Stoke Dump Ben Reade

[iannewsman]

Ben Reade was told today that he is no longer wanted. Nice to come this far then get kicked out. I reckon it is a panic move as this morning it was confirmed that Cameron Heeps is fit to ride for Mildenhall.

 

Hard luck Ben

[iannewsman]

Club statement:

 

STOKE Easy Rider Potters have signed grasstrack star Tim Nobes for the remainder of the season. Nobes comes into replace Ben Reade at reserve and makes his debut in the home meeting against Newport on Saturday night.

 

Nobes joins the Potters as a full asset of the club and has signed with a view to being with the club next season.

 

Promoter Dave Tattum commented “Tim has come highly recommended by Ben Barker and skipper Tony Atkin and several other people within the sport. He is very successful on the grasstrack scene and is a regular front runner in those meetings and many people have likened him to Jason Garrity. He has a huge following on the grasstrack scene and having seen him have a few outings here at Loomer Road we decided to get him signed and to give him his chance. We wish Ben (Reade) all the best for the future and would also like to thank him for his efforts throughout the season.”

 

Easy Rider Potters team manager Malcolm Vasey said “It was not easy to tell Ben the news that he was being replaced and he will remain in the squad, but it was felt that we had to do something and having heard the recommendations on Tim and knowing he is one of the top grasstrack riders in the country we felt he could be a trump card for us.”

[the bilster]

What a time to be told, your not wanted this late in the season, bet the poor lad is gutted,i know the lad struggled, but come on.

[Great Central]

And what happened to Rule 17.6.4 - "no team changes after 12th September unless it is for riders returning from injury". To me that is quite clear unless Stoke did redeclare prior to the 12th and have only just issued the Press Release. Feel sorry for Ben who seems to have done a good job for Stoke this year and will miss out on the play offs, and possibly the play off final.

[boston five]

sorry to here the news Ben but its win at any cost in this league now; feel sorry for Tim having to go to mildenhall for his first away meeting if he rides like the exciting way he does on the grass then he will worth the entry money on his own

[Greg]

I thought Tim was riding for IOW ?

[TMW]

sorry to here the news Ben but its win at any cost in this league now; feel sorry for Tim having to go to mildenhall for his first away meeting if he rides like the exciting way he does on the grass then he will worth the entry money on his own

 

Cracking commenet that should make Ben feel a whole lot better.

 

Tom Perry is also awesome on the grass, I believe, but he has 'struggled' this year after his all bells and all whistles arrival on the speedway scene last season. I do wish Tim well and I hope he has a long and fruitful career, as I wish all the lads well. Stoke are at the top of the league how much more stronger do they want to be. Simon Lambert, Tim Webster and Tony Atkin can more than take care of Heeps. What would have been wrong with getting Tim to enter some winter championships and then market him and promote him for the start of next season and let Ben see the season out. It's a crying shame that he couldn't up his average by a couple of decimals then it wouldn't have been possible.

[norwichkev]

Cracking commenet that should make Ben feel a whole lot better.

 

Tom Perry is also awesome on the grass, I believe, but he has 'struggled' this year after his all bells and all whistles arrival on the speedway scene last season. I do wish Tim well and I hope he has a long and fruitful career, as I wish all the lads well. Stoke are at the top of the league how much more stronger do they want to be. Simon Lambert, Tim Webster and Tony Atkin can more than take care of Heeps. What would have been wrong with getting Tim to enter some winter championships and then market him and promote him for the start of next season and let Ben see the season out. It's a crying shame that he couldn't up his average by a couple of decimals then it wouldn't have been possible.

Didn't realise that Stoke were that worried!!!!!!

 

Agree most of your comments TMW although Atkins couldn't "take care" of Camo at West Row so not sure how he has improved that much , also we are far from a one rider team. Still enjoy watching him ride though, long may he serve the sport.

 

Maybe this NL should only be used to support and bring on young Brits regardless that flows out of the potteries ( and Scunny ) on the forum really is that shallow - no problem with that, just be honest and say you are in it to win it.

 

Best of luck to Ben for the future and hope that the new lad will quickly progress like Lewis Blackbird has this season.

 

Not overly worried whether we win the league or not, we have had some great racing this year with the crowds well up - and considering we started behind the rest this year what a great endorsement to the promotion.

 

Hope we have 4 cracking meetings and Lambert finally makes the move up to PL full time in 2012 - if not where does NL go from here.

[norwichkev]

And what happened to Rule 17.6.4 - "no team changes after 12th September unless it is for riders returning from injury". To me that is quite clear unless Stoke did redeclare prior to the 12th and have only just issued the Press Release. Feel sorry for Ben who seems to have done a good job for Stoke this year and will miss out on the play offs, and possibly the play off final.

Interesting point GC, would be interesting to know the answer. Reading the EL forum the general feeling is that certain Promotors can bend the rules in whatever way they choose - allegedly.

