Transfer Windows & One League

[thebaron]

In order to establish a more stable framework (pardon the pun) for the riders and more identity for teams; and consistency for the fans. I would propose that for next season we introduce two Transfer Windows.

 

On the 01 June and 01 September a team would be permitted to make one change to their 1-7. In all other circumstances a change to the initial declared 1-7 would only be permitted for reason of injury (the rider being assessed as unavailable for at least 1month) and/or actual retirement from the sport.

 

There is far far too much swapping and changing of riders between the teams; including the use of guest riders. This makes a farce of the sport and is actually one of the things fans hate. Team identity is important; and it should not be the case that as soon as a rider is a bit out of form that he is jettisoned for another. There should be some level of commitment on both sides of the fence to the team originally declared by the club.

 

Affording two Transfer Windows is more than adequate opportunity to effect a change. If as I say a rider is 'long term' injured or retires then special dispensation would need to be sought to bring in a replacement outside the transfer window.

 

It would place a good deal more emphasis upon Clubs to make informed decisions at the outset of the season; knowing there are fewer opportunities to make changes. Also it affords riders a fair period to establish their form; and work out their equipment and build up rapport and loyalty with the fans. There was nowhere near the swapping and changing in the 70's-80s goodness me had there been surely Scunthorpe would have ditched the entire 1-7 in 1972 when they were being battered to bits home and away. But they stuck with the team pretty much the entire season !.

 

Also; crucially we have to be prepared to merge the Premiership and the Championship for at least one season to gain some stability and consistency at each club. This season is a complete farce the amount of times riders are appearing for the different clubs and at the same track week in week out. I realise there is not a endless supply of available riders but I am convinced that it is having a negative impact on attendances and interest.

 

There is so little difference between the Premiership and the Championship; as to make no difference at all. ! Riders would also be busier with their clubs operating across a expanded League; and the ridiculous 'doubling up' could be moth balled.

 

We have to try to join up the dots on speedway; and overall the structure and rule book so it makes sense to those of us who back it whatever; but more importantly for those we want to hand it on to for the future.

Edited June 27, 2017 by the outsider

[Hawk127]

A good post.

Was thinking last evening watching the Poole match and looking at the teams wondered why they are bothering with the double up etc. It Is becoming a little bit of a joke. I agree, amalgamate and have one league plus the NL. Weekly meetings with one home and away league meeting and knock out cup, four team tournament and an individual British championship knock out competition that has rounds at every single track with the top sixteen riders competing in a final in September.

 

Let's face it the top riders are never going to return to the UK as fixed race nights will never happen. It is time that British racing looked after number one. Go back to basics with weekly racing at every track (where possible) and a series of International meetings.

 

The World Cup is a joke being every year, it ought to be every two years if it has to be and should be team meetings and not four man teams racing as individuals.

 

Some might say these ideas are a backward step but the sport is dying in front of us. Let tracks who don't want league racing have open meetings and individual events to suit the location. Wild it might sound but how about if the IOW could get the sponsorship to hold a IOW championship with invites to top riders such as Nicki P, Tai, Niels etc. Yes it would need sponsorship but if it worked and everything has a price, why not? The sport struggles and is limping along. Change is needed in my view and what 'the outsider' says is a start

[Chadster]

The real problem is with the number of doubling-up riders how will they be able to fill 126 team places in one big league? If it went ahead they'd have to re-introduce 6 man teams.

[daveallan81]

The real problem is with the number of doubling-up riders how will they be able to fill 126 team places in one big league? If it went ahead they'd have to re-introduce 6 man teams.

 

If you were to amalgamate the top two leagues and remove DU you'd need 32 riders to fill out the teams.

 

156 riders are currently servicing 203 team places across the three divisions.

[waiheke1]

Double upping per Se is not the issue, it's the horrible scheduling.

Why not say EL is two and a half nights per month (non GP Friday's being the half) and PL/NL the other 4.5 nights. Higher league always takes precedence except in cases of re scheduled fixtures, or a rider transferring clubs mid season.

And get someone with a brain to plan the fixtures to minimise clashes. That should mean only facilities are needed for injuries . Restrict facility to the three hl, 4-7 can be covered by a designated number 8 (must have lower average than rider replacing) or a NL rider.

[waytogo28]

I suggest that the same riders are used for both leagues who race on different nights ( if the powers that be insist on having two leagues ) and a small pool of other riders are used for injuries / retirements etc The troupe of would be league riders should tour as a UK based GP tour to as many tracks as possible. The reduction in costs with less riders should satisfy the pockets of the BSPA and as everyone is doubling up, the furore over that issue vanishes.

NO riders who wish to race in Europe should be permitted to race in the new set up. Those who wish to race here will be the first to benefit and riding in two leagues will give them the income level they claim they need. It's no crazier than the system we currently operate and New "stars" would emerge as they do at every level. Clubs could even be linked who run the same 7 riders in two leagues! Say Leicester and Ipswich. Who knows in what direction speedway will move before it disintegrates further?

