bigeddiechek Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 The Track - It is safer than it was a few years ago yes and I agree that that is the most important thing but is the track good for racing not really mainly down to shape I think but I'm not a track curator so that's just my guess. Ben Barker - A good signing and probably could get a few faces along that aren't massive speedway fans as most people with a passing knowledge of speedway know who he is and it is nice to have a big name number one. Vissing and Doolan - Two key riders this season and I was pleased to have them back. Pricing - Very much on a par with most of the Premier League but I personally think speedway in general is over priced. Kids Entry - I don't have kids so I'm not exactly sure of the deal and it would be interesting to see how many families it enticed along. Stadium - Has been improved I do believe a lot of this has more to do with Berwick Rangers to make sure they keep up with SPFL standards as a speedway venue it is streets ahead of a lot of other stadiums. Newsletter - I don't subscribe to so I can't comment I wait until Crescent Girl spreads the news from the centre green on here. Programme - I personally think it is one of the poorest in the league and always seems to contain mistakes its streets behind the one you get at Newcastle so I only really buy it to keep the scores it is cheap enough at £2 though. Posters - I haven't personally seen them just the banners in the town centre I know Berwick Rangers do them and put them in local shops I did not know we did. Additional Meetings - It has been fantastic to see these meetings on our doorstep and a lot of that has to do with how good our stadium is compared to other speedway stadiums, they are always well attended and provide a nice break from the usual league meetings. Sky - As above well attended and enjoyable to see the show come to Berwick. Apart from Ben Barker, Claus Vissing and Kevin Doolan though what out of the above will attract people along every week? It's not me that they need to win around though it's your speedway fans of old who have stopped coming and your new faces that you need to get along. I will come to as many meetings as I can but how do you get Joe Bloggs, his wife and two kids to decide to have a night out at the speedway. They probably aren't interested in Newsletters or Programmes, what they are interested in is if they spend £30 are they getting a good night out, good value for money, good entertainment we need something to create a buzz like a sky meeting does. It's like a conveyor belt if 100 fans fall off each year and don't come back for one reason or another you need at least another 100 fans to start coming and Speedway in general needs to start coming up with ideas to get the fans along. Can't disagree with most of that. So, you are agreeing that efforts and improvements are being made. Really, the whole team looks pretty decent now. We can't really complain about how it looks on paper, at the moment. The new folk that I have brought along either get speedway, or they don't. I think we have to accept that the crowds are pretty much where they are going to be. In terms of Berwick, the crowds massively outnumber the football, so what is the football doing wrong? Or is the speedway actually doing something better? I don't know. I'm not going to argue with you as you make a lot of valid points, and put them across well, which is rather refreshing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamster00 Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 Can't disagree with most of that. So, you are agreeing that efforts and improvements are being made. Really, the whole team looks pretty decent now. We can't really complain about how it looks on paper, at the moment. The new folk that I have brought along either get speedway, or they don't. I think we have to accept that the crowds are pretty much where they are going to be. In terms of Berwick, the crowds massively outnumber the football, so what is the football doing wrong? Or is the speedway actually doing something better? I don't know. I'm not going to argue with you as you make a lot of valid points, and put them across well, which is rather refreshing. Don't even get me started on them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 (edited) Why don't you stop the nipping, driving people around you away? Ok I will take your advice on board the next time I attend.Dont think it will affect the crowd numbers though. Edited May 5, 2015 by Fromafar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigeddiechek Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 Don't even get me started on them. =D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Normski Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 Why then if there are so many people returning and becoming new regulars was the crowd on Saturday the smallest I think I've seen it since the Andersons took over? Since returning to watch speedway again in 2010 Saturdays crowd especially against Workington was one of the worst i have seen. Where do all the former fans go on a Saturday night, Berwick is a small town with about 18 pubs and 2 nightclubs although a lot of our current support comes from outside the town. Its not as if we face