Stoke V Cradey Koc Quater Final1st Leg

[TMW]

STOKE are back in action on Saturday when they entertain Cradley in the first leg of their National League KO Cup quarter final at Loomer Road, 7pm.

 

The Potters are sweating on the fitness of Lee Payne who missed last nights defeat at Kings Lynn.

 

The Loomer Road club will need to be at their best against last seasons league Champions who have been flying high this season.

 

The Heathens are led by Max Clegg who has been in impressive form this season. The West Midlands club will use rider replacement for Nathan Greaves with Matt Williamson taking the third heat leader role. Luke Harris rides at four with Arron Mogridge son of former Potter Alan completing the top five. At reserve the Heathens have Michael Neale and the impressive Ellis Perks.

 

The Potters give a debut to Paul Burnett who replaces the injured Shaun Tedham.

 

STOKE: Jon Armstrong, Chris Widman, Ryan Terry-Daley, Danny Phillips, Lee Payne, Ryan MacDonald, Paul Burnett

CRADLEY: Max Clegg, Arron Mogridge, Matt Williamson, Luke Harris, Nathan Greaves r/r, Michael Neale, Ellis Perk

 

http://www.stokepotters.co/news.php?extend.760

[martin_t]

Electrical problems at Loomer Road.Thank god that sort of thing doesn't happen at Perry Barr

[vog]

Well, that was my first meeting of the season at Stoke, and no doubt my last as well.

 

Absolute farce.

[horneymikh]

Still run on the old genny vog??

[vog]

Still run on the old genny vog??

 

As far as I know, yes, but I wouldn't want to say for definite. The generator is still there, and was still very noisy as I walked past it.

 

It's a shame really, as it had been a pretty good meeting. The track seemed good and provided a good racing line around the outside for those who wanted to use it, and while a couple of riders kept hitting the same bumps, those who attacked the track got their rewards, with Payne and Clegg both looking in a class of their own.

 

Stoke were never going to go through on aggregate, but as a fan, I feel deprived of another meeting of Clegg and Payne, because you know that they wanted to meet up for a third time, to see who got the bragging rights!

 

Sadly, I feel it is just another nail in the coffin.

[horneymikh]

Surely can't be much room left for any more nails in that coffin???

[TMW]

Surely can't be much room left for any more nails in that coffin???

I disagree I think while there is Dave Tattum there will be speedway at Stoke. He could have pulled the plug years ago but it's still there.

[Halifaxtiger]

I disagree I think while there is Dave Tattum there will be speedway at Stoke. He could have pulled the plug years ago but it's still there.

You could be right.

 

On the other hand, if he left would Stoke Speedway be the better for it ?

 

There are many that argue that it would - far more than would argue otherwise.

 

I have no time for those who harbour personal grudges against the current promotion and use incidents like this to beat Dave Tattum with. Their interest is not in Stoke Speedway, but in settling scores.

 

However, there are those (Vog for instance) who are committed supporters driven away by the incompetence, arrogance and hostility of those who run the sport at Loomer Road.

 

There are some tracks in British Speedway that deserve far higher attendances than they get simply because of the effort they put in to try to attract paying customers (Berwick & Workington come to mind, but there are others).

 

Stoke simply does not fall into that category.

Edited May 17, 2015 by Halifaxtiger

[TMW]

Promoters stick to old school they get slated promoters try to go all progressive and they get slated. I suppose you have to go with what you think and run with it.

Vog's comments are sad to say the least and I'm sure he hasn't taken the decision lightly

[Clint]

Just been reading the Stoke Potters program from last night.

 

Dave Tatum said "I hope we will enjoy a great speedway match and leave with the feeling that it was great to be here."

Edited May 17, 2015 by Clint017

[vog]

Promoters stick to old school they get slated promoters try to go all progressive and they get slated. I suppose you have to go with what you think and run with it.

Vog's comments are sad to say the least and I'm sure he hasn't taken the decision lightly

 

Was good to see you last night, even if I didn't really introduce myself. I promise I'll tell you my name next time I see you

 

My decision is born of frustration, because I am fed up of being taken for granted as a fan. Last night was a good meeting, that ended in a way that feels all too familiar. Cradley had the same issue on Wednesday, but they get a pass because it is a one off, whereas Stoke have a power failure and it is almost expected, with cries of "Not again", instead of "Such a shame"

 

To be honest, despite my young age, I have been going to Stoke for 19 years, and during that time, I have had some fantastic evenings, across both leagues that we have participated in. Unfortunately, the longer it has gone on, the more it feels like there is a disconnect between what a fan is, and what the promotion see a fan as. Yesterday, when taking into account the fuel, and the entrance fee, and a couple of soft drinks, it probably cost around £35, in a time where money is tight for a lot of people. Add in the fact that Stoke as an area tended to get hit harder by the recession, and suddenly fans are more careful about where they spend their money, and want to feel appreciated. The Stoke promotion seem to have a view that "We put on a service for you, you should be thankful that we do it" rather than seeing the fan as a customer, and wanting to give them value for money. When they moved to the NL (And in the years leading up to that) a lot of bridges were burned with fans. Stoke fans are some of the most loyal fans, and in years gone by have done all manor of things to help the club and the riders, but there is only so long that they will accept being taken for granted, and for a lot of them, that time came a long time ago.

