very media friendly and after his Danish SGP victory in front of a hostile crowd surely the Swedish press may give speedway the sort of coverage it enjoyed in Rickardssons glory years..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostwalker Posted June 30, 2007 Report Share Posted June 30, 2007 (edited) about tv coverage tv4 who was responsible for the broadcasts said that no one watched. This wasnt so surprising though since it wasnt live and and it was shown at a time when most people were at the arenas watching speedway. However according to a news article SVT (=Swedish BBC) might be interested in showing the play-offs. There were also claims that the interest for next years broadcast rights was quit big so hopefully we will have good coverage from next season. And NO AJ is not the big hope epspecially since there are speedway fans (including me) that doesnt like him or his style to always blame something else then himself when its not going well in the Gps. IMO AJ doesnt have what it takes to become a big star. I rather see that Antonio or JD and Fredrik Lindgren gets more attention. Edited June 30, 2007 by Ghostwalker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostwalker Posted June 30, 2007 Report Share Posted June 30, 2007 (edited) Well im not so sure that the location of Smedstadion is the biggest reason for decreasing spectator figures. Since its either 10-15 minutes by car from the major parts of the city.. And about 40 minutes on a bicycle!! I have done that trip to many times to remember.. And I think you are wrong Ghostwalker then saying that you are not sure if the location is the biggest reason.. Ponder this: the old track Snälltorpet was lying a 5 mins walk from the centra of Eskilstuna and the track was easily reached for the most of Eskilstunas citizens with a nice walk or bicycle. From the other side of Eskilstuna you had to cycle for about max 15 mins to reach the track, you did not need a car to get there. Now: the track is 1.2 Swedish miles out from the central Eskilstuna and just a few bicycle, the majority goes with car and and a handful with the bustransfer. If you were thinking of walking, you shall count on approx 2hours at least one way. People arent walking that distance! Of course the location is a very valid reason that the attendance are that it is. Cheers Mikael <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Alright Mikael now im going to disagree with you again the 2003 season was the best season every according to the stats at smederna.nu this is top13: 1) 4207 2003 Smedstadion League Victory 2) 4047 2001 Snälltorpet 3) 3876 1974 Snälltorpet 4) 3733 2004 Smedstadion 5) 3718 1975 Snälltorpet 6) 3688 1973 Snälltorpet League Victory 7) 3568 2005 Smedstadion 8) 3534 1953 B-plan 9) 3500 1951 B-plan 10) 3500 1952 B-plan 11) 3202 2002 Smedstadion 12) 2931 1999 Snälltorpet if you look at this only 2001 and 1999 is the seasons of Snälltorpet the past 10 years that had attendances at todays level and 2001 was the last year with alot of extra arrangements (according to smederna.nu). So with this i claim that the location of the arena isnt the biggest reason for lower attendances Edited June 30, 2007 by Ghostwalker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lake Bodom Comet Posted June 30, 2007 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2007 Maybe some speedway fans in Sweden aren't AJ fans but the point I was making was that the sport needs to attract people who aren't hardcore supporters....one's who may ocassionally watch it on TV or go to a Grand Prix if there is someone racing like AJ who has the potential to win the big events. I think he can definitely attract media interest outside speedway's own environment. If Tonio and Freddie Lindgren can win GPs like AJ then thats even healthier for Sweden!!! Publicity is the lifeblood of our sport, without it to attract new fans and youngsters who want to take up speedway there is no long term future When I was last in Sweden I looked in vain for any speedway magazines or yearbooks in the shops but found nothing. Iam sure there must be the market to support a magazine similar to Speedway Star which might further help to promote the sport. A few years ago there was a quality Swedish mag called SPEEDWAY MAGASINET which was a fabulous publication but I never saw it again after issue 1. There was stuff in the shops on motocross, supermoto, roadracing. etc but not rundbana!....and its the lack of mainstream awareness of speedway which is the cause of many of its problems. We have a great product but we need to sell it and make others aware of it!! Hopefully want you wrote about the interest of SVT in showung the play-offs will actually happen as the Elitserien looks very open this season. Also good luck to Smederna and their youngsters, I hope those great attendance figures you listed will return again soon in the very near future!! Just a further thought on why some Elitserien clubs have suffered from falling crowd numbers....maybe the weather has played a part. In GB there have been a lot of rain-offs and even when meetings have run they have often been in weather which was poor and hardly likely to tempt spectators into the stadium Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarabanko Posted June 30, 2007 Report Share Posted June 30, 2007 And I think you are wrong Ghostwalker then saying that you are not sure if the location is the biggest reason.. Ponder this: the old track Snälltorpet was lying a 5 mins walk from the centra of Eskilstuna and the track was easily reached for the most of Eskilstunas citizens with a nice walk or bicycle. From the other side of Eskilstuna you had to cycle for about max 15 mins to reach the track, you did not need a car to get there. Now: the track is 1.2 Swedish miles out from the central Eskilstuna and just a few bicycle, the majority goes with car and and a handful with the bustransfer. If you were thinking of walking, you shall count on approx 2hours at least one way. People arent walking that distance! Of course the location is a very valid reason that the attendance are that it is. Cheers Mikael <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Alright Mikael now im going to disagree with you again the 2003 season was the best season every according to the stats at smederna.nu this is top13: 1) 4207 2003 Smedstadion League Victory 2) 4047 2001 Snälltorpet 3) 3876 1974 Snälltorpet 4) 3733 2004 Smedstadion 5) 3718 1975 Snälltorpet 6) 3688 1973 Snälltorpet League Victory 7) 3568 2005 Smedstadion 8) 3534 1953 B-plan 9) 3500 1951 B-plan 10) 3500 1952 B-plan 11) 3202 2002 Smedstadion 12) 2931 1999 Snälltorpet if you look at this only 2001 and 1999 is the seasons of Snälltorpet the past 10 years that had attendances at todays level and 2001 was the last year with alot of extra arrangements (according to smederna.nu). So with this i claim that the location of the arena isnt the biggest reason for lower attendances <{POST_SNAPBACK}> If Smederna had not been forced to leave Snälltorpet the attendance figure for 2002 and 2003 had been HIGHER than the attendance figure 2002 - 2003. The attendance figure for 2002 is poor compare to 2001 the last season at Snälltorpet. I have always belived that the attendance figure out in Gröndal for the first years should be higher than at the old track Snälltorpet had as Smederna did have a real bonebreaker team from 2002 to 2005 with some good results these year. Last year 2006 the attendance started to get poorer and the last match home in Gröndal was witnessed by the smallest crowd since Smederna moved out to Gröndal and I are doomed to belive the crowd will be even smaller the last remaing matches out in Gröndal. Hopefully Iam wrong, but the average crowd wants to see a sucessful team and the team is very good in my meyes but not for joe public. And Ghostwalker..... In the Allsvenskan league the crowd is very very poor for Team Bikabs matches and Iam very strongly belive at Snälltorpet that the crowd should have been at least over 400! Then Smedernas was in Division 1 1992 Smederna had always a crowd of over 500 and what do you have today? If Team Bikab has a attendance of over 200 it is good nowadays so I truly belive that the location is a very important factor. Cheers... / Mikael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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