Eastbourne 2020

[hammer1969]

5 minutes ago, woofers said:

There’s a lot of “advice” being bandied about on here with the benefit of hindsight, some of it more logical than others, although I’m not sure all of the criticism is warranted.

However, I don’t think it’s as cut and dried as appears and there will have been “goings on” behind the scenes which may (Eastbourne) or may not (BSPL) be revealed.

A few things spring to mind:  

Regarding promoting and bringing new ideas, embracing social media etc etc, look back to the start of 2019 and see how much effort was put into revitalising Eastbourne Speedway, there was no lack of effort in branding, merchandising, sponsorship, Eagles website etc etc which on the whole was well received and applauded. Ian Jordan has been as open and honest as anyone I can recall involved in speedway, and operates on a “speculate to accumulate” basis - on this occasion it doesn’t appear to have worked but not through lack of vision or effort.

Then there was the actual business of the BSPL actually accepting Eastbourne and Birmingham into the Championship, (remember every announcement of the BSP website stating their applications were under review pending required criteria). It did drag on. Is it a coincidence that both these clubs are in financial difficulty? Probably a coincidence. But were the BSPL lenient in granting licences, or guarantees or did they require additional sums? 

I’m not keen on the way the BSPL requested Eastbourne say nothing on Tuesday, “following protocols”.  It’s clear who’s running the show isn’t it? Noteworthy that Eastbourne aren’t signed up to the subscribers of BSPL.

It’s no secret that I hold the BSPL with a degree of disdain and the official announcement today on their website clarifies the lack of professionalism they operate under - the headline makes no mention of Eastbourne, the first sentence reads “confirm with withdrawal” instead of “confirm the withdrawal” and the fourth paragraph uses “famous” twice in short succession, all something a PR officer should pick up on. Obviously this press release wasn’t proof read, although it must have been in the making for some days.

I wonder if the BSPL really do “realise the impact this will have on the sport in general, and the Championship in particular” and just what are the “thoughts” they are offering to the supporters, riders, officials etc etc. Perhaps they’re pleased to see the back of Eastbourne, who have been a thorn in their side for some time….

Couldn't agree more.  The effort that I watched Eastbourne putting in during 2019 was exceptional in trying to attract new supporters and it appeared to be working then along came Covid !

[SPEEDY69]

5 minutes ago, woofers said:

There’s a lot of “advice” being bandied about on here with the benefit of hindsight, some of it more logical than others, although I’m not sure all of the criticism is warranted.

However, I don’t think it’s as cut and dried as appears and there will have been “goings on” behind the scenes which may (Eastbourne) or may not (BSPL) be revealed.

A few things spring to mind:  

Regarding promoting and bringing new ideas, embracing social media etc etc, look back to the start of 2019 and see how much effort was put into revitalising Eastbourne Speedway, there was no lack of effort in branding, merchandising, sponsorship, Eagles website etc etc which on the whole was well received and applauded. Ian Jordan has been as open and honest as anyone I can recall involved in speedway, and operates on a “speculate to accumulate” basis - on this occasion it doesn’t appear to have worked but not through lack of vision or effort.

Then there was the actual business of the BSPL actually accepting Eastbourne and Birmingham into the Championship, (remember every announcement of the BSP website stating their applications were under review pending required criteria). It did drag on. Is it a coincidence that both these clubs are in financial difficulty? Probably a coincidence. But were the BSPL lenient in granting licences, or guarantees or did they require additional sums? 

I’m not keen on the way the BSPL requested Eastbourne say nothing on Tuesday, “following protocols”.  It’s clear who’s running the show isn’t it? Noteworthy that Eastbourne aren’t signed up to the subscribers of BSPL.

It’s no secret that I hold the BSPL with a degree of disdain and the official announcement today on their website clarifies the lack of professionalism they operate under - the headline makes no mention of Eastbourne, the first sentence reads “confirm with withdrawal” instead of “confirm the withdrawal” and the fourth paragraph uses “famous” twice in short succession, all something a PR officer should pick up on. Obviously this press release wasn’t proof read, although it must have been in the making for some days.

I wonder if the BSPL really do “realise the impact this will have on the sport in general, and the Championship in particular” and just what are the “thoughts” they are offering to the supporters, riders, officials etc etc. Perhaps they’re pleased to see the back of Eastbourne, who have been a thorn in their side for some time….

That was positive but were there any things which changed what was on offer to the person who attended, or was it  "some intro music, riders appear on bikes/line up and are introduced, toss a coin, 15 races interspersed with hits of the 80s and a bloke driving a tractor and someone saying it's Bert's birthday next week, next up is heat 3 etc. whilst the person stands around in the cold checking their social media and writing out their shopping list/picking their nails."  This is not a criticism of Eastbourne because that's exactly what I see at many other tracks.  'Kids go free' has made me attend and a friend of mine but when there are are looking for something else to do, not just watch the racing.

[flagrag]

25 minutes ago, tocha said:

Assuming Tom is still based in Swindon it will depend if he wants a 6+hour journey. 

