TheScotsman Posted October 29, 2014 Report Share Posted October 29, 2014 (edited) It used to be good. But it was "Elite" then!! (Though in fairness my abiding memory at Ippo was there were very frequently 2 races per heat - heat leaders up front battling it out followed a quarter of a lap later by a pair of second strings. It seemed to be more watchable at Peterborough.) Should get some abuse for this!! Edited October 29, 2014 by TheScotsman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Johnston1 Posted October 29, 2014 Report Share Posted October 29, 2014 If cookies happy then why not, I dont want the pl to loose best riders to poland but at same time id love to see him do it and go further in sport. we can only dream of a no1 of his calibre choosing to ride for us each year, people on here will say he lacks ambition if he stays at armadale but I dont think so just monarchs are lucky to have a out and out no1 who wants to ride for them...he is a steal on 9.3 Will probably get shot to pieces for this. It doesn't bother me either way if Cookie rides in the Premier league or not (The Bandit's will get less stick on twitter if Craig isn't in the league). Last winter a rider who I think was alongside Craig as the 2 best riders in the Premier league failed to get a work permit and was forced to alter their plans ahead of this season (no Premier league) and he is in the Grand Prix series for 2015. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted October 29, 2014 Report Share Posted October 29, 2014 I want to see the best riders possible ride in PL,but for the credibility of the sport they should only rode for 1 Team in one Country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsunami Posted October 29, 2014 Report Share Posted October 29, 2014 Superstars should of course be allowed in the PL. They draw people in to watch and set a benchmark for others to try to reach. Certainly shouldn't be forced into the EL - a shambolic place where you stand a fair chance of not getting paid. There are 2 very good reasons why say GP riders don't ride in the PL. One is financial, but the other is who in their right mind wants to see someone say lap a decent rider. Keep the top riders(9 ad over) in the top league. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheScotsman Posted October 29, 2014 Report Share Posted October 29, 2014 A 9 point rider has on average dropped 3 points in a meeting, or 4 assuming he does heat 15s. So why is he then likely to be lapping other PL riders? I don't remember any FTR riders being lapped by EL second strings this year and there was a big skill gap down to the most wobbly of FTRs. I'm not suggesting gp riders should be in the PL, but I see No problem with the likes of Cook, Stead, King etc being there. The biggest problem is them doubling up and fixture conflicts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scaramanga Posted October 30, 2014 Report Share Posted October 30, 2014 That's the real problem isn't it? If the sport was properly organised, good riders would move up full time. But the crucial thing is that you must earn more in the Elite League than you do in the Premier. It would be completely unfair otherwise, and although points money will usually be higher in the EL, the sporadic fixtures make it hard to ensure that it is worth anyone's while to move up. I can't stand doubling up, every team should have its own riders, but we have got ourselves into this unholy mess and it's hard to see a way out. when doubling up was started it was fine as the elite was a lot stronger and prem leagues top riders were going up as reserves which was a taster for them to see if they could make the move next season strong enough to do the job the british elite league now is a very poor product prem league riders who score 3 or 4 points can get regular double figures in the eliete league that says it all 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arson fire Posted October 30, 2014 Report Share Posted October 30, 2014 (edited) when doubling up was started it was fine as the elite was a lot stronger and prem leagues top riders were going up as reserves which was a taster for them to see if they could make the move next season strong enough to do the job the british elite league now is a very poor product prem league riders who score 3 or 4 points can get regular double figures in the eliete league that says it all agreed, the EL is to blame for the mess speedway in this country is in... The PL has had to share its best riders because some of the top lads didnt want to ride here, doubling up was created... Then we have the NL bending over backwards to accomodate the red herring that is FTD.... In essence, most of the changes in this country seem to be about sustaining the not so EL on a yearly basis.... They muck it up and Ford takes advantage Rob Lyon told me 5/6 years ago this would happen, the EL should be Elite, the prem middle men and the half decent youngings and the NL developing raw talent, instead of the likes of cradley taking the mick with riders who shouldnt be eligiable to compete against raw novices, wheres the developnent in that?? Win at all costs has stop and we need to get back to a structure so certain teams cant make a mockery of the sport. Brady Kurtz on a 5, yet he should have been 7... But somerset wanted him on a 3!!! If hes a 7 as oer the rules then why are certain teams