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RICHARD Clark succeeded me as Editor of SS early in 1996! Andrew Skeels has been on the staff since 1983. Since 1996 I have been both Managing Editor and Managing Director and the majority shareholder in Pinegen Limited, publishers of Speedway Star, so my responsibilities are much wider than the editorial content of the mag. We are committed to further improving the mag and Andrew (or Scunny as he is affectionately known, hailing from Scunthorpe and being a massive fan of the town's soccer and speedway clubs) is the person to drive it forward at a very challenging time with speedway attendances, and hence our potential readership, dwindling.

Come on Flappy, you’re getting a bit tedious now, we know the team will be crap, but honestly, stop going on about it, what’s done is done, changes won’t happen, support the side that is put out, or move on, and keep it down on your way out.

I agree with Triple.H. in that the National League should be about bringing on the youngsters. BUT I do NOT agree that a rider of little ability should get a team place when talented YOUNGSTERS of proven ability are out of work. Due entirely to the doubtful decision to restrict the points limit to 39 when it should have been 42.5. I hope that this lesson is learned so that future seasons see a change in the ruling.

There's one way to sort it . . . Amalgamate into a proper BRITISH LEAGUE

Wrong decision, if so.

Can see that it's under construction. Can't find any link or previous announcement about it - happy to be corrected though if you'd like to tell me where I can find it. Perfectly acceptable and reasonable to modernise and update things - although I'm not sure the internet address of "formaniteagles" is going to trip off the tongue easily or indeed find any new punters. If you are trying to attract new people it surely makes sense to keep the location in the headline address. Only those already in the know are aware of the team sponsors. Away supporters looking for details of Eastbourne Speedway won't Google "Formaniteagles". In this instance, I think the sponsors are coming cross as bigger than the team - I know they are vital, but to headline them as the internet address is daft in my opinion - of course we hope the sponsorship is a long term affair but by it's nature it can be transient, so are we going to have a new website whenever the main sponsor changes ? Surely there is opportunity to incorporate all the branding and sponsorship details, merchandise etc within the current website? When I wanted to find out details of other clubs, I just Googled, "Kent Speedway", "Stoke Speedway", "Plymouth Speedway" etc and immediately got to the club website.

On the other hand, has the constantly weakening of our leagues helped to make heat leaders out of riders that in 2017 that would have been reserves a few decades ago? Look at the strength (or weakness) of many sides from last year, and ask yourself has a certain rider improved that much... or is it because the league is totally diluted? Strongs sides of past years would severely bruise the top teams of the current day.

Out of interest, how long you been going. The will we wont we has only really been an invention since 2013. Wasn't too much before then apart from David Hawkins and the usual Horton's distress signals, often of their own making. On the big issues I think that you can shout all you want but those in charge do as they see fit at the end of the day (but I agree that there isn't anything wrong with voicing your opinion anyway). Last decent team build from the start must have been 2006 & 07, probably due to Bratley/Andersen, and the latter half of 2013 when Sullivan shook it up. It has been a dog's dinner since the drop to the lower level unfortunately. I know not why! We usually end up realising where we went wrong before playing catch up but that may not be an option in 2018.

The viability report for Brandon has finally been published. Says Coventry Speedway made a loss every year but Companies House accounts suggest otherwise. Also claims Sandhu was offered the lease which I find very hard to believe. BE didn't want this public, I wonder why. Coventry Stadium - Viability NTS Document For Public Record.pdf

Nothing at all, I’m not happy but it won’t make a difference, support the side even if you dislike what’s happened, once it’s gone, what will you moan about then?

Carry On Bandits?

My take on it was Gavan maybe found it easier to tell people he didnt know and if that released a bit of stress and anxiety that has to be good for him. Does it matter what thread it was on Nah and people did support him which was very nice.Back to Poole 7/2 for the play/offs i thought they would be a shorter price on Woryna do people think he will average 7 points this year ? i believe he will and will average nearly 9 at home.???

I must admit im not overly familiar with the whole Brandon site, would it not be worth talking with the owners, and Council to see if modified plans could be drawn up, where both houses and a smaller basic stadium could be included, something similar to the Swindon proposals, keep the Track, but have a spectator area catering for about 2500.

It's easily sortable. If you are BRITISH then you are eligible. Irrespective of average. Keep the 6 top flight minimum to drop down to any NON Brits. Sorted.

Whoever suggested that doesn't have a clue.

I'm just about to leave Virgin - started cheap but has got rather expensive recently, and my internet connection is somewhat erratic at times Service is so-so so maybe move but move on as soon as the cheap introduction deal runs out

Given that had my parents not returned to the UK after nearly 3 years living out there I couldve been an Aussie I have often had soft spot for riders from down under although most of my memories of are of those outside the Backtrack era. Shane Parker was a brilliant character and great entertainment and today Cam Heeps is all action and 'worth the admission money alone' as the saying goes. During the Backtrack period there is of course just one I will pick out - the Witches legend that is Billy Sanders. One of my first true heroes as a kid and a big influence on me understanding life (and death) as I hit my teenage years. That October night at Smallmead watching the Witches clinch the title lead by Billy will never leave my memory and in all too short a time after how things changed! More recently my brother was involved in helping the Leigh Herne and Taylor Poole so there is link to the Backtrack era through their fathers - quite apt given my first sentence. Generally Ive always found the Aussies to be great fun and fierce competitors and a welcome and important part of British Speedway. Whilst I support all efforts to promote British youngsters for me there is always a place for our antipodean cousins.

Nicholls on the face of it is actually a poor signing. It’s not a question of IF he’ll drop his starting average, it’s a question of how much. I’d say around a point minimum. But having said that, I’m pretty sure Ged has a plan and there’s more than one way to skin a cat. Nicholls won’t be the only one to drop his average so I’m fully expecting a Kennett or another heat leader to replace a lower end rider after the first set of averages. Peterborough will then look a much better outfit and will challenge IMO. Will be interesting to see how much ground they’ll have to make up and if there’s time to do it with fewer fixtures. I wouldn’t rule them out though and like I’ve said before, trophies are handed out in October not March.

What we are seeing is last season's league champions made even stronger with the acquisition of Wright, Shanes and Smith. We were sorry to lose Josh G, but that will be more than compensated by more power at 6 & 7 and 3 genuine heat leaders any one of whom could finish the season at no. 1 (not to mention a captain who's in the habit of winning titles!)

Whilst there has been anecdotal reports of the 6 point rule being overturned to my knowledge this has not been confirmed officially. The Mafia have of course adopted a ploy to fail to report or make public any decision which has gone against them, indeed in one instance they opted to pre judge a situation which could cause embarrassment .One could be forgiven for wondering if this is all part of the Mafia's determination to get their pound of flesh regardless.

When did this forum turn into Dear Deidre Christ sake lets just get on and talk Poole speedway.

Not a panthers fan but why was the sign Scott Nichols at all costs the order of the day . He has been an exceptional speedway rider in his time there’s mmo doubting that but on a high average and his age I can’t see Scott going for the small gaps or big blasts round the outside . He will ride sensible and he won’t maintain his starting average , this then gave the panthers lower averages to play with the other 6 riders . Can see Peterborough in the bottom half of the table and how fickle there fans are can see it been a long season for the promotion

Great to see a full team of riders and management all enjoying themselves ,having a good team sprit is a big thing for any winning team especially in Speedway

In a more sensible world people would be offended by the grotesque sugar content of the drinks being 'pushed' to kids. Rather than the young women who choose to parade around in their panties for a living harming no one.

The girls that do the job do it without pressure and it's their own choice. Do'gooders telling others they are offended. Tell them to clear off.