Tom is now based in the West Midlands now so straight up the M6 around 4.5 hours but for the money Glasgow offer more than worth it and possibly even a deal for 2022 added in as well .

[cityrebel]

3 minutes ago, flagrag said:

Tom is now based in the West Midlands now so straight up the M6 around 4.5 hours but for the money Glasgow offer more than worth it and possibly even a deal for 2022 added in as well .

It's all very well Glasgow paying the big bucks, but in the end there will be hardly any one left to race against.

[ruckerroo]

4 minutes ago, cityrebel said:

It's all very well Glasgow paying the big bucks, but in the end there will be hardly any one left to race against.

nail. head.hit

[Redtruck]

41 minutes ago, lewy said:

It will be interesting to see what the league table looks like when its updated minus the points teams have gained against Eastbourne. 

Well Redcar got beat at home by them and have been away so ours shouldn’t change 

[mikebv]

10 minutes ago, cityrebel said:

It's all very well Glasgow paying the big bucks, but in the end there will be hardly any one left to race against.

Its truly a race to the bottom isnt it?

And Eastbourne have won it this year.. 

With Newcastle and Birmingham pushing them close..

What a shambles of sporting administration from those who supposedly "lead" it...

NDL level pre Covid seemed to be the way forward for so many..

So lets close that down and increase costs for tracks by letting them have second teams....

Whilst at the same time making these tracks need heat leaders from the top tier to be competitive, which they then have to find the money to pay..

What a plan....

Edited August 26, 2021 by mikebv

[woofers]

19 minutes ago, SPEEDY69 said:

That was positive but were there any things which changed what was on offer to the person who attended, or was it  "some intro music, riders appear on bikes/line up and are introduced, toss a coin, 15 races interspersed with hits of the 80s and a bloke driving a tractor and someone saying it's Bert's birthday next week, next up is heat 3 etc. whilst the person stands around in the cold checking their social media and writing out their shopping list/picking their nails."  This is not a criticism of Eastbourne because that's exactly what I see at many other tracks.  'Kids go free' has made me attend and a friend of mine but when there are are looking for something else to do, not just watch the racing.

OK, so what do you suggest? What happens at other events that could be drawn in to speedway ?

[mikebv]

2 hours ago, woofers said:

OK, so what do you suggest? What happens at other events that could be drawn in to speedway ?

The list maybe not quite endless, but it is very, very long..

And the IOW in particular seem to make a decent fist of using some of these techniques..

Ultimately giving your punter a good value for money night out, with no self inflicted nonsense taking place that dissuades them from returning, is usually a good starter for ten..

And if you can add actively seeking out, and then reacting to feedback from your customers as to what they thought of their night out, then you are well on your way....

Edited August 26, 2021 by mikebv

[gazzac]

I'm sure the current Eastbourne scenario would have played out like this over seasons gone by had it not been for the Dugard family/business, especially the driving force ( no pun intended) of the late Bob Dugard. Without them,  probably could have happened back in 2014/15, can't think they would want to get involved again on the speedway side without Bob and all the BSPL shenanigans going on.

Edited August 26, 2021 by gazzac

[old bob at herne bay]

Kent have done naff all against EB so will lose no points, but Leicester will lose 7. Sixth play off spot starting to look interesting ?

[W9 Lion]

1 hour ago, tocha said:

Glasgow are on the phone to Lawson right now I would imagine. Craig Cook has opted to take time out of the sport due to mental health problems.

I think you will find he is going further South rather than North.

[gazzac]

1 minute ago, W9 Lion said:

I think you will find he is going further South rather than North.

IOW ?

[W9 Lion]

2 minutes ago, gazzac said:

IOW ?

Further South...

[screm]

1 hour ago, Hackett said:

If Cookie chooses to take time out - Lawson and Brennan will be announced on Fri. 

Cook taking time away from speedway due to mental issues, so Lawson to Glasgow looks very possible now.

[TotallyHonestJohn]

1 minute ago, screm said:

Cook taking time away from speedway due to mental issues, so Lawson to Glasgow looks very possible now.

Lawson is sorted I am led to believe!!! and it ain't Glasgow

Maybe Cami Brown will now go after Claus Vissing; you know; after saying how much he loved him and how wonderful he was and how he was badly done to by Newcastle in that Speedway Star article...

Regards
THJ

Edited August 26, 2021 by TotallyHonestJohn
Missed out word

[gazzac]

13 minutes ago, W9 Lion said:

Further South...

Plymouth obviously then,  after all he has done the majority of home matches there this season, so will be dialled in straight away. 

Edited August 26, 2021 by gazzac

[old bob at herne bay]

So Lawson at Poole ...with Schlein taking time out to recover from a nagging injury.

 

 

[gazzac]

7 minutes ago, gazzac said:

Plymouth obviously then,  after all he has done the majority of home matches there this season, so will be dialled in straight away. 

Plus Ian Jordon may have said he'd get Eastbourne money owed paid promptly( although that maybe the case for all riders anyway) and a deal for going to Plymouth? 

[LisaColette]

2 hours ago, Redtruck said:

Well Redcar got beat at home by them and have been away so ours shouldn’t change 

Poole would only lose 1 point.