 

I am a dyed in the wool Stoke fan, and want nothing more than for the team to succeed, and everything I say comes from that viewpoint. It saddens me to see the decline that we have suffered, and I wish it could change, but it feels that we have a promotion who are happy to go through the motions, put a team out and know that because of the stock cars, they will make a profit. I can't help but feel that, for as long as the same people are involved in the running of the club, it will never recover, because they don't seem to want to change their ways.

 

I want Stoke to do well, and by that, I don't mean I want a team who sweeps all before them. Yes, a 7 man trophy would be nice (Given that in our history we have never won one) but I just want to feel respected as a fan. I want to feel as though the promotion is thankful that I am there, instead of feeling that the promotion are happy to take my money and let me be.

 

I'm sorry that this post got a bit long, but I feel like I make this kind of post every year, and every year nothing changes. It is upsetting to see how the club struggles, but by the same token, it is upsetting to see that the promotion have no desire to get better. Until the club actively tries to improve its image, why should I actively go out of my way to go? I will always support the 7 riders who pull on the Stoke race jacket, but until someone from the club realises the damage that they are doing each and every week, I will have to do it from afar.

 

Can the club be turned around? No doubt. It would take hard work, but it can be done. Will it be turned around? I doubt it.

[TMW]

 

Was good to see you last night, even if I didn't really introduce myself. I promise I'll tell you my name next time I see you

 

My decision is born of frustration, because I am fed up of being taken for granted as a fan. Last night was a good meeting, that ended in a way that feels all too familiar. Cradley had the same issue on Wednesday, but they get a pass because it is a one off, whereas Stoke have a power failure and it is almost expected, with cries of "Not again", instead of "Such a shame"

 

To be honest, despite my young age, I have been going to Stoke for 19 years, and during that time, I have had some fantastic evenings, across both leagues that we have participated in. Unfortunately, the longer it has gone on, the more it feels like there is a disconnect between what a fan is, and what the promotion see a fan as. Yesterday, when taking into account the fuel, and the entrance fee, and a couple of soft drinks, it probably cost around £35, in a time where money is tight for a lot of people. Add in the fact that Stoke as an area tended to get hit harder by the recession, and suddenly fans are more careful about where they spend their money, and want to feel appreciated. The Stoke promotion seem to have a view that "We put on a service for you, you should be thankful that we do it" rather than seeing the fan as a customer, and wanting to give them value for money. When they moved to the NL (And in the years leading up to that) a lot of bridges were burned with fans. Stoke fans are some of the most loyal fans, and in years gone by have done all manor of things to help the club and the riders, but there is only so long that they will accept being taken for granted, and for a lot of them, that time came a long time ago.

 

I am a dyed in the wool Stoke fan, and want nothing more than for the team to succeed, and everything I say comes from that viewpoint. It saddens me to see the decline that we have suffered, and I wish it could change, but it feels that we have a promotion who are happy to go through the motions, put a team out and know that because of the stock cars, they will make a profit. I can't help but feel that, for as long as the same people are involved in the running of the club, it will never recover, because they don't seem to want to change their ways.

 

I want Stoke to do well, and by that, I don't mean I want a team who sweeps all before them. Yes, a 7 man trophy would be nice (Given that in our history we have never won one) but I just want to feel respected as a fan. I want to feel as though the promotion is thankful that I am there, instead of feeling that the promotion are happy to take my money and let me be.

 

I'm sorry that this post got a bit long, but I feel like I make this kind of post every year, and every year nothing changes. It is upsetting to see how the club struggles, but by the same token, it is upsetting to see that the promotion have no desire to get better. Until the club actively tries to improve its image, why should I actively go out of my way to go? I will always support the 7 riders who pull on the Stoke race jacket, but until someone from the club realises the damage that they are doing each and every week, I will have to do it from afar.

 

Can the club be turned around? No doubt. It would take hard work, but it can be done. Will it be turned around? I doubt it.

I did know who you were. Which is nice, if you are contemplating a break (hopefully).

 

Your post is a good one !

 

Apparently last night was a fire in the electrical station. Hopefully Dave can get that sorted.

 

I know Malcolm still reads the forum. It would be good if Dave did

The team needs more supporters like your good self.

 

Stoke supporters are loyal supporters they must be to be able to see their team beaten and still get behind them

 

If it changed would it still be Stoke?. With it's imperfections and all.

 

My main team should be Leicester with it's lovely new stadium and EL team I should be on cloud 9 there but don't get the same cosy feeling as I get at Loomer road.

 

You probably think I'm saying this because of the boy but you ciuldn't be further from the truth I would have a real dilemma if he rode for a different team.

 

Hopefully see you at Perry Bar.

Edited May 17, 2015 by TMW

[teddy2706]

If you are prepared to accept the product, fine, go ahead and attend.

If you aren't, then do as many of us do and stay away.

 

Someone very well known at Stoke speedway has now named exiled Stoke Speedway supporters as Narkers.