competition on a Saturday night from other attractions such as Ice Hockey, Basketball, Ten pin bowling or a big cinema complex or an arena that hosts concerts with popular bands etc. Being situated where we are on the map apart from the usual suspects Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle we are not getting hordes of away fans turning up to meetings anymore. As for the track as long as there is football there, the shape will never change and no people dont want to watch gate and go every week but as was proved in the under 21 meeting, when the track is prepared to the standard it was that night it can provide good racing. Hopefully when the better weather comes we might get a few more bodies through the turnstiles.Lets hope this Saturday we can get back to winning ways and put together a nice little cup run. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 (edited) Although it would not be possible to do during a season.Given the shape and width cannot be altered I would like to see the majority of the banking taken of the bends as it would slow the speed down and would need a bit of thought on how to ride the track .As it stands just now it just open the throttle and hold on type of racing.Might bring more entertaining racing IMO . Edited May 6, 2015 by Fromafar 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arson fire Posted May 5, 2015 Report Share Posted May 5, 2015 Can't disagree with most of that. So, you are agreeing that efforts and improvements are being made. Really, the whole team looks pretty decent now. We can't really complain about how it looks on paper, at the moment. The new folk that I have brought along either get speedway, or they don't. I think we have to accept that the crowds are pretty much where they are going to be. In terms of Berwick, the crowds massively outnumber the football, so what is the football doing wrong? Or is the speedway actually doing something better? I don't know. I'm not going to argue with you as you make a lot of valid points, and put them across well, which is rather refreshing. most people couldnt give a monkeys about the promotion, and why should they?.. I support nufc but i dont give a sh!t about mike Ashley, they want to see an entertaining winning team for their entrance fee, the emotional blackmail hogwash about negative people is just that... If crowds are falling it is mainly due to the lack of entertainment and value for money i bet... Not cyril and his pal with the flask bleating on!! if you are introducing speedway to the masses, how do you sell it to them??... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigeddiechek Posted May 6, 2015 Report Share Posted May 6, 2015 most people couldnt give a monkeys about the promotion, and why should they? This more apposite than you could ever imagine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YAMYAMBANDIT Posted May 6, 2015 Report Share Posted May 6, 2015 I'm sorry Taffy, but it is actually the case. They just got so sick of it. Don't mis-represent me by suggesting that I am saying it is the only reason, just a few people I know got worn down with it. If you like, I can ask for their permission to post their names. Phew! The track is certainly a scapegoat, the same people that were complaining about it 10 years ago are complaining about it now. The negativity is really starting to do a lot of harm. It is likely going to finish things off. It's easy to be critical, and it's usually the bottom feeders of society that become critics. That is sensational hypocrisy from you Taffy! I lost count of the amount of times I heard you tell me that "Peter's biggest problem is that he never listened to anyone". That it was his way or the highway. Talk about invalidating your opinion! Think you will find I always said, he listened to what would be of benefit to him and ignored the rest. You have a tendency to interprit something that you THINK I said rather than what was actually said, perhaps a job at the Daily Mail would be right up your street. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinh88 Posted May 6, 2015 Report Share Posted May 6, 2015 A good team and entertainment that's what Speedway fans want... We've had the bouncy castle, face painting, buy a brick all sorts of things schemes I think we all accept Speedway is very much on the decline generally, sad but true.... Agreed, money is tight but if you have a love for Speedway, if it's in your blood if your club has a team you want to go back and watch, you will go to watch Remember the excitement of travelling the length of the country to see Marcin Rempala in action and he was worth it... a 3rd tier Polish rider then and now at best Maybe the problem isn't solely with the fans, track or riders maybe we can all take a bit of the blame.... Ultimately if you put out a good side with some good racing the fans will come, however losing your first 3 meetings against sides of similar and better ability is criminal.... We knew our team wasn't going to be strong enough to compete now we are battling not just to win a few meetings but also get neutral and hardcore fans back.. no easy task Stichauer for Voldrih is like for like and Hall for Crang is a change that had to be made. Doolan should pick up mid season as he usually does so probs about mid-table.... The