allowed to bend them esp for foreigners, yet Robert Lambert couldnt ride in any league below the EL, we change the goal posts for foreign riders and certain clubs, but not up and coming british talent... The mind boggles. Edited October 30, 2014 by Arson fire 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nutz Posted October 30, 2014 Report Share Posted October 30, 2014 Surely the best scenario for the Cookie Monster would be: 1) If he wants to be back at Edinburgh, get his name on a contract now... Already an Edinburgh legend and I doubt he'd line up for another PL team. 2) Sort out where in the EL he'll be. Belle Vue may be a big doubt if they were so cheesed off with him missing so many home meetings due to a race-night clash... Wednesday night track maybe? Poole? Kings Lynn? 3) Try and get a Swedish place (though team spots are filling up fast)... Secure league, he'll improve and gets his desire to race the top boys and is on a race night that won't affect the UK. 4) Become a squad member in Poland. If he rides in Poland full time, he has to give up the PL as there are too many clashes. But if he was a squad member, it'd be easier to ride some meetings when required to without clashing. 5) Work over the close season to gain more sponsorship... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted October 30, 2014 Report Share Posted October 30, 2014 (edited) when doubling up was started it was fine as the elite was a lot stronger and prem leagues top riders were going up as reserves which was a taster for them to see if they could make the move next season strong enough to do the job the british elite league now is a very poor product prem league riders who score 3 or 4 points can get regular double figures in the eliete league that says it all agreed, the EL is to blame for the mess speedway in this country is in... The PL has had to share its best riders because some of the top lads didnt want to ride here, doubling up was created... Then we have the NL bending over backwards to accomodate the red herring that is FTD.... In essence, most of the changes in this country seem to be about sustaining the not so EL on a yearly basis.... They muck it up and Ford takes advantage Rob Lyon told me 5/6 years ago this would happen, the EL should be Elite, the prem middle men and the half decent youngings and the NL developing raw talent, instead of the likes of cradley taking the mick with riders who shouldnt be eligiable to compete against raw novices, wheres the developnent in that?? Win at all costs has stop and we need to get back to a structure so certain teams cant make a mockery of the sport. Brady Kurtz on a 5, yet he should have been 7... But somerset wanted him on a 3!!! If hes a 7 as oer the rules then why are certain teams allowed to bend them esp for foreigners, yet Robert Lambert couldnt ride in any league below the EL, we change the goal posts for foreign riders and certain clubs, but not up and coming british talent... The mind boggles. agree with both posts,the average fan can see what's wrong unfortunately the Promotions cannot. Edited October 30, 2014 by Fromafar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotchopper Posted October 30, 2014 Report Share Posted October 30, 2014 The answer is quite simple but will never be implemented Main reason that the real elite riders don't race in the UK is that there are too many meetings and it is not on a consistent meeting night The problem with riders doubling up is there are too many clashes between pl and el. There are also too many clashes with riders foreign commitments Answer: Reduce the number of meetings in the elite league and only run on a regular meeting night, i.e. all on Monday or perhaps Thursday. That will solve both problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted October 30, 2014 Report Share Posted October 30, 2014 The answer is quite simple but will never be implemented Main reason that the real elite riders don't race in the UK is that there are too many meetings and it is not on a consistent meeting night The problem with riders doubling up is there are too many clashes between pl and el. There are also too many clashes with riders foreign commitments Answer: Reduce the number of meetings in the elite league and only run on a regular meeting night, i.e. all on Monday or perhaps Thursday. That will solve both problems This is meant to be a Sport and Entertainment,these greedy riders that want to ride every night of the week in a different can to take as much money out of the Sport as they can should be told to go and get a proper job.We are seeing more and more jaded performers as the season goes on due to these guys just going through the motions to take the cash on offer.The Team ethics of the sport is a joke IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotchopper Posted October 30, 2014 Report Share Posted October 30, 2014 The current agreements with other countries speedway don't do the upcoming rider like cookie any favours either. Whilst I am sure there are teams that would like to give him a go his starting average does not help. That is one of the reasons Cookie is stuck in limbo and will probably end up without a foreign club and have to go back to the PL to make ends meet. My understanding is at the moment in Poland, Sweden and Denmark a UK based rider will be given a starting assessed average/grade which is the same