25yearfan Posted October 20, 2015 Report Share Posted October 20, 2015 (edited) Does this mean that his boy Andrew might just return to run the Raiders? Len Silver deserves huge credit for what he done at Rye House from 2000 onwards. Without Len its likely that the return to Hoddesdon wouldn't have happened. Like others have said the 1st 10 years at the modern era Rye House was very successful and progressive but the last 5 years have seen a steady stale decline much similar to Lens 1st spell at Rye House from 82 till he left at the end of 85 and his last few years at Hackney till he got out in 1983. While Len has more speedway experience and knowhow than all of us put together it doesn't mean he's always right and this lack of delegation and refusal to take in other peoples ideas has led to the staleness and decline of Rye House speedway in recent years! Probably a good move but lets hope that Rye House doesn't go the same way it went in the 1986-93 Ronnie Russell era which followed the Len Silvers 1st Rye House era. Edited October 20, 2015 by 25yearfan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 20, 2015 Report Share Posted October 20, 2015 (edited) The Defunct Stock Car Track site has got it wrong. Len Silver bought the lease from Eddie Lesley and immediately gave Mark Eaton of Spedeworth notice to quit. That is correct according to what Len says in his book. Then that notice to quit by Len Silver to Spedeworth may have delayed possible stadium improvements at Rye House when one considers what Spedeworth International have achieved in regard to upgrading and spectator improvements at Ipswich's Foxhall Heath? This is what the Defunct Stock Car website says about Rye House: "Rye House passed into stock car history in 2000 when the lease was sold by Spedeworth to a speedway promoter who shaled over the tarmac track then later flattened it a little later and rebuilt it all specifically to speedway requirements. The original 50s track was actually alongside the current one and is now under the Kart track." Edited October 20, 2015 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hob Nob Posted October 20, 2015 Report Share Posted October 20, 2015 Does this mean that his boy Andrew might just return to run the Raiders? Andrew has been told he is no longer welcome at the Stadium by the new stadium manager so that will be a no then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 I agree with Blazeaway. As one of his own Staff at Rye said to me a couple of years ago, he used to be one of the best but he has lost the plot and is still stuck in the 1980's. Len is a very single minded and determined man. At times that can be a good quality and certainly was when he bought the Rye House stadium, kicked out the stock cars and put it on its feet as a viable Speedwáy venue, a fantastic acchievement but in recent years his single mindedness seems to have made him a grumpy cantankerous old curmudgeon who doesn't know how to get on with people. Not exactly Mr Popularity at Kent by all accounts. I think Rye House is a lovely little stadium for Speedwáy on a summer evening. I really hope the new owners can get the track sorted and the stadium organised again. And some decent fish and chips once more. I look forward to going back there if the do. Over the past 4 years I've had quite a few chats with Len about all sorts of things and not seen any signs at all of him 'losing the plot' He's an old feller now and pretty set in his ways but I have not had any problems getting on with him. While this forum is full of those who I am sure know more about the statistics and theory of the sport there is nobody that I can think of who could even get close to his practical knowledge of Speedway. I've been around too many years now but when he talks about anything Speedway whether that be tracks, riding or riders I listen because he knows a hell of a lot more than me. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Lee Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 Agree, Len Silver has done a lot for speedway over the years. Hope he continues the good work at Sittingbourne. However, no-one has said much about Warren Scott, the new owner. He's a former Superbike racer turned BTCC driver who has in the space of a few years built up the biggest and arguably most successful touring car team from nothing. That's in a sport where you need mega-million budgets to compete at the top. Seems to be an out-and-out motorsport enthusiast who knows how to make a successful business of it. I'm guessing it's his main business, and he doesn't have a private fortune to indulge motorsport as an expensive hobby. Just what speedway has been crying out for in recent years, so no doubt the old guard at the BSPA will already be plotting to oust him, just like they did Sandhu. