Stoke Potters 2014

[waco]

I have no connection with Stoke speedway at all ,But, i find the comments on here by respected posters very sad ..Speedway is dying on its ass in many areas of the country..A promoter puts up their money to run the sport,sure they are not all good guys and the Tatums seem to have many critics.. But how many of you would put up the cash to run a speedway club in the present climate,,if you had it ?? I suspect not many at all,,putting nails in the coffin will speed up the funeral...I know Malcolm well, a good guy, and he is above all an avid supporter of speedway at this level ,I do not feel he can be held responsible for the actions of those who hold the purse strings,, Perhaps he feels he is taking the flack that is mainly directed else where ,I dont know , but i do know he will always do his absolute best for Stoke Speedway and i sincerely hope things go better there this season and that Stoke supporters get behind their team regardless of any personal problems they may have with the promotion...

Edited March 1, 2014 by waco

[vog]

I have no connection with Stoke speedway at all ,But, i find the comments on here by respected posters very sad ..Speedway is dying on its ass in many areas of the country..A promoter puts up their money to run the sport,sure they are not all good guys and the Tatums seem to have many critics.. But how many of you would put up the cash to run a speedway club in the present climate,,if you had it ?? I suspect not many at all,,putting nails in the coffin will speed up the funeral...I know Malcolm well, a good guy, and he is above all an avid supporter of speedway at this level ,I do not feel he can be held responsible for the actions of those who hold the purse strings,, Perhaps he feels he is taking the flack that is mainly directed else where ,I dont know , but i do know he will always do his absolute best for Stoke Speedway and i sincerely hope things go better there this season and that Stoke supporters get behind their team regardless of any personal problems they may have with the promotion...

 

It's not about putting the money in though, is it? I couldn't meet the ridiculous valuation of Stoke even if I tried. However, my criticisms are of a group of people who have driven away the majority of a fan base that was once loyal. Until you turn up to Stoke every week, and see the damage that these people do, it's hard for me to take the comment seriously about putting my own money in. I have my suspicions about why neither one would ever want to sell, and when I tell you that Mr Tattum categorically said that during 2004 (Our best season in living memory) he only had 400 paying customers per week, you can begin to see why I believe that at least one member of the promoting team will never sell. Fully cash business, with one half of the promotion openly admitting he has no idea how many people pay to get in each week, and has no idea of the finances?

 

Stoke is in trouble. So long as Mr Tattum drives customers away, Mrs Tattum does the finances, Mr Crabtree takes a wage, and Gemma Crabtree is a shoddy excuse for a marketing manager, we will never have a chance.

[roguetrader]

I have no connection with Stoke speedway at all ,But, i find the comments on here by respected posters very sad ..Speedway is dying on its ass in many areas of the country..A promoter puts up their money to run the sport,sure they are not all good guys and the Tatums seem to have many critics.. But how many of you would put up the cash to run a speedway club in the present climate,,if you had it ?? I suspect not many at all,,putting nails in the coffin will speed up the funeral...I know Malcolm well, a good guy, and he is above all an avid supporter of speedway at this level ,I do not feel he can be held responsible for the actions of those who hold the purse strings,, Perhaps he feels he is taking the flack that is mainly directed else where ,I dont know , but i do know he will always do his absolute best for Stoke Speedway and i sincerely hope things go better there this season and that Stoke supporters get behind their team regardless of any personal problems they may have with the promotion...

 

waco, your points are very understandable and I have every sympathy with the views you make. However, until you experience for yourself the way the Stoke promotion, messrs Tattum, Tattum and Crabtree behave to loyal paying fans you will not really understand. It is quite frankly staggering. I have not included Malcolm Vasey in that disaster zone because I am unclear of his involvement. I know he is a man of integrity and I am sure he will rue the day he became involved in the vicious and ever decreasing mess that Stoke speedway has become.

[montie]

Any news on Dawn???

