Speedway fan Posted August 8, 2021 Report Share Posted August 8, 2021 BIRMINGHAM owner David Mason has underlined the club’s commitment to get through to the end of the season. Wednesday’s Perry Barr fixture has now changed and will be a Championship clash with Leicester. This means the Knockout Cup tie with Edinburgh will be put back as the club aim to keep up with their league schedule – and they have apologised for any inconvenience to travelling Monarchs fans. They enjoyed their biggest crowd of the season against Kent last Wednesday – but it still wasn’t enough to guarantee the long term future of the club. Said Mason: “We’re desperate to see it right the way through - but I can only echo what I keep saying, we need the supporters to come each and every week. “If they don’t it will spell that dreaded end that we seriously don’t want to happen whilst we’re there especially. “That isn’t a threat either, it’s just the reality of the situation we’re in right now and we wanted to be up front and honest with the supporters. “It really is a week-by-week situation and like I said, we’re desperate to get through it all. “We can’t thank the supporters that turn up week in, week out enough - they are absolutely fantastic, but we just need more of them now. “Birmingham needs speedway and we really want it to be a success. “Last week was a massive step in the right direction - that’s the sort of thing we need every single time we race at Perry Barr though. “The racing was unbelievable, the scoreline was really tight and the atmosphere was the best it’s been for a long time. “We’ve had to move a fixture around here and there and we know Leicester will be our toughest test of the season on Wednesday. “With it being a big Midlands derby though, we’re hopeful of another big crowd and we’re just hoping we can build on last week again all round. “We thank everyone for their co-operation and apologise to any Edinburgh fans who were planning to be here, but we literally are going from week to week.” Mason is also keen to see younger fans enjoying the spectacle of live racing. He added: “The week before we had literally a handful of kids turn up then last week there were nearly 100 there. “That is absolutely fantastic because they are the future of the sport and we need them coming. “I know we keep on about the short term and people might say ‘but they’re not paying any money’ but they have at least one parent or guardian with them and if they enjoy themselves they’ll keep on pestering until they come back again and again and again! “At Birmingham they get to do things that they don’t always get to do at other Speedway tracks and we can’t stress enough how much we value the kids coming through the gates.” 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deano Posted August 8, 2021 Report Share Posted August 8, 2021 Comforting news. Me and My lad will be there Wednesday, that’s for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edmon Posted August 8, 2021 Report Share Posted August 8, 2021 Apology to Edinburgh Supporters just under 2 hours since email sent to Laurence Rogers from Monarchs Speedway Supporters' Club. All clubs should realise they will not survive without supporters and that they shouldn't take them for granted. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted August 8, 2021 Report Share Posted August 8, 2021 2 hours ago, Speedway fan said: BIRMINGHAM owner David Mason has underlined the club’s commitment to get through to the end of the season. Wednesday’s Perry Barr fixture has now changed and will be a Championship clash with Leicester. This means the Knockout Cup tie with Edinburgh will be put back as the club aim to keep up with their league schedule – and they have apologised for any inconvenience to travelling Monarchs fans. They enjoyed their biggest crowd of the season against Kent last Wednesday – but it still wasn’t enough to guarantee the long term future of the club. Said Mason: “We’re desperate to see it right the way through - but I can only echo what I keep saying, we need the supporters to come each and every week. “If they don’t it will spell that dreaded end that we seriously don’t want to happen whilst we’re there especially. “That isn’t a threat either, it’s just the reality of the situation we’re in right now and we wanted to be up front and honest with the supporters. “It really is a week-by-week situation and like I said, we’re desperate to get through it all. “We can’t thank the supporters that turn up week in, week out enough - they are absolutely fantastic, but we just need more of them now. “Birmingham needs speedway and we really want it to be a success. “Last week was a massive step in the right direction - that’s the sort of thing we need every single time we race at Perry Barr though. “The racing was unbelievable, the scoreline was really tight and the atmosphere was the best it’s been for a long time. “We’ve had to move a fixture around here and there and we know Leicester will be our toughest test of the season on Wednesday. “With it being a big Midlands derby though, we’re hopeful of another big crowd and we’re just hoping we can build on last week again all round. “We thank everyone for their co-operation and apologise to any Edinburgh fans who were planning to be here, but we literally are going from week to week.” Mason is also keen to see younger fans enjoying the spectacle of live racing. He added: “The week before we had literally a handful of kids turn up then last week there were nearly 100 there. “That is absolutely fantastic because they are the future of the sport and we need them coming. “I know we keep on about the short term and people might say ‘but they’re not paying any money’ but they have at least one parent or guardian with them and if they enjoy themselves they’ll keep on pestering until they come back again and again and again! “At Birmingham they get to do things that they don’t always get to do at other Speedway tracks and we can’t stress enough how much we value the kids coming through the gates.” Don’t really think it will make any difference in long term.If a Knock Out Cup Tie against one of the best Teams in the League can’t attract a decent crowd with decent advertising and Promotion,what chance a league match making any difference.You would still have local derby for said league match to come anyway.Desperate measures.Wish them luck though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GiveusaB Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 9 hours ago, Fromafar said: Don’t really think it will make any difference in long term.If a Knock Out Cup Tie against one of the best Teams in the League can’t attract a decent crowd with decent advertising and Promotion,what chance a league match making any difference.You would still have local derby for said league match to come anyway.Desperate measures.Wish them luck though. I agree! May be an initial cash income injection is needed.....obviously a match v Leicester will bring in a bit more that a cup tie against Edinburgh. Personally, I don't think that the increased crowd levels will be enough to keep Peter/David at the club beyond this season... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allthegearbutnaeidea Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 Is Birmingham v Berwick going to be on next Wednesday? Or is that going to get cancelled like the Edinburgh one did Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Endeavour Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 12 hours ago, Speedway fan said: BIRMINGHAM owner David Mason has underlined the club’s commitment to get through to the end of the season. Wednesday’s Perry Barr fixture has now changed and will be a Championship clash with Leicester. This means the Knockout Cup tie with Edinburgh will be put back as the club aim to keep up with their league schedule – and they have apologised for any inconvenience to travelling Monarchs fans. They enjoyed their biggest crowd of the season against Kent last Wednesday – but it still wasn’t enough to guarantee the long term future of the club. Said Mason: “We’re desperate to see it right the way through - but I can only echo what I keep saying, we need the supporters to come each and every week. “If they don’t it will spell that dreaded end that we seriously don’t want to happen whilst we’re there especially. “That isn’t a threat either, it’s just the reality of the situation we’re in right now and we wanted to be up front and honest with the supporters. “It really is a week-by-week situation and like I said, we’re desperate to get through it all. “We can’t thank the supporters that turn up week in, week out enough - they are absolutely fantastic, but we just need more of them now. “Birmingham needs speedway and we really want it to be a success. “Last week was a massive step in the right direction - that’s the sort of thing we need every single time we race at Perry Barr though. “The racing was unbelievable, the scoreline was really tight and the atmosphere was the best it’s been for a long time. “We’ve had to move a fixture around here and there and we know Leicester will be our toughest test of the season on Wednesday. “With it being a big Midlands derby though, we’re hopeful of another big crowd and we’re just hoping we can build on last week again all round. “We thank everyone for their co-operation and apologise to any Edinburgh fans who were planning to be here, but we literally are going from week to week.” Mason is also keen to see younger fans enjoying the spectacle of live racing. He added: “The week before we had literally a handful of kids turn up then last week there were nearly 100 there. “That is absolutely fantastic because they are the future of the sport and we need them coming. “I know we keep on about the short term and people might say ‘but they’re not paying any money’ but they have at least one parent or guardian with them and if they enjoy themselves they’ll keep on pestering until they come back again and again and again! “At Birmingham they get to do things that they don’t always get to do at other Speedway tracks and we can’t stress enough how much we value the kids coming through the gates.” Should have made Edinburgh match league match. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triple.H. Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 31 minutes ago, Endeavour said: Should have made Edinburgh match league match. Why not make it a D/H league match and KOC match, obviously only if they could beat their curfew if they have one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cityrebel Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 7 minutes ago, Triple.H. said: Why not make it a D/H league match and KOC match, obviously only if they could beat their curfew if they have one 10pm. No chance of a double header. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Endeavour Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 (edited) 51 minutes ago, allthegearbutnaeidea said: Is Birmingham v Berwick going to be on next Wednesday? Or is that going to get cancelled like the Edinburgh one did Their method is to change it 4/5 days from match then tell you. Got time yet. Wait til away supporters have already made plans or are already down South. Edited August 9, 2021 by Endeavour Addition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triple.H. Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 2 minutes ago, cityrebel said: 10pm. No chance of a double header. There is if you Start on time Get the 2 minutes on as soon as the last rider from the preceding race has gone through the pit gate Only have grading and watering after hts 4,8, and 12 then 10-15 minutes after ht15 Obviously any major crashes could affect the smooth efficient running One of the biggest problems British speedway faces is the we can't do that and that won't work attitude, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmuncie Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 38 minutes ago, Triple.H. said: Why not make it a D/H league match and KOC match, obviously only if they could beat their curfew if they have one If Birmingham are struggling financially then double headers which are generally loss making for any club running them would be suicide. 