[secsy1]

Until the B.S.P.A. and S.C.B have a independent adviser who they listen to, nothing will ever change.

 

The re branding into Premier, Championship leagues has achieved diddly squat. It has caused more confusion for a dwindling audience and those who visit occasionally.

 

To change a couple of logos and the ooh, ha regarding it has achieved nothing..

 

When a Company goes Bankrupt and a Independent Liquidator comes in he has to get the best deal for all the Creditors from a bad situation.

 

Is it not understood that if a Independent Body or Adviser would want the best for Speedway.

 

Salary/payment should be a results related payment only.

 

Whether or not 1 League with 18 teams and 15 heats, 7 riders is a viable option is debatable.

 

Options are out their, but lets keep our heads in the sand and lose more teams and supporters.

[happyvalleywoolerman]

What a crap thread.

[ch958]

What a crap thread.

 

well they are probably two of the most crucial issues the sport is facing.

[waytogo28]

What a crap thread.

 

A very attractive photo of a happy looking valley. If only we pool our ideas about improving speedway as a spectator sport ( that can still attract new fans ) speedway could look just as happy.

[tigerowl]

It's a thread about the future of speedway, therefore not a crap thread.

 

The lack of riders is a myth. However, if it carries on, it will be a self fulfilling prophecy as more and more riders are put out of work.

 

There could be a proper 22 team league with enough riders to go round and I have spent what is a wet Wednesday putting the teams together to demonstrate this. This is from riders who are riding this season or who have ridden here recently and does not include most of the Grand Prix riders not riding here, most of the Poles, and hardly touches the untapped resources from Scandinavia, Germany, France and Holland.

 

I haven't balanced the team strengths exactly and it is just a demonstration to show that the lack of riders is a myth.

 

Belle Vue - C. Cook, M. Fricke, A. Skornicki, J. Jacobs, D. Bewley, M. Williamson, R. Shuttleworth

Berwick - A. Summers, C. Wright, C. Vissing, K. Doolan, M. Wethers, L. Carr, L. Ruddick

Birmingham - J. Thorsell, N. Busk Jacobsen, N. Porsing, T. Pijper, E. Perks, T. Perry, D. Greenwood

Eastbourne - S. Nicholls, B. Barker, P. Starke, T. Busch, R. Branford, G. Wood, T. Brennan

Edinburgh - S. Masters, K. Wolbert, E. Riss, M. Riss, J. Pickering, M. Davey, L. Payne

Glasgow - M. Zagar, R. Lawson, T. Proctor, N. Lunna, J. Wright, J. Smith, R. Hall

Ipswich - D. King, R. Schlein, N. Covatti, G. Manzares, P. Castagna, C. Mountain, D. Hume

Kent - P. Hougaard, K. Hansen, C. Heeps, S. Nielsen, L. Bowen, M. Baseby, J. Thomas

King's Lynn - R. Lambert, M. Korneliussen, K. Huckenbeck, L. Rose, D. Ayres, J. Knight, J. Bailey

Lakeside - A. Jonsson, L. Bridger, A. Ellis, R. Mear, P. Hurry, B. Morley, A. Bowtell

Leicester - K. Nilsson, D. Bellego, L.Kerr, D. Berge, A. Roynon, T. Bacon, C. Coles

Newcastle - T. Batchelor, R. Bach, M. Kus, V. Palovaara, J. Serjeant, R. Hummel, B. Hopwood

Peterborough - H. Andersen, M. Palm Toft, U. Ostergarrd, D. Howe, S. Lambert, B. Wilson, D. Halsey

Poole - C. Holder, B. Kurtz, J. Holder, K. Newman, A. Lyager, J. Shanes, S. Hazelden

Redcar - B. Pedersen, J. Garrity, J. Andersen, S. Robson, F. Garcia, J. Bukhave, L. Chessell

Rye House - C. Harris, E. Kennett, M. Risager, K Lykke, S. Boxall, P. Karger, L. Harris

Scunthorpe - S. Worrall, R. Worrall, R. Douglas, J. Auty. C. Wilkinson, F. Wallner, D. Phillips

Sheffield - K. Bjerre, K. Howarth, L. Bjerre, J. Bates, M. Clegg, J. Parkinson-Blackburn, B. Compton

Somerset - J. Grajczonek, R. Tungate, J. Allen, T. Kurtz, J. Graversen, Z. Wajknecht, C. Powell

Swindon - J. Doyle, J. Sedgmen, B. Wilson-Dean, E. Grondal, D. Gappmaier, Z. Holub, N. Stoneman

Wolverhampton - F. Lindgren, N. Klindt, L. Lindgren, T. Aarnio, A. Morris, N. Greaves, L. Priest

Workington - N. Morris, R. Wells, T. Jorgensen, M. Campton, A. Davies, J. Etheridge, R. Blacklock

[waiheke1]

I think those line ups illustrate why the idea won't work. The disparity between top and middle, let alone lower, riders increases so you've I'll see much more strung out racing. Crowds would halve I reckon.