As I am not from Stoke, I cannot say what this means locally, but where I come from a Nark means a sneak or a spy.

An unlikely description for people who speak their minds.

 

To the best of my knowledge, no attempt has been made from either promotion or "Narkers" to build bridges and attempt to reconcile the differences between them.

Until that happens, I think threads in this vein will continue.

[TheCookster]

 

I know Malcolm still reads the forum. It would be good if Dave did

 

 

 

Sadly, it would make no difference if dave Tattum were to read this or not - he has a history of paying little / no heed to the opinions of his paying customers and Stoke supporters.

 

The air fence may have been deflated, but as ever, Mr Tattum is still full of hot air.

 

He should have the good grace to move on and let somebody else tale over the promotion rights at Stoke. At a sensible and realistic price there would be interested parties ... quite possibly from a consortium of supporters, who would be prepared to put their money where their mouths are rather being the whingers that Mr Tattum like to try to dismiss them as being.

[speedibee]

You could be right.

 

On the other hand, if he left would Stoke Speedway be the better for it ?

 

There are many that argue that it would - far more than would argue otherwise.

 

I have no time for those who harbour personal grudges against the current promotion and use incidents like this to beat Dave Tattum with. Their interest is not in Stoke Speedway, but in settling scores.

 

However, there are those (Vog for instance) who are committed supporters driven away by the incompetence, arrogance and hostility of those who run the sport at Loomer Road.

 

There are some tracks in British Speedway that deserve far higher attendances than they get simply because of the effort they put in to try to attract paying customers (Berwick & Workington come to mind, but there are others).

 

Stoke simply does not fall into that category.

Without Dave Tattum Stoke would no longer be a Speedway. it would be a healthy profit making stock car/ banger track. no problems with the surface because it would be tarmac, no problem with air fences because it would be concrete .Sure there have been problems in the past ,and as a standalone this latest electrical problem is fairly insignificant and was handled in the best manner it could be taking all parties into consideration, but added to previous misfortunes makes great ammunition for those with a grudge , whenever I see or hear of a track suffering a catalogue of disasters however they are caused or created , it always makes me think of Milton Keynes . they had a run of bad luck and incompetence but they and their supporters are no longer suffering from them are they ? . and a similar fate is eagerly awaiting Stoke if the various parties with interest dont put their grievances aside and work together for the greater good .

[TheCookster]

Without Dave Tattum Stoke would no longer be a Speedway.

 

I think that is more a case of what Dave Tattum would like people to believe!

 

For a good number of years there have been those within the ranks of Stoke speedway supporters who have expressed genuine interest in being prepared to take over.

 

Dave Tattum isn't still there, because he is on some kind of crusade to keep speedway alive in the community. Dave Tattum is still there, because he wants to make money out of it in any which way that he can.

[TMW]

 

Sadly, it would make no difference if dave Tattum were to read this or not - he has a history of paying little / no heed to the opinions of his paying customers and Stoke supporters.

 

The air fence may have been deflated, but as ever, Mr Tattum is still full of hot air.

 

He should have the good grace to move on and let somebody else tale over the promotion rights at Stoke. At a sensible and realistic price there would be interested parties ... quite possibly from a consortium of supporters, who would be prepared to put their money where their mouths are rather being the whingers that Mr Tattum like to try to dismiss them as being.

The IOW was a consortium of supporters and look how that has ended. Like I say be careful what you wish for.

[TheCookster]

The IOW was a consortium of supporters and look how that has ended. Like I say be careful what you wish for.

 

I wouldn't even pretend to know the ins and outs of the IOW situation, but simply because a consortium failed there, doesn't mean that consortiums fail everywhere. Stoke speedway is NOT run by a consortium, but it has failed. Equally that doesn't mean that all tracks that aren't run by a consortium will fail.

[speedibee]

 

I think that is more a case of what Dave Tattum would like people to believe!

 

For a good number of years there have been those within the ranks of Stoke speedway supporters who have expressed genuine interest in being prepared to take over.

 

Dave Tattum isn't still there, because he is on some kind of crusade to keep speedway alive in the community. Dave Tattum is still there, because he wants to make money out of it in any which way that he can.

the best way for Dave Tattum to make money out of Stoke speedway , is to close it down and rent the stadium for stock cars or bangers . I dont know where your info comes from regarding Profit and loss of speedway teams . but if you think running one makes a profit you need to go to specsavers ..

and it takes someone who has a real interest in speedway to keep one running when it's so easy to give up and take the easy option of leasing to other for profitable sports ,,

[TheCookster]

That is the whole point, my friend. I would love Dave Tattum to walk away from Stoke speedway and let somebody else run it. I don't think the Specsavers metaphor really worked, but I think I understand what you meant. I am not under any illusion about how difficult it is to run businesses profitably, whether it be speedway or otherwise. I actually think Dave Tattum was the short-sighted one (the Specsavers metaphor would be appropriate there) when he took the team from PL into NL rather than addressing the real issues that were adversely affecting the marketability of Stoke speedway. Those shortcomings have been discussed at some length on various threads on this forum and on the old Stoke forum, so I don't really want to have to list them all again now.