 

Not sure that Malcolm would be in favour of deliberate cheating though, I believe that he has more integrity.

 

Kev

[Heathen1984]

Top of league and feel the need to change, dont understand this one bit. Sorry to hear it ben, all the best.

Just glad this wasnt dudley doin this cus the stick they wud of got wud av been endless.

 

All the best to tim anyway.

[Swift Saint]

Not sure that Malcolm would be in favour of deliberate cheating though, I believe that he has more integrity.

 

Thanks for the Kev He was actually added to our squad on 10th September and his name appears on the latest list issued on 15th September by the BSPA.

 

However, as a new three point rider we could have used him anyway.

 

Malcolm Vasey

[Great Central]

Thanks for the Kev He was actually added to our squad on 10th September and his name appears on the latest list issued on 15th September by the BSPA.

 

However, as a new three point rider we could have used him anyway.

 

Malcolm Vasey

Malcolm,

You know the rules better than most and I suspected that you had declared Tim to the BSPA within the deadline of the 12th September, but 1) It is strange that Stoke chose to delay the press announcement until 7 days after the deadline raising doubts about the timing. 2) My reading of the rules is that you could only use Tim if one of your other riders was not available and that wouldn't because you sacked Ben Reade 3) Whilst there is never room for emotion and loyality within speedway, I consider it morally wrong to kick out a lad that has been with you from the start of the season, done a very reasonable job for you at reserve in his 1st full season and will definitely miss out on a chance of a lifetime ie possibly being part of the winning team both of the league, the Play Offs and the KO cup.

I have the utmost respect for your knowledge and experience in the game, the same for Dave Tattum, but not sure if I could live with myself having made such a decision. I suppose that is why I don't run a speedway team!!!

Martin

[montie]

 

Malcolm , I believe that he has more integrity.

 

 

 

From his north east mining roots to a fully paid up member of the Local Conservative club..................integrity

Edited September 20, 2011 by montie

[TMW]

Didn't realise that Stoke were that worried!!!!!!

 

Agree most of your comments TMW although Atkins couldn't "take care" of Camo at West Row so not sure how he has improved that much , also we are far from a one rider team. Still enjoy watching him ride though, long may he serve the sport.

 

Maybe this NL should only be used to support and bring on young Brits regardless that flows out of the potteries ( and Scunny ) on the forum really is that shallow - no problem with that, just be honest and say you are in it to win it.

 

Best of luck to Ben for the future and hope that the new lad will quickly progress like Lewis Blackbird has this season.

 

Not overly worried whether we win the league or not, we have had some great racing this year with the crowds well up - and considering we started behind the rest this year what a great endorsement to the promotion.

 

Hope we have 4 cracking meetings and Lambert finally makes the move up to PL full time in 2012 - if not where does NL go from here.

 

I agree with you on the more than 'one rider' team. I only made the analogy of Heeps as that was mentioned in the thread. this was obviuosly already being done weeks ago and as you mention Lewis Blackbird he has made tremendous progress this year possibly one of the 'finds' of the season but take a minute to reflect that Lewis is 24 and a couple of years ago walked away from the sport due to lack of opportunity and support.

 

On the Tony Atkin front I think it is like Armo at Dudley it can depend in what mood they are in.

 

I don't think Stoke ever made any secret of the fact that they were 'in it to win it' and you do what you can to achieve that. I think if all teams were honest that is the main target and if they develop a rider along the way then that is a bonus. I'm interested in this term 'development' what it actually means is off the shelf unheard of riders. I supose what is in question is the morality of the move and how much this could put back Ben's confidence back and how much work will he have to do to get back on track. As I said before I wish Tim well and if he is a good as they say look forward to watching him.

 

 

I think that the word dumped is a little harsh I don't think Malcom Vassey would 'dump anybody' but he has obviuosly had to make a difficult decsion just hope for all concerned he has made the right one for both Ben and Tim.

[WIE-JA]

Tim Nobes on speedway? That I have got to see.

[TMW]

Tim Nobes on speedway? That I have got to see.

 

You a fan !

[WIE-JA]

You a fan !

Tim is great to watch on the grass. He's a bit like Marmite with the fans though due to the amount of crashes he gets involved in. Really nice bloke but very small brain

[TMW]

Tim is great to watch on the grass. He's a bit like Marmite with the fans though due to the amount of crashes he gets involved in. Really nice bloke but very small brain

 

Well that statement should throw him head first into his winning ways all other riders will probably give him a wide berth now

[Halifaxtiger]

Malcolm,

You know the rules better than most and I suspected that you had declared Tim to the BSPA within the deadline of the 12th September, but 1) It is strange that Stoke chose to delay the press announcement until 7 days after the deadline raising doubts about the timing. 2) My reading of the rules is that you could only use Tim if one of your other riders was not available and that wouldn't because you sacked Ben Reade 3) Whilst there is never room for emotion and loyality within speedway, I consider it morally wrong to kick out a lad that has been with you from the start of the season, done a very reasonable job for you at reserve in his 1st full season and will definitely miss out on a chance of a lifetime ie possibly being part of the winning team both of the league, the Play Offs and the KO cup.

