foamfence Posted August 16, 2018 Report Share Posted August 16, 2018 15 minutes ago, PHILIPRISING said: WHICH is exactly how this particular topic started. There is word in the air that one league has been dropped, that some CL tracks will move into the PL and NL ones into the CL. That is likely to lead to even more bankruptcies and mid season closures. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wealdstone Posted August 16, 2018 Report Share Posted August 16, 2018 As Ric Frost once said BSPA are not capable of even operating a Burger Van successfully. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveLyric2 Posted August 16, 2018 Report Share Posted August 16, 2018 (edited) If there is a chance that BT will continue showing live meetings in 2019 then there will always be a 'top' league!! What level that 'top' league will operate at, what team building limits they will be working towards, how many riders in a team, how many teams and what the race format will be are still up for discussion I guess. I see Newcastle have called a fans forum on Monday and their intention is to inform fans and discuss all things except those that are still currently 'BSPA embargoed'! Edited August 16, 2018 by Skidder1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted August 17, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2018 (edited) 12 hours ago, Skidder1 said: If there is a chance that BT will continue showing live meetings in 2019 then there will always be a 'top' league!! What level that 'top' league will operate at, what team building limits they will be working towards, how many riders in a team, how many teams and what the race format will be are still up for discussion I guess. I see Newcastle have called a fans forum on Monday and their intention is to inform fans and discuss all things except those that are still currently 'BSPA embargoed'! BT have a two-year contract... are getting good viewing figures and coupled with the SGP/SON see speedway as an asset Edited August 17, 2018 by PHILIPRISING 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveLyric2 Posted August 17, 2018 Report Share Posted August 17, 2018 2 hours ago, PHILIPRISING said: BT have a two-year contract... are getting good viewing figures and coupled with the SGP/SON see speedway as an asset Philip, I am aware. My point was that BT are more than happy with the SGBP figures which points the way to the continuation of a 'top' league structure in 2019. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grand Central Posted August 17, 2018 Report Share Posted August 17, 2018 (edited) I really cannot see any viable alternative to some form of 'three-tier' structure. It is the only way of accommodating the widely disparate financial positions of the clubs we have today. Trying to shoe-horn (say) Poole and Redcar into a one league structure is borderline-mental. Having said that; it will only work if the BSPA get the various levels right. And that can be done. Unfortunately recent experience does not leave me optimistic, especially when considers the current poor standard of leadership. Probably the worst of any since 1965. Edited August 17, 2018 by Grand Central Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted August 17, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2018 42 minutes ago, Skidder1 said: Philip, I am aware. My point was that BT are more than happy with the SGBP figures which points the way to the continuation of a 'top' league structure in 2019. OF course there are still promoters, one on your doorstep, who would like British speedway on TV scrapped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveLyric2 Posted August 17, 2018 Report Share Posted August 17, 2018 2 minutes ago, PHILIPRISING said: OF course there are still promoters, one on your doorstep, who would like British speedway on TV scrapped. Only scrapped if they are not paying anything for the 'privelege'! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moxey63 Posted August 17, 2018 Report Share Posted August 17, 2018 BT is reportedly getting good viewing figures. How many at home have long given up on watching from the actual venue? Is this the cost of live matches? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Third Man Posted August 17, 2018 Report Share Posted August 17, 2018 58 minutes ago, Grand Central said: I really cannot see any viable alternative to some form of 'three-tier' structure. It is the only way of accommodating the widely disparate financial positions of the clubs we have today. Trying to shoe-horn (say) Poole and Redcar into a one league structure is borderline-mental. Having said that; it will only work if the BSPA get the various levels right. And that can be done. Unfortunately recent experience does not leave me optimistic, especially when considers the current poor standard of leadership. Probably the worst of any since 1965. It just needs a two tier structure one league based on present championship levels and one on NL level, then rebuild on some form of sound foundation 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foamfence