2 sets of wages and travel expenses to pay on one gate an absolute no go I’d suggest regardless of curfew 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dog Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 16 minutes ago, Endeavour said: Their method is to change it 4/5 days from match then tell you. Got time yet. Wait til away supporters have already made plans or are already down South. They've explained why they have changed the fixture, a local derby when the kids are off with good weather will bring in much needed revenue when the club have admitting their going from week to week. Or would you rather the club fold just to keep a handful of fans happy that may or may not travel the 200 miles from Edinburgh? I really sympathise for fans that are down south already but the promotion are trying to save their club. I'm not sure they had much choice tbh 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GiveusaB Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 12 minutes ago, The Dog said: They've explained why they have changed the fixture, a local derby when the kids are off with good weather will bring in much needed revenue when the club have admitting their going from week to week. Or would you rather the club fold just to keep a handful of fans happy that may or may not travel the 200 miles from Edinburgh? I really sympathise for fans that are down south already but the promotion are trying to save their club. I'm not sure they had much choice tbh EXACTLY! And let's face it... we're not stupid....the writing is definitely on the wall ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GiveusaB Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 36 minutes ago, Endeavour said: Their method is to change it 4/5 days from match then tell you. Got time yet. Wait til away supporters have already made plans or are already down South. It's hardly B'ham promotion's fault if you're already down South ? you have taken a chance already, considering our British weather ? I do feel for you....but I feel far more for 'us' fans about to lose our club! 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianbuck Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 (edited) There is no possibility of running double headers at Perry Barr. Speedway only takes place there under the most stringent of conditions imposed by the City Council's Planning Officer who argued very strongly against granting a planning consent in the first place, and who was distinctly unhappy to find his recommendation for refusal, overruled. Amongst a plethora of conditions, one is the strict 10pm curfew and another is that no more than a maximum of 21 races be staged. Both would prevent the club from staging a double header even if the planning office would relax the rule - which they won't! We have made enquiries this season about the possibility of running one or two meetings on a Sunday, and the planners have confirmed that we can only race on the four Bank Holiday Sundays as Planning Condition 15 stipulates, and even if they had agreed to this as a one-off, it would have been conditional on us not running on the Wednesday of the same week, so it would have been no help in alleviating any fixture congestion. We had no choice but to accept all of the conditions when we were granted a planning consent, and to change or revise any of them would involve submitting a fresh application and one which it is highly likely would be refused, so there is no option now, but for us to abide by them. I hope this clarifies the situation for everyone. Edited August 9, 2021 by brianbuck 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HGould Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 I'll take week by week. It's far better than make or break last week when most had written us off. Let's get being the Promotion rather than constant sniping. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronScorpion Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 2 hours ago, The Dog said: They've explained why they have changed the fixture, a local derby when the kids are off with good weather will bring in much needed revenue when the club have admitting their going from week to week. Or would you rather the club fold just to keep a handful of fans happy that may or may not travel the 200 miles from Edinburgh? I really sympathise for fans that are down south already but the promotion are trying to save their club. I'm not sure they had much choice tbh More kids means more paying adults in derby meetings & well supported away clubs to hopefully generate a bit of profit to offset losses before bailing at end of year. Feel sorry for Edinburgh & Poole fans with cancelled meetings this last week but just enjoy the trip as speedway is only for a few hours. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 I would imagine loan deals etc will also be being paid to various tracks and quite likely on a drip basis through the year, so getting Birmingham a few quid in the coffers to pay their bills can help other teams too.. A common sense decision to have a local derby and the BSP's often (quite correctly most of the time), get criticised for not using that level of common sense.. Crisis times require crisis management.. Not ideal for all but then again, it never will be when a crisis strikes.. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Argos Posted August 9, 2021 Report Share Posted August 9, 2021 2 hours ago, brianbuck said: There is no possibility of running double headers at Perry Barr. Speedway only takes place there under the most stringent of conditions imposed by the City Council's Planning Officer who argued very strongly against granting a planning consent in the first place, and who was distinctly unhappy to find his recommendation for refusal, overruled. Amongst a plethora of conditions, one is the strict 10pm curfew and another is that no more than a maximum of 21 races be staged. Both would prevent the club from staging a double header even if the planning office would relax the rule - which they won't! We have made enquiries this season about the possibility of running one or two meetings on a Sunday, and the planners have confirmed that we can only race on the four Bank Holiday Sundays as Planning Condition 15 stipulates, and even if they had agreed to this as a one-off, it would have been conditional on us not running on the Wednesday of the same week, so it would have been no help in alleviating any fixture congestion. We had no choice but to accept all of the conditions when we were granted a planning consent, and to change or revise any of them would involve submitting a fresh application and one which it is highly likely would be refused, so there is no option now, but for us to abide by them. I hope this clarifies the situation for everyone. But there was 24 races last Wednesday, 15 in the main match, and 9 in the second half, So the council can’t be that fussy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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