The White Knight Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 What can the BSPA do ? In a word - Regionalise. With the Recession and Government 'Cuts' Speedway needs to be made as cheap as possible for it's Supporters. If it fails to act on this basic principle then I believe that things will only get worse. My Theory would be to scrap the Premier League, allow the Elite League to go it's own way and merge Premier League Tracks with National League Tracks and run the resultant Leagues on a Regional basis. Obviously there would have to be a reallocation of Riders - but it could work in reducing Costs, Wages etc. Cheaper Speedway might just bring people in - I say might - but who knows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Panda Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 I really hope this is not the end for Berwick.................I wish them well in finding the solution they want and need............ The sad thing is there are too many clubs that are becoming financially unviable to run because of ever increasing costs and gates being low............ Where as it used to be a cheap night/day out its no longer possible for families to be able to go every single home meeting let alone away ones...............come on the powers that be.............do something to help the sport before its too late...... RP 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackadder Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 When was the last time anyone saw a rider come with their bike on a trailer being towed by a car?I don't know who it was, but someone drove a car towing a trailer with a bike on it, into the area behind the Pits at Sheffield last week, for the Sheffield v Cradley meeting. I said at the time that I haven't seen that for some years. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allthegearbutnaeidea Posted July 27, 2015 Report Share Posted July 27, 2015 The only problem is even if the BBSC and the 2012 group helped I can't see what it's actually going to do, they need to find someone willing to put a lot more money than them 2 supporters groups have to put in to it 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
screm Posted July 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 we could raffle a sports car an crescent girl could win it again Slightly off thread but quality none the less. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spittalbandit Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 I had put forward an idea but was told that the amount of money raised would only last few weeks . My idea was a fans ownership scheme supplimenting the present owners but giving fams a vote on decisions. I said during closed season fans pay £10 per week by direct debit . If for example 100 fans took this up and 26 week closed season it would generate 26000. If this was extended to full year and any fan contributing got in for say £5 to meetings this would generate a guarenteed 52000. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 I would say anyone who doesn't own their own stadium will be struggling. Doesn't leave many - Glasgow, Somerset and Rye House would be the only safe ones in my mind. Even Redcar who own their own stadium are down to the diehards, can't survive on that. The fight to be the best has led to this, overspending on riders coupled with spiralling external costs are burying the clubs. The riders are demanding more money as they want the best equipment and fancy van. When was the last time anyone saw a rider come with their bike on a trailer being towed by a car? I see them at Northside when I go there but even some of these young lads have loads of equipment, how do they afford it? In football if you want the best equipment it will cost £100 for boots, if it's cricket or golf it's £500, in speedway it's £2000 for a bike minimum then kevlars, spare parts and the van to cart it round in! It's become a spending race well said.... and the ultimate irony is that in the "fight to be the best", those who succeed win a league title that hardly anyone cares about anymore given the fact when you win it half the league have invariably helped you to do so by lending you riders throughout the season....!! risking bankrupting a club to win a competition with zero credibility? couldn't make it up could you?........ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuxtonTiger Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 Scunthorpe, Plymouth and now Berwick. Edinburgh had the begging bowl out in April. Workington's gates have been poor and only a week or so ago Brian Havelock was saying that Redcar are 150-200 down per week. If you then add Coventry, Swindon and Lakeside to the above, what is left? There needs to be a "promoters" meeting now without self interest. If they don't, then there will be no Elite or Premier league. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
screm Posted July 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 I had put forward an idea but was told that the amount of money raised would only last few weeks . My idea was a fans ownership scheme supplimenting the present owners but giving fams a vote on decisions. I said during closed season fans pay £10 per week by direct debit . If for example 100 fans took this up and 26 week closed season it would generate 26000. If this was extended to full year and any fan contributing got in for say £5 to meetings this would generate a guarenteed 52000. Like I posted the other day, this isn't a bad idea, not so sure how you would get around voting as some decisions, signing riders for example might need to be done immediately and without every one knowing the riders we were after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadders Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 (edited) There's no doubt, apart from the sugar daddy teams, the PL is in big trouble. Something has to be done to cut costs, cos I can't see a significant increase in people coming through the gate anytime soon. Edited July 28, 2015 by Shads 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MD Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 The PL could potentially go to 6 man teams but still include 2 reserves. That would take meetings down to 14 heats. As it is there aren't enough riders to fill 7 man teams in the PL due to the lack of quality Brits and over zealous restrictions on non EU riders. I would also lower the work permit threshold to 5.5 points. A lot has been mentioned of the success of Eastbourne going NL however they are the only one I can think of. IOW & Stoke both went down never to return, I think IOW may have even closed completely. Best wishes to Berwick and its owners. There seems to be a determined effort by a few to close them which is sad. #smalltownmentalitywithnothingelsetodo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkafag Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 I've said it before I think the way forward is for supporters clubs to run clubs. Like they do in Sweden and Denmark. They pay subs to become members of the club and have voting rights. Officials are appointed and are held accountable by the members. The club lives within it's means because it cannot spend money it does not have. I also think clubs run by basically volunteers would get more support from local businesses. Is that not what has happened at Berwick for the last 20 years at least? Is it just fortunate that the people in charge have bankrolled the black holes left when crowds dwindle, injuries stack up etc On another note, the parody accounts “Big John”, “crazy golf” BS chat that is posted on here should have been put a stop to months ago, its utterly pathetic. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigeddiechek Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 Is that not what has happened at Berwick for the last 20 years at least? Is it just fortunate that the people in charge have bankrolled the black holes left when crowds dwindle, injuries stack up etc On another note, the parody accounts Big John, crazy golf BS chat that is posted on here should have been put a stop to months ago, its utterly pathetic. Some of the action of fans towards the people who have put so much of their time and money to keep Berwick Speedway alive has been disgusting. Sadly, Peter experienced the same. I can't help but think if all that effort had been a bit more appreciated, then we wouldn't be in this position. The floor has been opened for people to step up to the mark again. Let's see if some of the clever barstewards have any substance, or if they are just sad little individuals who hide behind a keyboard and have nothing tangible to offer. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allthegearbutnaeidea Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 We need to hope there is someone out there with money actually interested in Berwick speedway...unfortunately that does not sound too promising as their isn't a lot of people interested i Berwick speedway never mind people with coin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigeddiechek Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 I had put forward an idea but was told that the amount of money raised would only last few weeks . My idea was a fans ownership scheme supplimenting the present owners but giving fams a vote on decisions. I said during closed season fans pay £10 per week by direct debit . If for example 100 fans took this up and 26 week closed season it would generate 26000. If this was extended to full year and any fan contributing got in for say £5 to meetings this would generate a guarenteed 52000. My point about fans paying a wee bit extra for entry was based on exactly this thinking. To ease cashflow and keep the club running. What differs is your suggestion would offer a share in the club. It could offer a return - if the fans turn out in numbers regularly - most likely not, but maybe keep the club going. It would also entail liabilities. The opportunity has been presented and I'm sure it is worth putting to John, if you haven't already done so. It's a fair size of a business to run, a few £10s of thousands doesn't go far. One of the problems lots of people have highlighted is costs are way too high. I think the horse may have bolted on this one though. We need to hope there is someone out there with money actually interested in Berwick speedway...unfortunately that does not sound too promising as their isn't a lot of people interested i Berwick speedway never mind people with coin Why would anyone be interested in getting abuse hurled at them every week, and having the privilege of paying for it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topaz325 Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 Scunthorpe, Plymouth and now Berwick. Edinburgh had the begging bowl out in April. Workington's gates have been poor and only a week or so ago Brian Havelock was saying that Redcar are 150-200 down per week. If you then add Coventry, Swindon and Lakeside to the above, what is left? There needs to be a "promoters" meeting now without self interest. If they don't, then there will be no Elite or Premier league. Fans have been saying this for years that promoters need to see the bigger picture and plan years in advance with changes.....having said that they can not drag fans through the turnstiles. Do not know how the finances of the NL are like but it seems most EL and PL teams are struggling to attract fans with maybe a few exceptions, Somerset, Poole, Wolves , Kings Lynn and Glasgow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 The only problem is even if the BBSC and the 2012 group helped I can't see what it's actually going to do, they need to find someone willing to put a lot more money than them 2 supporters groups have to put in to itPersonaly I think there is only 1 option, someone buys the club.dont think there are a number of small investors around these days willing to put money into the sport in its present state.I think the sport can still be viable but radical changes need to be made by the people running the sport .The major bugbear this season has to be the number of blank Sat.for whatever reason,people just get out of the habit. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Science Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 Fans have been saying this for years that promoters need to see the bigger picture and plan years in advance with changes.....having said that they can not drag fans through the turnstiles. Do not know how the finances of the NL are like but it seems most EL and PL teams are struggling to attract fans with maybe a few exceptions, Somerset, Poole, Wolves , Kings Lynn and Glasgow. Wolves are having there lowest crowds in the modern era. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigeddiechek Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 Wolves are having there lowest crowds in the modern era. We might just have to face a basic fact of economics. If there is no demand, then there will be no supply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penchev Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 Is there really a solution to Speedway in the country? Far to many teams struggling at the minute, who do you get extra punters through the gate? The Berwick promotion have tried everything they can to increase the crowd, for example sky meetings, Grand prix meetings etc. but have failed to sustain any crowd levels. Perhaps people now pick and choose what meeting they go to? A loyalty scheme would perhaps help for example after attending 4 meetings get in free on the 5th meeting. We have had decent crowds when against the likes of Glasgow and Edinburgh, but always going to have poor crowds against the likes of Plymouth and Rye house. The elite league has been a dying product for years and what do they do? bring out a fast track system in a bid to save thier own skin, (which should of been done at premier league level imo) And as for some of the rules they come out with is barking for example Adam Ellis not allowed to ride in the Premier League how can that be a good thing? and that Wilson dean bloke not being able to ride at premier league level unless a 7 point average? Only speedway would know how to constantly kick itself in the nuts time and time again. Time for drastic chance in the way things are run in this country and by whom they are run, but unfortuntlay the damage appears to have been done and its gone to the dogs as they say. Berwick most definatley have been hampered by the injuires to Ben and Claus, and replacements have been very very difficult to find, (Sheffield with Simon Stead as another example) Interesting to hear the comments on Sky from Lakeside when they were missing AJ and the effect that had on their results. I for one hope that Berwick Speedway can be saved and will continue, but right now i fear the worst. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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