Call me wolfie Posted November 21, 2023 Report Share Posted November 21, 2023 3 minutes ago, old bob at herne bay said: Will be a big ask for Birmingham to attract former Wolves fans across to Perry Barr. That will decide whether Birmingham speedway will survive. Sadly speedway fans are a parochial and loyal bunch (including me) Never thought racing was as good as at New Cross after they closed down. Went along to support the opposition at Wimbledon for a while..... but couldn't ever support the "dirty dons" Wonder how many Cradley supporters still attend speedway? There was always a few at Wolves meetings. I may go to the odd meeting at PB but certainly won’t be a regular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveLyric2 Posted November 21, 2023 Report Share Posted November 21, 2023 44 minutes ago, old bob at herne bay said: Will be a big ask for Birmingham to attract former Wolves fans across to Perry Barr. That will decide whether Birmingham speedway will survive. Sadly speedway fans are a parochial and loyal bunch (including me) Never thought racing was as good as at New Cross after they closed down. Went along to support the opposition at Wimbledon for a while..... but couldn't ever support the "dirty dons" Wonder how many Cradley supporters still attend speedway? Crikey, how long ago did New Cross close? And did they go bust or were they forced out of there stadium? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norbold Posted November 21, 2023 Report Share Posted November 21, 2023 17 minutes ago, Skidder1 said: Crikey, how long ago did New Cross close? And did they go bust or were they forced out of there stadium? New Cross closed in 1963. Lack of support. They weren't forced out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowboy cookie returns? Posted November 21, 2023 Report Share Posted November 21, 2023 1 hour ago, old bob at herne bay said: Will be a big ask for Birmingham to attract former Wolves fans across to Perry Barr. That will decide whether Birmingham speedway will survive. Sadly speedway fans are a parochial and loyal bunch (including me) Never thought racing was as good as at New Cross after they closed down. Went along to support the opposition at Wimbledon for a while..... but couldn't ever support the "dirty dons" Wonder how many Cradley supporters still attend speedway? But these days with all the doubling up & guesting is that really an issue? After all when on this forum someone criticises the sport the standard reply is look beyond the team aspect & just enjoy the racing. To keep the sport & the league going until Wolves can return just guest support Birmingham for a year 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
szkocjasid Posted November 21, 2023 Report Share Posted November 21, 2023 I think Schlein would be a decent enough signing, he rode at number 5 virtually all season for Wolves, despite not being their 2nd best rider. Put him at 2, 3 or 4 and you can expect improved scores. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old bob at herne bay Posted November 21, 2023 Report Share Posted November 21, 2023 1 hour ago, norbold said: New Cross closed in 1963. Lack of support. They weren't forced out. You are correct New Cross closed in 1963 after an ill fated half season revival in the Provincial League by Wally Mawdsley. When you were used to seeing riders like Waterman Briggs Nygren it was a step or two down too far to watch Reg and Eddie Reeves and the young Bob Dugard around the frying pan. In my opinion the real end of New Cross Speedway occurred a few years earlier when Fred Mockford ceased promoting due to the control board refusing to allow him to track the team he chose. Anyhow notwithstanding the Martini factor (anytime anyplace anywhere) that riders enjoy in British Speedway still think Wolves supporters might struggle to visit Birmingham .. unless they carry over a good few of the Wolves riders and promotion . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagpuss Posted November 21, 2023 Report Share Posted November 21, 2023 The book 'Out of the Frying Pan' about New Cross speedway is a great read. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveLyric2 Posted November 21, 2023 Report Share Posted November 21, 2023 4 minutes ago, old bob at herne bay said: You are correct New Cross closed in 1963 after an ill fated half season revival in the Provincial League by Wally Mawdsley. When you were used to seeing riders like Waterman Briggs Nygren it was a step or two down too far to watch Reg and Eddie Reeves and the young Bob Dugard around the frying pan. In my opinion the real end of New Cross Speedway occurred a few years earlier when Fred Mockford ceased promoting due to the control board refusing to allow him to track the team he chose. Anyhow notwithstanding the Martini factor (anytime anyplace anywhere) that riders enjoy in British Speedway still think Wolves supporters might struggle to visit Birmingham .. unless they carry over a good few of the Wolves riders and promotion . So the 'good old days' that we keep hearing about, weren't so good after all? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old bob at herne bay Posted November 21, 2023 Report Share Posted November 21, 2023 Oh no the control board or whatever they call themselves nowadays haven't changed IMO ... speedway is still a sport with professional riders governed by amateurs. So many clubs continue to be destroyed by their decisions....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted November 21, 2023 Report Share Posted November 21, 2023 1 minute ago, old bob at herne bay said: You are correct New Cross closed in 1963 after an ill fated half season revival in the Provincial League by Wally Mawdsley. When you were used to seeing riders like Waterman Briggs Nygren it was a step or two down too far to watch Reg and Eddie Reeves and the young Bob Dugard around the frying pan. In my opinion the real end of New Cross Speedway occurred a few years earlier when Fred Mockford ceased promoting due to the control board refusing to allow him to track the team he chose. Anyhow notwithstanding the Martini factor (anytime anyplace anywhere) that riders enjoy in British Speedway still think Wolves supporters might struggle to visit Birmingham .. unless they carry over a good few of the Wolves riders and promotion . Obviously not knowing what the Birmingham business model is, but... You would have to think that Wolves closing is something that they would factor in, and see as an opportunity.... UK Speedway, uniquely for a team sport, does have a high proportion of followers who follow the sport generically rather than worry too much how "their team" does, which could give some potential.. 