as their average in the Elite League. With the calibre of rider in the EL, this average will be very much inflated compared with their peers and said rider will end up competing with far superior riders for team slots. If I was an upcoming rider in the PL I would refuse to go to EL and try to get a ride abroad based on my PL average (not sure how that works). Much more attractive starting average/grade for a foreign club. Maybe once established with the correct average I would consider going EL but not before, even if I was a British rider this has to be the way to go until the EL gets its act together. This is meant to be a Sport and Entertainment,these greedy riders that want to ride every night of the week in a different can to take as much money out of the Sport as they can should be told to go and get a proper job.We are seeing more and more jaded performers as the season goes on due to these guys just going through the motions to take the cash on offer.The Team ethics of the sport is a joke IMO These greedy riders, hahahahahahahahahaha. You make it sound like they have a cushy number and should give it all up to commit and be a loyal to a club in the UK that will ditch them at the end of the season when their average doesn't fit. Their career is likely to be over by 35 and that is assuming they don't pick up any major injuries. The only riders they get in the EL at the moment are the greedy ones. They are now voting with their feet and not racing in the UK, Kildemand another one gone. What you say about jaded performances are true and riders are realising this and choosing to drop a league. At the moment it is a no brainer you drop the UK. So unless the UK does something drastic it will always be a far inferior league Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted October 30, 2014 Report Share Posted October 30, 2014 The current agreements with other countries speedway don't do the upcoming rider like cookie any favours either. Whilst I am sure there are teams that would like to give him a go his starting average does not help. That is one of the reasons Cookie is stuck in limbo and will probably end up without a foreign club and have to go back to the PL to make ends meet. My understanding is at the moment in Poland, Sweden and Denmark a UK based rider will be given a starting assessed average/grade which is the same as their average in the Elite League. With the calibre of rider in the EL, this average will be very much inflated compared with their peers and said rider will end up competing with far superior riders for team slots. If I was an upcoming rider in the PL I would refuse to go to EL and try to get a ride abroad based on my PL average (not sure how that works). Much more attractive starting average/grade for a foreign club. Maybe once established with the correct average I would consider going EL but not before, even if I was a British rider this has to be the way to go until the EL gets its act together. These greedy riders, hahahahahahahahahaha. You make it sound like they have a cushy number and should give it all up to commit and be a loyal to a club in the UK that will ditch them at the end of the season when their average doesn't fit. Their career is likely to be over by 35 and that is assuming they don't pick up any major injuries. The only riders they get in the EL at the moment are the greedy ones. They are now voting with their feet and not racing in the UK, Kildemand another one gone. What you say about jaded performances are true and riders are realising this and choosing to drop a league. At the moment it is a no brainer you drop the UK. So unless the UK does something drastic it will always be a far inferior league It is a Sport,they don't have to take the risks if they don't want too,nobody is forcing them to ride Speedway to make a living. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B.V 72 Posted October 30, 2014 Report Share Posted October 30, 2014 Surely the best scenario for the Cookie Monster would be: 1) If he wants to be back at Edinburgh, get his name on a contract now... Already an Edinburgh legend and I doubt he'd line up for another PL team. 2) Sort out where in the EL he'll be. Belle Vue may be a big doubt if they were so cheesed off with him missing so many home meetings due to a race-night clash... Wednesday night track maybe? Poole? Kings Lynn? 3) Try and get a Swedish place (though team spots are filling up fast)... Secure league, he'll improve and gets his desire to race the top boys and is on a race night that won't affect the UK. 4) Become a squad member in Poland. If he rides in Poland full time, he has to give up the PL as there are too many clashes. But if he was a squad member, it'd be easier to ride some meetings when required to without clashing. 