PL is weak, I don't buy the same old BS the PL is getting stronger every season. Berwick maybe don't have the biggest support, but they are trusting and loyal people, maybe too loyal Maybe people are actually starting to see that while the stadium improvements have added to the spectacle, it's all about the winning and entertainment that's what our fans care about... The club from a results point of view have become a farce. Anderson wouldn't have any fans left now had he taken over Edinburgh in 2009 instead of ourselves... I personally don't go every week.... and wont be going until a change of direction shown, we have a different team manager every week. When we lose there is no passion shown in post match comments. Maybe too many hangers on who knows if not why not employ some one to take charge of team affairs solely? I have noticed 3 or maybe 4 team m's this season doesn't set a very professional image when we are getting beaten sounds like they are playing Rock Paper Sisscors in the back office along with other things. Just amateur really Where is our desire, passion and ambition? Did we really expect to compete with Barker, Voldrih, Jorgenson, Doolan, Kus/Visser, Crang, Edberg? http://www.berwick-advertiser.co.uk/sport/berwick-bandits/news-match-reports/watch-bandits-director-george-hepburn-previews-new-speedway-season-1-3730338 Evidently George did Berwick have great fans best in the league I would say, Berwick fans are not coming for good reason.... To say people aren't coming because of things they have read on the internet Is complete folly. While their maybe a few..... I question their love and passion for Speedway 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkafag Posted May 6, 2015 Report Share Posted May 6, 2015 (edited) Peter was great at the start he was enthusiastic, spoke to fans at the end of meetings, by the end he just seemed worn down and cynical, there is a similar trend now and the similar faces with the knifes out (the way one in particular is attempting to rewrite his history with Peter certainly isn’t lost on me) It is all well and good saying most people don’t care about promotions. They probably should, because when they aren’t there, the sport won’t be there, if anything the last few years has seen Speedway on a life support machine in Berwick, a statement I don’t consider to be scaremongering. If the current promotion hadn’t stepped in after Peter it would have, probably could have been gone then. I would highly doubt you will get anyone stepping up this time. It can be positioned anyway you like it, track should be better, better team, winning team etc. Berwick have had all of those things over the last 10/20 years under several different promotions and it typically leads back to the same place, dwindling crowds and constant rumbles from % of the fan base, it isn’t coincidental. Edited May 6, 2015 by sparkafag 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YAMYAMBANDIT Posted May 6, 2015 Report Share Posted May 6, 2015 You get people moaning in all walks of life though every single place you go you will find that and I find it astonishing that people would not turn up because of that I've never heard anything like it. I know plenty of people who have stopped coming recently but for the more obvious reasons as stated above entertainment, poor results and so on. Concidering how many speedway fans I meet, not only at Shielfield or in the B&G but the many that come in to the shop from all walks of life. Not once have I heard they no longer come because someone is having a moan, but have left for many reasons, value for money, lack of entertainment etc. etc etc.the reasons have often been discussed on here. The main moan from visiting fans is the gate& go nature of the track. If you look in the Berwick 2015 thread everyone on there is agreeing it was a good move replacing Luke with Richard and I agree something had to be done and Richard is an experienced rider who will add a bit more depth. Personally the reason I have a moan about certain things isn't because I want the club to fold it's because I want the club I support to be the best it possibly can be. I'm not saying I know all the answers or I could fix it all I just want to try and improve things where I feel we could do better and come up with some suggestions. Surely you can see that so far this season has been nothing short of a disaster for the club. A string of home defeats, some unfortunate injuries, an inconsistent track and dwindling crowd numbers have all resulted in us all fearing the worst for our club. I am one of the biggest critics out there but it's through nothing more than wanting the club I support to be the best it can be and be able to compete with the likes of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Somerset and Ipswich. The few people that I do know that criticise are very similar and only have the best interests of the club at heart. Nobody wants the club to close but I think everyone's different views on the matter have made people perceive what I would view as constructive criticism as a scathing attack on the club and promotion. Absolutely agree with you, 99% of people complaining do it from concern for the welfare of the club not malice. Not one of us want to see the promotion walk away, we love our speedway. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penchev Posted May 6, 2015 Report Share Posted May 6, 2015 (edited) I will say one thing....i do miss the traditional wheeling of the bikes out then the riders doing a couple of practice starts/laps before the meeting, Felt it got the crowd up before the start of the meeting, they seem to do this al almost every other track just not berwick, for whatever reason? Instead we have them walking out and then go round on a playmobile van thing. Edited May 6, 2015 by penchev 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigeddiechek Posted May 6, 2015 Report Share Posted May 6, 2015 Concidering how many speedway fans I meet, not only at Shielfield or in the B&G but the many that come in to the shop from all walks of life. Not once have I heard they no longer come because someone is having a moan, but have left for many reasons, value for money, lack of entertainment etc. etc etc.the reasons have often been discussed on here. The main moan from visiting fans is the gate& go nature of the track. Taffy, you only listen to what you want to. I can tell you for a fact that some people's enjoyment has destroyed by having their ears nipped. I had to stop coming into your shop because as soon as I stepped through the door you launched into a tirade of anti-Peter garbage. I deal with a lot of people across the Borders, Northumberland, and beyond: not just a wee shop in Berwick. I meet lots who go to the speedway, lots of family and lots of friends who go to the speedway: plus a few acquaintances. One or two grumble, and I think it is just their way, but on the whole the people I know really enjoy it. None of them even know who you are, so do not presume to talk for a majority of fans. You only talk for a section. One thing you might not know is that a family member used to film every meeting (in the distant past). I can categorically say that the thought that racing was markedly better in the past has a shade of the rose tint. In terms of gate and go, there is a strong case for the quality of the riders being a critical factor. Also, as Fromafar mentions, bikes are just too fast. So if a half decent rider gets out in front, they are always going to be difficult to pass. Above all though, Taffy, you used to slag Peter rotten, it was relentless. Now with a completely different promotion you are doing the same. Some naively become influenced with you and join in. This creates a little bubble for you. Some just wonder exactly what your problem is. Some - heaven help us - will be like "minded". I will keep coming on here and supporting the club (as I did in Peter's days too, and when the Waites were involved), no matter who is in charge. The amount of utter mince in terms of "what is going to happen" that I have heard from one habitual moaner is incredible. Every single bit of "fact" that they have told me has been wrong. Without fail. From us riding National League this year, to rider signings. Every single one of them wrong. Why am I so vocal about this? Because I too (along with others) are getting fed up of this. It is starting to impact on our enjoyment. It's all starting to leave a bad taste and is becoming tiresome. The speedway I'm fine with. We have full points from our one league meeting, and a strengthened team to move on with. So, I look forward to that. Is there anything wrong with that? Do not think for a second, though, that you are an authority speaking on behalf of the whole crowd. Because, simply, you are not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadders Posted May 6, 2015 Report Share Posted May 6, 2015 Berwick were the Liverpool of speedway last year. Exceeded expectations, but faded in the last month Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emilali Posted May 6, 2015 Report Share Posted May 6, 2015 Taffy, you only listen to what you want to. I can tell you for a fact that some people's enjoyment has destroyed by having their ears nipped. I had to stop coming into your shop because as soon as I stepped through the door you launched into a tirade of anti-Peter garbage. I deal with a lot of people across the Borders, Northumberland, and beyond: not just a wee shop in Berwick. I meet lots who go to the speedway, lots of family and lots of friends who go to the speedway: plus a few acquaintances. One or two grumble, and I think it is just their way, but on the whole the people I know really enjoy it. None of them even know who you are, so do not presume to talk for a majority of fans. You only talk for a section. One thing you might not know is that a family member used to film every meeting (in the distant past). I can categorically say that the thought that racing was markedly better in the past has a shade of the rose tint. In terms of gate and go, there is a strong case for the quality of the riders being a critical factor. Also, as Fromafar mentions, bikes are just too fast. So if a half decent rider gets out in front, they are always going to be difficult to pass. Above all though, Taffy, you used to slag Peter rotten, it was relentless. Now with a completely different promotion you are doing the same. Some naively become influenced with you and join in. This creates a little bubble for you. Some just wonder exactly what your problem