I have the utmost respect for your knowledge and experience in the game, the same for Dave Tattum, but not sure if I could live with myself having made such a decision. I suppose that is why I don't run a speedway team!!!

Martin

 

Clearly Malcolm believes that the new lad is likely to score a few more points than Ben Reade.

 

There will be the odd fan who will be critical (some almost certainly with an axe to grind) but how critical would supporters be if Stoke were beaten by Mildenhall and found out subsequently that the Potters chose not to include a better rider for the sake of loyalty ?

 

It is unfortunate for Ben Reade but for the club as a whole (and accepting that Tim Nobes is better than Ben Reade) I really don't see how it can be anything other than the correct decision.

[21st century heathen]

Ben Reade was told today that he is no longer wanted. Nice to come this far then get kicked out. I reckon it is a panic move as this morning it was confirmed that Cameron Heeps is fit to ride for Mildenhall.

 

Why shouldn't Stoke name the best team they can? If there's an exciting rider that could come in and potentially do a better job than Ben at the most crucial time of the season then it's a good move as far as I'm concerned.

 

And what happened to Rule 17.6.4 - "no team changes after 12th September unless it is for riders returning from injury".

 

Unfortunately that is swiftly followed by 17.6.5 which says they can they throw the rule book out and do what they want, not that I'm saying that happened in this case. On the contrary, Tim is the clubs number 8 as shown on the latest BSPA Team Declaration. That is effective 15th Sept as per the full rule you've partially quoted.

 

 

17.6.4 No Team changes will be allowed after 12th September with the effective date being 15th September, except for Riders returning to the Team after injury.

 

http://www.speedwayg.../nlteams11.html

 

sorry to here the news Ben but its win at any cost in this league now...

 

I beg to differ. I quote Nigel Pearson. Apparently we'd rather lose!

 

We could have kept him (Newman) and brought Adam back to replace someone else but that would be a win at all cost attitude...

 

Tom Perry is also awesome on the grass, I believe, but he has 'struggled' this year after his all bells and all whistles arrival on the speedway scene last season.

 

Stoke are at the top of the league how much more stronger do they want to be.

 

Simon Lambert, Tim Webster and Tony Atkin can more than take care of Heeps.

 

Tom has had the difficult 2nd season that seems to plague many rider, can't argue with that.

 

As strong as they can be. What's wrong with that?

 

I thought that when he came to Monmore 'Wood' for his debut. He scored 20 and dropped just a single point after a titanic battle with Tom Perry. I don't know whether you've seen him for yourself or not but trust me when I tell you he is worth being 'afraid' of.

 

Maybe this NL should only be used to support and bring on young Brits...

 

How old is Tim?

 

Reading the EL forum the general feeling is that certain Promotors can bend the rules in whatever way they choose - allegedly.

 

Ahh you noticed that?!

 

Top of league and feel the need to change, dont understand this one bit.

 

I do. We were top of the league at one point this season. We were top last season. How many NL titles to we have? If another team is coming on strong then with the crappy PO's in place you have to try to make changes otherwise finishing top means nothing.

 

2) My reading of the rules is that you could only use Tim if one of your other riders was not available and that wouldn't because you sacked Ben Reade.

 

There does seem to be a difference between the league's regarding this. In the EL you can use your number 8 any time you like where no facility is applicable. In the PL if there's not facility you have to use a NL guest. In the NL there isn't a similar rule for 'no facility'. Instead it refers to 'any other absences', which presumably allows certain riders to go to work rather than ride or go on holiday etcetera , with the club having to use a rider on the 'emergency list. If Tim has been added to that list then surely he could have replaced Ben whether Ben was still in the team or not? You need only say Ben has gone shopping and the 'any other absences' rule can be used. If not then I assume Ben had to be dropped and now Tim becomes the teams' number 7 rather than 8?

 

Tim is great to watch on the grass. He's a bit like Marmite with the fans though due to the amount of crashes he gets involved in. Really nice bloke but very small brain

 

Ahh so that's where the likeness to Garrity comes from and would explain why Barker likes him.

 

-----------------------------------

 

I have to say that a lot of the comments on this thread display quite clearly to me a fundamental problem with the attitude toward sport in this country. There's far to much "it's the taking part" crap for my liking. If that were the case we wouldn't be keeping score. If you are keeping score then the only aim should be to beat the opposition to a bloody pulp by any means necessary, within the rules of course.

 

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And on the subject of number 8's - how many teams named a number 8 at the start of the season? Off the top of my head I don't think any did, making all the teams illegal. Therefore I declare the results so far null and void and the Heathens as NL champions...just because I can!!