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve roberts Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 I've been 'out of speedway' for over then years so don't know of Len's recent past but can only admire the man for what he achieved during the seventies. A real showman...and how the sport needs them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben91 Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 We have to be thankful for the good things Len did, I wasn't around for the first spell, but bringing the club back to Rye, building two Premier League winning sides and giving us a list of riders we can all fondly look back on watching. Those who went on to bigger things, Woffinden, Kennett, Danny King (all started at reserve), Sundstrom. Those who had potential but ultimately never fulfilled it unfortunately, Haines, Roynon, Nelson, Boxall even. Then there was Robbo (Stuart), probably my favourite rider, a true entertainer and one who suffered horrific injuries racing for Rye House. Signing Jason Doyle from nowhere when Boxall was injured at the start of a season was a masterstroke too, unfortunately that was the start of the decline when Doyle made way for Boxall's return despite the fact he seemed willing to do a whole season at Rye. Things have gone stale since that time, there can be no doubting or denying that, a seeming inability on Len's part to move with the times and change his principles on team building have seen us plummet down the table when arguably we should have been one of the dominant forces in the league. Personally I thank Len for the good times, but I'm glad to see the club has an opportunity to move in a new and hopefully positive direction from this point. If the new promotion can build a good team, engage with their fan base and promote the sport in the local area then there is no reason we cannot see the Rockets on top of the Premier League again. I sincerely hope the Raiders run again next season too, we have three prospects in the side already showing great potential, being able to produce your own riders is a great thing. As for Len, I hope being able to commit 100% to Kent now will re-invigorate him, he will relish the fresh challenge and hopefully give the fans there a side that can challenge for honours too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trees Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 Hopefully the new chap can do a "Glasgow" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E I Addio Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 Hopefully the new chap can do a "Glasgow" If he can just give it a facelift and get it more or less back on the rails it will be something. I usuaiiy like to pop over there a few rimes a year but haven't done so this year because it has slowly become less attractive, but if t he new owner gives it a bit more oomph I would hope to make a few trips next and Iwishhim every success. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawk127 Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 Len is one of those great characters who has been involved in all aspects of the sport and the fondest memories are leaping Len at Rayleigh and the verbal battles with Dave Lanning and Johnnie Hoskins. Friday and Saturday at 8 pm were great times and I well remember the move from Rayleigh to Rye House. Whatever he decides to do going forward no one should under estimate his contribution to the sport over so many years and it would be a lot poorer without him. If only you had more characters promoting in the mould of Len and lots of great names who have since left the promoting. Today political correctness has taken over and the rules and regulations have been the death of the fun and banter that use to prevail. Thank fully I was lucky enough to experience and enjoy the fun that use to be part of speedway and the real local derbies which would have been dull without the likes of Len. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E I Addio Posted October 21, 2015 Report Share Posted October 21, 2015 (edited) Then that notice to quit by Len Silver to Spedeworth may have delayed possible stadium improvements at Rye House when one considers what Spedeworth International have achieved in regard to upgrading and spectator improvements at Ipswich's Foxhall Heath? This is what the Defunct Stock Car website says about Rye House: "Rye House passed into stock car history in 2000 when the lease was sold by Spedeworth to a speedway promoter who shaled over the tarmac track then later flattened it a little later and rebuilt it all specifically to speedway requirements. The original 50s track was actually alongside the current one and is now under the Kart track." For someone who claims to be a journalist you are very slapdash about your sources.. Alan Jones has already told you that the Defunct Stock Car track site has got it wrong. Len bought the stadium from Eddie Lesley. He then says in his book "We completed the purchase on 14th July 2000.........the next day I gave Mark Easron notice to quit." Obviously as a tennent Mark Easton would not be investing money in a stadium he didn't own. I have to say that although I am critical of Len in many ways as he is now but the way he bought that wreck of a stadium and made it into a decent Speedwáy venue is one of the really remarkable achievements in the whole of British Speedwáy history, equally remarkable is the way he started his Silver Ski company from scratch and turned ift into a profitable organsation able to provide healthy sponsorship to his Speedwáy track Edited October 21, 2015 by E I Addio 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 (edited) Then that notice to quit by Len Silver to Spedeworth may have delayed possible stadium improvements at Rye House when one considers