[waco]

Rogue trader thanks for your comments you know more of the current situation at Stoke than i do It does sound bad and these views on here are by posters who have my respect ,,.I was just genrelising on the state of speedway at the moment with the idea that negative comment seldom resolves anything ,,and to give some support to a friend of mine,.. i hope the problems that many are finding at Stoke can be resolved somehow

[Halifaxtiger]

Rogue trader thanks for your comments you know more of the current situation at Stoke than i do It does sound bad and these views on here are by posters who have my respect ,,.I was just genrelising on the state of speedway at the moment with the idea that negative comment seldom resolves anything ,,and to give some support to a friend of mine,.. i hope the problems that many are finding at Stoke can be resolved somehow

 

Negative comment rarely solves anything in speedway for the simple reason that such comments are brushed aside as the work of ignorant imbeciles. Promoters know best, we know nothing. The fact that they come from passionate, long term supporters who genuinely care about their teams and see them being run into the ground counts for little, if anything.

 

It seems to me that you advocate (at least to a degree) that we should simply be grateful for what we get (however awful) and not be critical in any way. Its not the first time I have seen such views.

 

I regard them as nonsense, principally because they base absolutely no responsibility on the part of promotions to actually make the product attractive for existing and potential supporters. They indicate that if a club goes to the wall, it is entirely the fault of the stay away fans, not that of the promotion. Actually listening to your paying customers isn't part of that mentality.

 

What has to be understood is that the management of every speedway club should do everything in their power to ensure that the speedway at their tracks is as good as it can be (a good example of that, as far as I am concerned, is Berwick). If they do that and people still don't come, they are blameless. I am far from convinced that that is the case not just at Stoke but across the country.

 

Two friends of mine used to attend a northern track. When a friend of their's suggested to the promoter that the track might be prepared better for racing, the answer was 'if you don't like it, don't come'. BSPA attitude in a nutshell, and needless to say that club has now lost three paying customers.

Edited March 2, 2014 by Halifaxtiger

[PhilK]

 

Negative comment rarely solves anything in speedway for the simple reason that such comments are brushed aside as the work of ignorant imbeciles. Promoters know best, we know nothing. The fact that they come from passionate, long term supporters who genuinely care about their teams and see them being run into the ground counts for little, if anything.

 

It seems to me that you advocate (at least to a degree) that we should simply be grateful for what we get (however awful) and not be critical in any way. Its not the first time I have seen such views.

 

I regard them as nonsense, principally because they base absolutely no responsibility on the part of promotions to actually make the product attractive for existing and potential supporters. They indicate that if a club goes to the wall, it is entirely the fault of the stay away fans, not that of the promotion. Actually listening to your paying customers isn't part of that mentality.

 

What has to be understood is that the management of every speedway club should do everything in their power to ensure that the speedway at their tracks is as good as it can be (a good example of that, as far as I am concerned, is Berwick). If they do that and people still don't come, they are blameless. I am far from convinced that that is the case not just at Stoke but across the country.

 

Two friends of mine used to attend a northern track. When a friend of their's suggested to the promoter that the track might be prepared better for racing, the answer was 'if you don't like it, don't come'. BSPA attitude in a nutshell, and needless to say that club has now lost three paying customers.

 

 

 

I can't say this is an enjoyable thread to read, especially the attacks on Malcolm who is an old and valued friend. Someone who puts a great deal more into the sport than he ever takes out and he will always have my support.

 

That said there is clearly something wrong at Stoke, which if not addressed will only see the club sink further.

 

Without supporters there is no Speedway team at Stoke or anywhere for that matter, it seems to me that a number of clubs are like the big companies BT, The Banks, British Gas etc, they get you through the door then treat you poorly as they are only interested in new customers. These companies can get away with this approach due to size and their massive customer base, but Speedway clubs with crowds of 300-600 certainly cannot.

 

Whilst there must of course be effort put into attracting new customers or getting old disenchanted supporters to come back, it is imperative in my opinion to listen to those that attend regularly as they are your eyes and ears on the terraces and in most cases tell you how it is, even though it may not be what you want to hear.

 

Clubs that don't listen or treat supporters with disrespect if they don't say what the promoter wants to hear will only go one way .. down! With so many things to occupy peoples time in the entertainment industry once you lose someone they will rarely come back.