Posted August 17, 2018 Report Share Posted August 17, 2018 54 minutes ago, Grand Central said: I really cannot see any viable alternative to some form of 'three-tier' structure. It is the only way of accommodating the widely disparate financial positions of the clubs we have today. Trying to shoe-horn (say) Poole and Redcar into a one league structure is borderline-mental. Having said that; it will only work if the BSPA get the various levels right. And that can be done. Unfortunately recent experience does not leave me optimistic, especially when considers the current poor standard of leadership. Probably the worst of any since 1965. I think it could work if the averages were such that the poorer clubs could afford a team that fits them, the richer clubs might tempt more up and coming likely improvers but that happens now. As things are, you're going to get more clubs risking their long-term future through trying to compete, apart from one or two tracks, you walk into the stadium and there's no one there! Delusions of grandeur are allowing the Sport to disintegrate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grand Central Posted August 17, 2018 Report Share Posted August 17, 2018 1 minute ago, foamfence said: I think it could work if the averages were such that the poorer clubs could afford a team that fits them, the richer clubs might tempt more up and coming likely improvers but that happens now. As things are, you're going to get more clubs risking their long-term future through trying to compete, apart from one or two tracks, you walk into the stadium and there's no one there! Delusions of grandeur are allowing the Sport to disintegrate. Not sure which system you are saying 'could work' so not sure if I agree or disagree. 5 minutes ago, The Third Man said: It just needs a two tier structure one league based on present championship levels and one on NL level, then rebuild on some form of sound foundation I disagree. Even the current Championship cannot be viable for much longer with the need to accommodate the likes of Glasgow with the really cash-poor teams. A three-tier structure that has the criteria set rigidly on financial positions can really work. A top league no more costly than the current Championship, a middle tier at a level that the lower championship and higher NL teams could cope with (whatever that is) and an 'amateur' league for the likes of Buxton, IOW etc who can afford hardly anything. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foamfence Posted August 17, 2018 Report Share Posted August 17, 2018 1 minute ago, Grand Central said: Not sure which system you are saying 'could work' so not sure if I agree or disagree. I disagree. Even the current Championship cannot be viable for much longer with the need to accommodate the likes of Glasgow with the really cash-poor teams. A three-tier structure that has the criteria set rigidly on financial positions can really work. A top league no more costly than the current Championship, a middle tier at a level that the lower championship and higher NL teams could cope with (whatever that is) and an 'amateur' league for the likes of Buxton, IOW etc who can afford hardly anything. I was saying that one big league could work. "A top league no more costly than the current championship" would certainly be a good idea but some clubs wont go for that. I think whatever happens will just be papering over the cracks anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grand Central Posted August 17, 2018 Report Share Posted August 17, 2018 4 minutes ago, foamfence said: I was saying that one big league could work. "A top league no more costly than the current championship" would certainly be a good idea but some clubs wont go for that. I think whatever happens will just be papering over the cracks anyway. Oh OK. You might be right. But the cracks will be that much wider in one league and totally unfillable in my view. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Third Man Posted August 17, 2018 Report Share Posted August 17, 2018 30 minutes ago, Grand Central said: Not sure which system you are saying 'could work' so not sure if I agree or disagree. I disagree. Even the current Championship cannot be viable for much longer with the need to accommodate the likes of Glasgow with the really cash-poor teams. A three-tier structure that has the criteria set rigidly on financial positions can really work. A top league no more costly than the current Championship, a middle tier at a level that the lower championship and higher NL teams could cope with (whatever that is) and an 'amateur' league for the likes of Buxton, IOW etc who can afford hardly anything. No problem with that if it is required, as long as the top league is set at present championship level 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsunami Posted August 17, 2018 Report Share Posted August 17, 2018 23 hours ago, Tsunami said: I gather there was a meeting of the BSPA on Monday/Tuesday and the main topic would be next years league formats, so they are hardly in a position to announce anything till things are sorted. Just to add to my own post. If the outcomes of talks this week by the BSPA are embargoed, obviously George and Martin will not be discussing those. The fans meeting that has been called by Newcastle Speedway on Monday night at the South Gosforth Social Club(plug), is to talk mainly about the general running of the club in 2019, and also the celebration of the 90th anniversary of speedway at Brough Park. Everyone is invited, and questions will be taken from the floor to capture and ideas and feelings as to how we run next year. It's a consultation meeting and hopefully a lot of good and change will come out of it. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waytogo28 Posted August 17, 2018 Report Share Posted August 17, 2018 3 hours ago, Grand Central said: Having said that; it will only work if the BSPA get the various levels right. And that can be done. Unfortunately recent experience does not leave me optimistic, especially when considers the current poor standard of leadership. Probably the worst of any since 1965. Absolutely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trees Posted August 18, 2018 Report Share Posted August 18, 2018 On 8/6/2018 at 2:05 PM, old bob at herne bay said: None of this tinkering will save UK speedway on its downhill spiral. More fans are needed at the turnstiles. Cricket saved itself by inventing 20 over crash bang wallop “T20 “ . Purists hate it but it gets the punters paying to watch. Maybe Speedway needs a kick up the bum and change the 4lap 15 heat format for every meeting So maybe have 3 lap races ..... no race stoppages - if you fall off get off the track or you will be excluded .... do as you like at the tapes but if you touch em you are excluded. No first bend bunching - if you fall and don’t get off the track or remount you are excluded.2 minute rule shortened to one minute. Fail to make the warning you are excluded no replacements allowed . No race stoppages if you fall off!!! Bloody hell m8, that's ridiculous! As far as getting more fans in, the only thing that I think will encourage more fans is handicap racing, every fan wants to see 'racing' and it's just too processional. The riders would hate it (I think) because they are more vulnerable but....... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waytogo28 Posted August 18, 2018 Report Share Posted August 18, 2018 5 minutes ago, Trees said: As far as getting more fans in, the only thing that I think will encourage more fans is handicap racing, every fan wants to see 'racing' and it's just too processional. The riders would hate it (I think) because they are more vulnerable but....... Wow that is the most positive thing I have heard you say about what needs to change in UK speedway IF new fans are going to be tempted back. Yes, handicap racing carries more risks but it will pull in new, different fans because it includes passing, which is exciting to watch. Riders are as guilty as promoters for the decline in interest in speedway in the UK because they don't have to take risks at the moment after coming out of bend 2 lap 1. They don't want to, in the main, either. Racing has mostly gone out of the window and 75% of heats are speedway following or chasing. So, yes, handicap racing and standardised bikes could be the salvation of UK speedway. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trees Posted August 18, 2018 Report Share Posted August 18, 2018 4 minutes ago, waytogo28 said: Wow that is the most positive thing I have heard you say about what needs to change in UK speedway IF new fans are going to be tempted back. Yes, handicap racing carries more risks but it will pull in new, different fans because it includes passing, which is exciting to watch. Riders are as guilty as promoters for the decline in interest in speedway in the UK because they don't have to take risks at the moment after coming out of bend 2 lap 1. They don't want to, in the main, either. Racing has mostly gone out of the window and 75% of heats are speedway following or chasing. So, yes, handicap racing and standardised bikes could be the salvation of UK speedway. I'm not blind m8, I also don't think racing has changed horrendously over the years, it's just we remember good races and block out processions. I know what a casual fan/newcomer wants to see though But we, as fans, shouldn't forget what the guys are doing on track, how vulnerable they are to injuring themselves, how easy it is to just moan and groan when in actual fact they are giving 100% effort, earning a living or not as the case may be, not many of them are having money chucked at them like in the good old days you speak about. The press conferences give an insight at Lynn into what's going on, give the fans a closeness to the riders and management they wouldn't normally have and vice versa. I know how hard Dale and the team work to eek out results, does that mean nothing to you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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