what Spedeworth International have achieved in regard to upgrading and spectator improvements at Ipswich's Foxhall Heath? This is what the Defunct Stock Car website says about Rye House: "Rye House passed into stock car history in 2000 when the lease was sold by Spedeworth to a speedway promoter who shaled over the tarmac track then later flattened it a little later and rebuilt it all specifically to speedway requirements. The original 50s track was actually alongside the current one and is now under the Kart track." For someone who claims to be a journalist you are very slapdash about your sources.. Alan Jones has already told you that the Defunct Stock Car track site has got it wrong. Len bought the stadium from Eddie Lesley. He then says in his book "We completed the purchase on 14th July 2000.........the next day I gave Mark Easron notice to quit." Obviously as a tennent Mark Easton would not be investing money in a stadium he didn't own. I wasn't using the Defunct Stock Car reference re the sale of Rye House to Len Silver as support to my previous comment but as a reference to a subsequent comment by Aan Jones that mentioned the item. You must follow these threads more carefully W 1 Addio!! I now have no doubt that what happened in regard to the departure of stock cars from Rye House is correct; Edited October 22, 2015 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odds On Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 I just hope the promoters at Rye House don't have any grand illusions of making money out of the sport, one thing is for sure if Uncle Len was making money he surely wouldn't of sold it!! Anyway, good luck to the new promoters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trees Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 I just hope the promoters at Rye House don't have any grand illusions of making money out of the sport, one thing is for sure if Uncle Len was making money he surely wouldn't of sold it!! Anyway, good luck to the new promoters. He wasn't trying very hard with it, stadium has been let go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 I just hope the promoters at Rye House don't have any grand illusions of making money out of the sport, one thing is for sure if Uncle Len was making money he surely wouldn't of sold it!! Well said Odds On. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bolly Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 A few more details about Lens departure in today's Mercury. Len obviously not happy with directon Warren and Co. wish to take the club. I am sure somebody will copy or link article to here?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan_Jones Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 A few more details about Lens departure in today's Mercury. Len obviously not happy with directon Warren and Co. wish to take the club. I am sure somebody will copy or link article to here?? It's here, but only gives the same quotes as elsewhere; http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/promoter-Len-Silver-leaves-Rye-House-Rockets-16/story-28021018-detail/story.html Whereas, in Speedway Star Len is quoted as saying; "I've been so unhappy this year with everything at Rye House. I'm not going to enlarge on it but, suffice to say, I wasn't happy working there so I'm not unhappy to walk away. I want to keep it simple for now as I don't want to air dirty linen in public. I'm unhappy to to lose those friends I have made at Rye House, people who worked with me, helped me and were good allies over the years. I'm sorry to be walking away from them but I'm not sorry to be walking away from Rye House as such." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tocha Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 It's here, but only gives the same quotes as elsewhere; http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/promoter-Len-Silver-leaves-Rye-House-Rockets-16/story-28021018-detail/story.html Whereas, in Speedway Star Len is quoted as saying; "I've been so unhappy this year with everything at Rye House. I'm not going to enlarge on it but, suffice to say, I wasn't happy working there so I'm not unhappy to walk away. I want to keep it simple for now as I don't want to air dirty linen in public. I'm unhappy to to lose those friends I have made at Rye House, people who worked with me, helped me and were good allies over the years. I'm sorry to be walking away from them but I'm not sorry to be walking away from Rye House as such." Not so much buyer beware but seller beware this time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobMcCaffery Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 (edited) Not so much buyer beware but seller beware this time. The opposite to the last time he sold Rye House.... Those who know the truth of what happened at the track in the eighties won't shed many tears. Edited October 22, 2015 by rmc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan_Jones Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 Not so much buyer beware but seller beware this time. It's what happens when you sell the majority share in a business and then expect to have the major say in running it. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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