 

When Mildenhall closed in 2010 crowds were just over 300, now they are double that, yes of course success helps, but the efforts of the promotion to engage with supporters and where possible take on board their views has no doubt helped. It is often small steps but in the right direction and of course you will never please everyone. Speedway clubs have a constant battle to retain their crowd whilst attracting a new one, it isn't easy and there is no simple solution, but alienating supporters certainly isn't a smart move in my opinion.

[Halifaxtiger]

 

 

 

I can't say this is an enjoyable thread to read, especially the attacks on Malcolm who is an old and valued friend. Someone who puts a great deal more into the sport than he ever takes out and he will always have my support.

 

That said there is clearly something wrong at Stoke, which if not addressed will only see the club sink further.

 

Without supporters there is no Speedway team at Stoke or anywhere for that matter, it seems to me that a number of clubs are like the big companies BT, The Banks, British Gas etc, they get you through the door then treat you poorly as they are only interested in new customers. These companies can get away with this approach due to size and their massive customer base, but Speedway clubs with crowds of 300-600 certainly cannot.

 

Whilst there must of course be effort put into attracting new customers or getting old disenchanted supporters to come back, it is imperative in my opinion to listen to those that attend regularly as they are your eyes and ears on the terraces and in most cases tell you how it is, even though it may not be what you want to hear.

 

Clubs that don't listen or treat supporters with disrespect if they don't say what the promoter wants to hear will only go one way .. down! With so many things to occupy peoples time in the entertainment industry once you lose someone they will rarely come back.

 

When Mildenhall closed in 2010 crowds were just over 300, now they are double that, yes of course success helps, but the efforts of the promotion to engage with supporters and where possible take on board their views has no doubt helped. It is often small steps but in the right direction and of course you will never please everyone. Speedway clubs have a constant battle to retain their crowd whilst attracting a new one, it isn't easy and there is no simple solution, but alienating supporters certainly isn't a smart move in my opinion.

 

I'd say Mildenhall is up there with Berwick (and there are others - Lakeside, Workington and Plymouth spring to mind) as a track that does its best to put on a good show. The gap between speedway at West Row and speedway at Loomer Road is positively cavernous.

 

As far as I am aware, the worst problem they have had since the present promotion took over was that the starting gate malfunctioned for a couple of weeks. Otherwise, absolutely nothing has gone wrong.

 

The team has been at least highly competitive and at best swept the board. The track is almost always excellent and ranks as one of my favourites across all the leagues because of the quality of the racing. I have spoken to Kevin Jolly a couple of times and he is most receptive to comment and even criticism (not that I had much).

 

Its little wonder gates have doubled and that despite the fact that it is a 350 mile round trip from my home I have it marked down for more visits this season than anywhere else bar Sheffield and Belle Vue.

 

Perhaps the most pertinent point is there is absolutely no reason why Stoke couldn't be the same.

Edited March 2, 2014 by Halifaxtiger

[Craftman]

I read this thread with mixed thoughts given that I have little or no time for the Tattums.

 

Firstly , Mrs Tattum is more often or not the first face you see arriving at Loomer road to take your money of you.

There has never in my time been a conversation to ask either how you are , a smile or enjoy the meeting .

She is a very sullen individual who makes no effort what so ever to engage with the customer base , ie the the few remaining fans , especially in the bar area , to the point she makes you feel you should be grateful she has served you at the bar .

 

Loomer road itself is very unkempt , dirty , outdated to the point I feel like I'm in the eighties when at the venue.

 

Despite all this I go to see competitive and exciting racing , with riders who give their all for the team.

 

Do we have a team who will do this ? Well competitive I mean given the weekly debacle of continual home defeats last season.

Time will tell , but there's always that feeling with those that still go home meetings that under the Tattums the fans won't return , anymore than PL speedway will.

 

I have no issues with Malcolm , but as team manager , he must do a lot better this season or do the honourable thing !

[vog]

I read this thread with mixed thoughts given that I have little or no time for the Tattums.

 

Firstly , Mrs Tattum is more often or not the first face you see arriving at Loomer road to take your money of you.

There has never in my time been a conversation to ask either how you are , a smile or enjoy the meeting .

She is a very sullen individual who makes no effort what so ever to engage with the customer base , ie the the few remaining fans , especially in the bar area , to the point she makes you feel you should be grateful she has served you at the bar .