is. Some - heaven help us - will be like "minded". I will keep coming on here and supporting the club (as I did in Peter's days too, and when the Waites were involved), no matter who is in charge. The amount of utter mince in terms of "what is going to happen" that I have heard from one habitual moaner is incredible. Every single bit of "fact" that they have told me has been wrong. Without fail. From us riding National League this year, to rider signings. Every single one of them wrong. Why am I so vocal about this? Because I too (along with others) are getting fed up of this. It is starting to impact on our enjoyment. It's all starting to leave a bad taste and is becoming tiresome. The speedway I'm fine with. We have full points from our one league meeting, and a strengthened team to move on with. So, I look forward to that. Is there anything wrong with that? Do not think for a second, though, that you are an authority speaking on behalf of the whole crowd. Because, simply, you are not. What an ar$e kissing absolute helmet you are, if only you could hear yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadders Posted May 6, 2015 Report Share Posted May 6, 2015 (edited) Most of what Big Eddie says I can't comment on as I'm not a local, so can't judge the overall feeling. The one thing in can agree with him though is his comment on the speed of the bikes. They are way to quick, which doesn't make for great racing a lot of the time. Some people say the new exhausts make them more difficult to control, especially on smaller tighter circuits. Edited May 6, 2015 by Shads 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigeddiechek Posted May 6, 2015 Report Share Posted May 6, 2015 Most of what Big Eddie says I can't comment on as I'm not a local, so can't judge the overall feeling amongst the locals. The one thing in can agree with him though is his comment on the speed of the bikes. They are way to quick, which doesn't make for great racing a lot of the time. Some people say the new exhausts make them more difficult to control, especially on smaller tighter circuits. My side of things with people locally (less so Berwick itself) is equally as valid as Taffy. It was Fromafar that pointed out the speed of the bikes to me, and I agree with him. It is particularly a factor on bigger tracks, I think. A former rider explained to me that the new exhausts do exactly as you mention Shads. Changes are needed in the sport, no doubt about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinh88 Posted May 6, 2015 Report Share Posted May 6, 2015 The guy is full of complete bs.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arson fire Posted May 6, 2015 Report Share Posted May 6, 2015 Taffy, you only listen to what you want to. I can tell you for a fact that some people's enjoyment has destroyed by having their ears nipped. I had to stop coming into your shop because as soon as I stepped through the door you launched into a tirade of anti-Peter garbage. I deal with a lot of people across the Borders, Northumberland, and beyond: not just a wee shop in Berwick. I meet lots who go to the speedway, lots of family and lots of friends who go to the speedway: plus a few acquaintances. One or two grumble, and I think it is just their way, but on the whole the people I know really enjoy it. None of them even know who you are, so do not presume to talk for a majority of fans. You only talk for a section. One thing you might not know is that a family member used to film every meeting (in the distant past). I can categorically say that the thought that racing was markedly better in the past has a shade of the rose tint. In terms of gate and go, there is a strong case for the quality of the riders being a critical factor. Also, as Fromafar mentions, bikes are just too fast. So if a half decent rider gets out in front, they are always going to be difficult to pass. Above all though, Taffy, you used to slag Peter rotten, it was relentless. Now with a completely different promotion you are doing the same. Some naively become influenced with you and join in. This creates a little bubble for you. Some just wonder exactly what your problem is. Some - heaven help us - will be like "minded". I will keep coming on here and supporting the club (as I did in Peter's days too, and when the Waites were involved), no matter who is in charge. The amount of utter mince in terms of "what is going to happen" that I have heard from one habitual moaner is incredible. Every single bit of "fact" that they have told me has been wrong. Without fail. From us riding National League this year, to rider signings. Every single one of them wrong. Why am I so vocal about this? Because I too (along with others) are getting fed up of this. It is starting to impact on our enjoyment. It's all starting to leave a bad taste and is becoming tiresome. The speedway I'm fine with. We have full points from our one league meeting, and a strengthened team to move on with. So, I look forward to that. Is there anything wrong with that? Do not think for a second, though, that you are an authority speaking on behalf of the whole crowd. Because, simply, you are not. My mams bigger than your mam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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