5) Work over the close season to gain more sponsorship... Cheesed off with him missing so many home meetings.Just to put the record straight he missed just one against Lakeside Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotchopper Posted October 31, 2014 Report Share Posted October 31, 2014 It is a Sport,they don't have to take the risks if they don't want too,nobody is forcing them to ride Speedway to make a living. no but if speedway racing becomes unaffordable to riders then there won't be any more speedway. If riders were driving around in ferrari's or with massive watches I'd be agreeing with you. Some riders race at a loss, to call them greedy is just wrong. As I say especially in a league where teams cannot be loyal. This is a thread about Edinburgh 2015 and everyone of the team that rode this year deserves the loyalty to be there next season but that is impossible. Deek is retiring and one of the reasons he is retiring is because he can't afford to compete and is running at a loss. Cookie who probably deserves the most loyalty is still the most difficult to fit in, if he wants to ride PL then we probably will have to find a place for him. Would hate to see him race for another team, ideally Monarchs would like to sell him to an EL club and make some money Stevie Worrall who is probably the main reason for the phenomenal start to the season and was the foundation behind our team is proably on an uncomfortable average. I would reccomend him to very team in the league but think it is very unlikely he will be back at edinburgh Sam, Justin and Max are all brilliant propspects who have had great seasons, would have them all back in a second but we can only do that if cookie moves on Ironically Aaron who is the only man who arguably hasn't done enough to keep his place has an attractive average and if the club can get assurances on equipment and preparation has a good chance of being back. I am actually someone who sees the merit in the average system but the victims of the rules are the riders who get mucked about and sometimes left out completely because of them. They would all love to double up and find clubs abroad to improve and get better. 4 of them have moved to the other side of the world to become a speedway rider and yet you call them greedy. Gone are the days when British speedway ruled the waves and could control all the riders, the clubs over here have to realise this and do something drastic to get the level of speedway in this country back up and start producing riders again 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted October 31, 2014 Report Share Posted October 31, 2014 Do you not think that The BSPA should be changing the rules and make sure that riders that want to be loyal to a club are allowed .By the same token if there are no fans turning up the riders can't expect to be payed money that is not there.Full time professional speedway riders in Britain will be a thing of the past the way attendances are going or a lot of Clubs will fold..While it was a decent crowd at Armadale for the Play off Final it was not the biggest crowd I have seen there.That was the average crowd afew years ago IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotchopper Posted October 31, 2014 Report Share Posted October 31, 2014 Maybe in the first year at armadale, it has been a long time since a crowd that size on any more than a one off. Hope a few of the newbies or returnees turn up next season You are probably right there is an argument that the average system is no longer valid and hinders the sport. Good luck getting the promoters to agree to that one 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MD Posted October 31, 2014 Report Share Posted October 31, 2014 Stevie Worrall who is probably the main reason for the phenomenal start to the season and was the foundation behind our team is proably on an uncomfortable average. I would reccomend him to very team in the league but think it is very unlikely he will be back at edinburgh Sam, Justin and Max are all brilliant propspects who have had great seasons, would have them all back in a second but we can only do that if cookie moves on Ironically Aaron who is the only man who arguably hasn't done enough to keep his place has an attractive average and if the club can get assurances on equipment and preparation has a good chance of being back. Masters on 8.22 would be a number 1 at most other clubs, yet it is not a role I think he is capable of and would IMO find it very hard going leading to his average dropping. Edinburgh have also had great value from Sedgmen and Fricke who have each put over 2 points on their average. They have served their purpose and with Edinburgh not being loyal to riders (not a criticism) at least one from Worrall, Sedgemen, Fricke and Masters will be moved on. Like you say Fox is worth another punt being on a low average and now having done all the tracks There is also Tabaka on a 6.00 who wasn't needed to replace any under performers mid season and I know of a frustrating German who would represent superb value on 6.19 . No doubt another couple of masterstroke signings will be made! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadders Posted October 31, 2014 Report Share Posted October 31, 2014 (edited) It used to be good. But it was "Elite" then!! Back in the mid 80's when I first watched speedway a second tier heat number 1 would be a reserve in the top tier, that's how strong the BL was then. Edited October 31, 2014 by Shads Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MD Posted October 31, 2014 Report Share Posted October 31, 2014 Back in the mid 80's when I first watched speedway a second tier heat number 1 would be a reserve in the top tier, that's how strong the BL was then. Many second tier teams also had 3 genuine heat leaders back then, that's how strong the then NL was, though not at Glasgow for most of that decade! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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