Plus no way you will get riders like holder and Doyle signing up to do 42 meetings a season in Britain.

[tigerowl]

That's not the point.

 

The point is, there are enough riders to go round.

 

One league of 22, two leagues of 11, whatever.

 

Also, I grew up watching Mauger, Collins and Olsen etc, averaging over 11 points per match and riding in the same team as riders like (and no disrespect at all to these), Russ Hodgson, Ian Hindle and Tony Gillias. Didn't seem to do any harm to the crowds then.

Edited June 28, 2017 by tigerowl

[waytogo28]

I think those line ups illustrate why the idea won't work. The disparity between top and middle, let alone lower, riders increases so you've I'll see much more strung out racing. Crowds would halve I reckon.

Plus no way you will get riders like holder and Doyle signing up to do 42 meetings a season in Britain.

 

I think that you want to use those riders who can commit to the number of meetings such a league would wan to run with. I don't see a place for the likes of Holder and Doyle. And only those Aussies at the start of their career and who will commit to the fixtures as their priority.

If crowds halved - so be it because that is what is going to happen if we go on as we are now. It's just a slower death of the sport.

[Hawk127]

I don't think it is about Doyle, Holder or any other top tier rider and whether they would or would not ride in the U.K.. It is about preserving the sport on a competitive basis here and building for the future rather than tinkering around the edges and pandering to those who do not want to commit to BL racing except on their personal terms.

 

I still believe that True speedway fans want competitive teams and racing, to see team riding, identifying with your team hero, watching your No.8 break into the team, seeing the 6 and 7 challenge the heat leaders and even bringing back the golden helmet match race and silver helmet match race.

 

Frankly the top tier riders can make a living out of riding elsewhere and compete at GP level. Those who want that upper echelon fix can get that from the GP'S and swell the coffers of those who run those meetings. On that basis Cardiff might exceed a crowd of 50k.

 

Have an International meeting or two (Poland have done so recently so it cannot be all bad) but it is time to stop thinking that Tai or any of the others will want to ride regular UK league meetings, it's not going to happen without a cost to the sport as a whole be it financial or regular racing. German crowds are healthy and they don't seem to crave a Nicki P or similar. The UK are no longer a dominant force and the money is not here to command the top tier of the sport, except on the odd occasion (GP).

 

Roll on some reality, but I won't hold my breathe

[DiamondGlory]

Okay sure, so there are enough riders to go around. The transfer window seems like a big step forward, and would really shake up the new league. But then you have to consider that if it's now one big league, when does each season start and end, providing each team faces another team home and away? That'll take a longer period of time than April to October, meaning it will have to stretch into winter. I imagine riding in thick snow probably isn't too good. Added onto this is the fact that if a lot of meetings get postponed, they'll end up running into the NEXT season so they'd end up not happening.

 

Transfer Window = Yes

 

One League = No

[Fromafar]

Good post,it about returning to aTeam sport that the fans can recognise.

[AJK86]

Always said and mentioned it to Rob Godfrey that doubling up is killing the sport, it was never needed before it was introduced and it isn't needed now.

When you have riders like Joe Jacobs having to wait a long time to get a spot because of riders doubling up/down is ridiculous.

I want to be proud of Sheffield team but you cant when close to entire team is doubling up for others.

[ch958]

Okay sure, so there are enough riders to go around. The transfer window seems like a big step forward, and would really shake up the new league. But then you have to consider that if it's now one big league, when does each season start and end, providing each team faces another team home and away? That'll take a longer period of time than April to October, meaning it will have to stretch into winter. I imagine riding in thick snow probably isn't too good. Added onto this is the fact that if a lot of meetings get postponed, they'll end up running into the NEXT season so they'd end up not happening.

 

Transfer Window = Yes

 

One League = No

 

given that there'd be around 18 teams you can fit home fixtures in less than 5 months leaving enough time for cup matches, a pre season warm up. Not all Championship clubs would want to get involved IMO - the NL would then be around 12 or so clubs. We may also lose Lakeside and Swindon altogether

[MattK]

I’m not sure a transfer window would achieve anything, other than teams being forced to stick with underperforming riders. In my opinion, the reason teams change their line-ups more today than in the past it due to the play-offs.

If you look at the current Premiership table, Swindon in 6th still have an outside chance of making the play-offs, being six points behind fourth place King’s Lynn. However, take the play-offs out of the equation and Swindon’s season is effectively over, being 18 points behind first place Belle Vue.

Therefore, without the play-offs Swindon would simply be seeing out the rest of the season, whereas the play-offs give them something to race for and therefore an incentive to try and improve their team.