Birmingham Speedway

[Hamish McRaker]

47 minutes ago, Racin Jason 72 said:

To blame the away fixtures for cash flow is ridiculous. They have had equal amount of home and away fixtures over the course of a season. 
Why would anyone invest in a team who only have a year left to run ? That’s not an investment that’s a donation ! 
 

They seem to be on a different planet, unfortunately 

[Pinny]

6 hours ago, Racin Jason 72 said:

To blame the away fixtures for cash flow is ridiculous. They have had equal amount of home and away fixtures over the course of a season. 
Why would anyone invest in a team who only have a year left to run ? That’s not an investment that’s a donation ! 
 

They probably owe a load of money out for this season and thats why the begging bowl has came out.

[GiveusaB]

17 hours ago, Heathcote said:

Every rider in the world is open to riding in the UK.....at a cost which far out exceeds any UK promoters budget.

Its blatantly obvious why they stuck with Pawlicki, no other rider was willing to set up in the UK at the money that was being offered to them. 

Zach Cook was better than PP, but he was let go ???

[GiveusaB]

17 hours ago, Pinny said:

I think it should be said that promotions crying to the fanbase about needing more people through the gate doesn't work and if anything has a negative impact. 

Moving up a tier when already losing money was just ridiculous and was never going to end well. Then fielding a team that wasn't going to compete was another foolish move. Tolley also made himself look daft when stating money wasn't an issue or something along those lines. You can't go crying that your then losing money and need more fans in. 

I saw it with my own eyes at Newport, the Mallett's had many faults which everyone knows about but they put their money into it and done all they could regarding signing riders. And if they hadn't of been in the press crying about crowds each week then I am sure they would have gained a lot more sympathy and understanding from fans. 

Winning teams are important, but history shows it has to be done from the off. Losing your first few home fixtures basically writes off the season, especially these days with such small league tables. Newport had crowds of about 300 each week and by the time changes were made to the side (which incidentally made them the best side in the league by some distance) the crowds didn't go up when results changed as the league title was well out the window. We got to the KO cup final and had a crowd of 1000 ish watch us absolutely batter Glasgow (who walked away with the league title that year). This just proves that when a team is winning and has a chance of lifting silverware, fans will come.

But back to Birmingham, yes it will be great for British Speedway if they have another go next season but the best thing for them to do would be to drop to the Championship and try and sign a top side. Another season like the one just gone and it will only be the same negative comments or worse.

And for God sake sort the management out. Get rid of Ermolenko and get a proper manager in.

 

Think it was fairly obvious that Sam was appointed as a PR stunt in order to try and attract more Wolves fans through the gate....and in all fairness, he was handed a 'c#ap' 1-7 (with the exception of TB/ZC)...

But, your point is right....all Clubs needs a proper speedway manager if they are to compete!

2024 was a shambles from top to bottom....as predicted before a wheel was turned....

Have to give Tolley credit for seeing the season out financially.....shame that he was badly advised!

[Trackrat]

From my opinion, poor track prep, Poor viewing areas, poor lighting, over zealous security checks on the entrance, car park charges & a losing team contribute to the drop off in attendances.

Wearing a top hat like some kind of ring master was weird as well.

Do like the pit walk before the start though.

Edited 15 hours ago by Trackrat

[Arthur54]

1 hour ago, Trackrat said:

From my opinion, poor track prep, Poor viewing areas, poor lighting, over zealous security checks on the entrance, car park charges & a losing team contribute to the drop off in attendances.

Wearing a top hat like some kind of ring master was weird as well.

Do like the pit walk before the start though.

It made for good viewing when we clinched the 2013 Elite League there

[1 valve]

Pretty sure the following suggestion will not get taken up, but here goes.

It is obvious that come what may, 2025 will definitely be the last time speedway would be able to run at its current Perry Barr location and expecting anything other than receiving donations the current promotion is going to come up short on attracting serious long term investors, simply because there is no strategic plan in place for what happens after 2025 and what the investors money would be used for.
What should be considered, is creating a well financed promotion (which may exclude or restrict the current promoters involvement)  to build a strong team based at Birmingham for the 2025 season, whilst simultaneously searching for alternative venues, existing or new for the 2026 season.
To be clear, the search should not solely be focused on finding a place in Birmingham, but should be spread far and wide not just within the midlands region, although folk associated with Wolverhampton, Cradley and (definitely) Coventry could provide possible suggestions for suitable alternative sites. 
The concept behind this suggestion being that in the 19 months between now and the start of the 2026 season, a business (promotion) is formed to be proactive in building a team capable of doing well in 2025 and then being relocated to a new stadium after the closure of Birmingham. This rather than what appears to be the current thinking of "hoping" something is found to save Birmingham and then "hoping" a team can be put together...Hope has never been a particular strong strategy in business. 
Finally, a word on the current Birmingham promotion. They have tried their very best to do whatever they can to save, promote and keep Birmingham speedway alive. Every supporter of every club should be grateful for such efforts, even if it is for the simple reason that opposition and fixtures have been provided for other teams to ride against. In doing so, the promoters have dug deeper into their pockets for the required cash than the vast majority reading this post will ever spend on speedway. But unfortunately, their efforts have come up short and so maybe now is the time for them to step aside and create the opportunity for others to seek a way forward with good wishes from the speedway nation. 

Edited 13 hours ago by 1 valve

[Petecc]

It's ever so easy to say why don't the promoters do this or do that. When it's your money/ life savings / compensation to keep it afloat for a few seasons is used up , doing this or that has to be funded. 

[KIRKYLANE]

Difficult times ahead but hopefully they will be able to run in2025.

[Trackrat]

4 hours ago, Arthur54 said:

It made for good viewing when we clinched the 2013 Elite League there

How is this relevant? Do you think I’m a Birmingham fan? Ps this is a premiership thread so off you trot.

[Arthur54]

2 hours ago, Trackrat said:

How is this relevant? Do you think I’m a Birmingham fan? Ps this is a premiership thread so off you trot.

This is not a Poole thread, off you trot 

And know your a Poole fan 

Edited 7 hours ago by Arthur54

[Trackrat]

7 minutes ago, Arthur54 said:

This is not a Poole thread, off you trot 

And know your a Poole fan 

In English please, just embarrassing yourself, again.

[pauljb]

Cash flow issues and they have not raced in a month? Sounds like money owing to riders or unpaid rent maybe?

[Hackett]

At the start of the season I personally doubted Birmingham would run in 2025 with the Greyhound situation. Following the latest press release from Birmingham , I think that is it with speedway in the Midlands apart from Leicester. 

Cash flow issues >> Never a good look think that is goodnight from the Brummies.