200 to 300 Wolves/Ex Cradley fans, starved of Speedway each week, allied to 200 to 300 extra Birmingham fans tempted back more regularly due to the higher standard of rider, might just be enough, with the TV money, to make it viable.. They appear to have done a decent job in at least trying to promote themselves, so maybe promoting the likes of Emil, Bewley, Doyle, Holder, Fricke etc, may just prick up more interest from those who still follow the sport locally, but no longer frequent the place... From what you can see looking at the crowds in Div 1, around 1500 seems to be a "decent" figure for tracks to compete and do "OK" financially.. Maybe Birmingham can also generate some extra sponsorship cash now they are in Div 1, and on a major TV sports channel, to offset any shortfall in gate revenue..? You have to wish them all the best for keeping Birmingham going.. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noaksey Posted November 21, 2023 Report Share Posted November 21, 2023 3 hours ago, lewy said: Ermolenko will be team manager imo. I'd be very surprised Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noaksey Posted November 21, 2023 Report Share Posted November 21, 2023 58 minutes ago, mikebv said: Obviously not knowing what the Birmingham business model is, but... You would have to think that Wolves closing is something that they would factor in, and see as an opportunity.... UK Speedway, uniquely for a team sport, does have a high proportion of followers who follow the sport generically rather than worry too much how "their team" does, which could give some potential.. 200 to 300 Wolves/Ex Cradley fans, starved of Speedway each week, allied to 200 to 300 extra Birmingham fans tempted back more regularly due to the higher standard of rider, might just be enough, with the TV money, to make it viable.. They appear to have done a decent job in at least trying to promote themselves, so maybe promoting the likes of Emil, Bewley, Doyle, Holder, Fricke etc, may just prick up more interest from those who still follow the sport locally, but no longer frequent the place... From what you can see looking at the crowds in Div 1, around 1500 seems to be a "decent" figure for tracks to compete and do "OK" financially.. Maybe Birmingham can also generate some extra sponsorship cash now they are in Div 1, and on a major TV sports channel, to offset any shortfall in gate revenue..? You have to wish them all the best for keeping Birmingham going.. 300 is a fair percentage of the Wolves attendance, I think that might be pushing it to expect that many to be regulars at PB. Its not on the doorstep, it's an horrendous journey in rush hour and the parking/viewing at PB isn't the best. Possibly the first meeting or two due to the novelty factor but it'll need to be good and the team competitive to stand any chance of getting people back regularly 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uk_martin Posted November 22, 2023 Report Share Posted November 22, 2023 (edited) 11 hours ago, mikebv said: 200 to 300 extra Birmingham fans tempted back more regularly You forget the age demographic. It's not like those 200-300 are youngsters whose fickle fancies can be tempted back at the drop of a hat. Brummies fans were "older generation" when speedway was reintroduced in 2007, and now they are 16-17 years older still. Getting older people back (those who are still with us) is a much harder thing to do. And attracting a new young crowd has been something that not only the Brummies but the sport in general has failed spectacularly to do. Edited November 22, 2023 by uk_martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GiveusaB Posted November 22, 2023 Report Share Posted November 22, 2023 Would it be worth looking in to providing 'free' transport (bus) from Monmore to Perry Barr on match days? Obviously, if there was enough interest? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted November 22, 2023 Report Share Posted November 22, 2023 24 minutes ago, uk_martin said: You forget the age demographic. It's not like those 200-300 are youngsters whose fickle fancies can be tempted back at the drop of a hat. Brummies fans were "older generation" when speedway was reintroduced in 2007, and now they are 16-17 years older still. Getting older people back (those who are still with us) is a much harder thing to do. And attracting a new young crowd has been something that not only the Brummies but the sport in general has failed spectacularly to do. I do always feel "quite young" every time I have been to Brum.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebv Posted November 22, 2023 Report Share Posted November 22, 2023 6 minutes ago, GiveusaB said: Would it be worth looking in to providing 'free' transport (bus) from Monmore to Perry Barr on match days? Obviously, if there was enough interest? Maybe offer last years season ticket holders at Monmore a couple or three free meetings? Or even a heavily reduced season ticket? Proof of having one last year required obviously... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfie456 Posted November 22, 2023 Report Share Posted November 22, 2023 2 hours ago, mikebv said: Maybe offer last years season ticket holders at Monmore a couple or three free meetings? Or even a heavily reduced season ticket? Proof of having one last year required obviously... No photographic proof on this years season ticket at wolves as was just a book of 15 tickets only the stubbs left. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattB Posted November 22, 2023 Report Share Posted November 22, 2023 (edited) 4 hours ago, mikebv said: Maybe offer last years season ticket holders at Monmore a couple or three free meetings? Or even a heavily reduced season ticket? Proof of having one last year required obviously... Birmingham did something similar to that a couple of years ago with Coventry and Cradley fans and by all accounts it did not go down well with their own fans, who questioned why they had to pay more while other clubs fans had a discount. Understandable that they want more fans in, but you don't want to get the regular ones backs up in the process. Edited November 22, 2023 by MattB 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GiveusaB Posted November 22, 2023 Report Share Posted November 22, 2023 2 minutes ago, MattB said: Birmingham did something similar to that a couple of years ago with Coventry and Cradley fans and by all accounts it did not go down well with their own fans, who questioned why they had to pay more while other clubs fans had a discount. Understandable that they want more fans in, but you don't want to get the regular ones backs up in the process. Quite right! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2ndbendbeerhut Posted November 22, 2023 Report Share Posted November 22, 2023 18 hours ago, lewy said: Ermolenko will be team manager imo. Maybe he was asked straightway when Birmingham knew they needed someone. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.