 

Loomer road itself is very unkempt , dirty , outdated to the point I feel like I'm in the eighties when at the venue.

 

Despite all this I go to see competitive and exciting racing , with riders who give their all for the team.

 

Do we have a team who will do this ? Well competitive I mean given the weekly debacle of continual home defeats last season.

Time will tell , but there's always that feeling with those that still go home meetings that under the Tattums the fans won't return , anymore than PL speedway will.

 

I have no issues with Malcolm , but as team manager , he must do a lot better this season or do the honourable thing !

 

That pretty much sums up a lot of things!

 

What I will say about Malcolm is that there have been times (Quite a few!) where I have disagreed with tactics, for whatever reason. I have always, however, found him open and approachable, and as long as he doesn't have a rather long drive ahead of him, he is always happy to discuss the reasons why he made a decision. For that, I respect him.

 

I personally couldn't care who runs Stoke Speedway, as long as it is run well. There is no excuse for the customer service that fans are given.

[Greg]

 

That pretty much sums up a lot of things!

 

What I will say about Malcolm is that there have been times (Quite a few!) where I have disagreed with tactics, for whatever reason. I have always, however, found him open and approachable, and as long as he doesn't have a rather long drive ahead of him, he is always happy to discuss the reasons why he made a decision. For that, I respect him.

 

I personally couldn't care who runs Stoke Speedway, as long as it is run well. There is no excuse for the customer service that fans are given.

 

 

Bring back the old days ?

[vog]

 

 

Bring back the old days ?

 

What old days? All I have ever really known has been the Tattums running Stoke. I started in 96, when the Heathens had a brief year there, and then I started properly going in 1999. I've only ever known this promotion.

[Stokielee]

The eras of John Dews, Ray Sant and Eric Stead were the best days at Stoke.

[boston five]

The best days where at sun street when it was run by Reg

[TMW]

 

 

Bring back the old days ?

Doesn't that apply to all teams ? Doesn't absence make the heart grow stronger ?

[teddy2706]

I read this thread with mixed thoughts given that I have little or no time for the Tattums.

 

Firstly , Mrs Tattum is more often or not the first face you see arriving at Loomer road to take your money of you.

There has never in my time been a conversation to ask either how you are , a smile or enjoy the meeting .

She is a very sullen individual who makes no effort what so ever to engage with the customer base , ie the the few remaining fans , especially in the bar area , to the point she makes you feel you should be grateful she has served you at the bar .

 

Loomer road itself is very unkempt , dirty , outdated to the point I feel like I'm in the eighties when at the venue.

 

Despite all this I go to see competitive and exciting racing , with riders who give their all for the team.

 

Do we have a team who will do this ? Well competitive I mean given the weekly debacle of continual home defeats last season.

Time will tell , but there's always that feeling with those that still go home meetings that under the Tattums the fans won't return , anymore than PL speedway will.

 

I have no issues with Malcolm , but as team manager , he must do a lot better this season or do the honourable thing !

The lady who works the car-park side of the gate, often with her daughter, is Gaynor, an extremely nice lady who is always ready with a friendly smile. To be truthful, she is the only nice thing about entering that stadium.

[TMW]

No It doesn't . Absence makes the heart grow fonder . If you are going to use an Acroym , at least get it right !

Ooooo you got a pimple or something? My phone changed it.

[Eddie]

It,s about time the club website was updated. No fixtures posted yet, even though they have been released elsewhere, last seasons riders listed, which was even out of date for last year, and photos on the home page from three years ago. All seams quiet from the commercial manager as well since last season; has she left or just no news cause there isn't any? How unprofessional can a club be run?

[iannewsman]

How unprofessional can a club be run?

As unprofessionally as Stoke. It isn't even the beacon of mediocrity is once was, it has sunk to the bottom. If Stoke Speedway was a race horse, a vet would have shot it, to put it out of our misery!

[Islander15]

There's a lot of negativity on this thread and lots of it I haven't witnessed first hand so cannot comment. But one thing I am sure of is you'd rather have some speedway, even if it drives you crazy, than none at all!