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Pleased to report to that Ulrich was discharged from hospital in Edinburgh this afternoon, he is now flying back to his family in Denmark (via Glasgow & Stanstead) to start his recovery. I know he’s been blown away by the concern the shown by the supporters of Glasgow & Peterborough and the fans in general.

Pleased to report to that Ulrich was discharged from hospital in Edinburgh this afternoon, he is now flying back to his family in Denmark (via Glasgow & Stanstead) to start his recovery. I know he’s been blown away by the concern the shown by the supporters of Glasgow & Peterborough and the fans in general.

Let's be brutally honest.. These clubs are only in existence to provide riders with rides... Meaning they ride for all and sundry on as many nights as they can... Bottom line is it doesn't really matter who wins any UK meeting, meaning it also doesnt really matter who wins any UK league.. Therefore expecting people to "buy in to it", and take it seriously as a team sport is a huge ask I would say, and you cannot envy any promoters trying to go out and "sell it"... As tracks close it will find its natural level and those that can still generate a "decent crowd" will prosper (as much as you can in UK speedway), and those that can't will go by the wayside.. Having been to Brum a couple of times it must be a difficult place to try and sell Speedway. At 50 something I always felt "very young" when surrounded by a large amount of Brum fans , and city centre tracks within large conurbations, eg Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, all seem to attract very, very few of the millions who live virtually on their doorstep.. And teenage kids simply wont be seen anywhere where their father attends (and in many cases their grandad).. You can only flog a dead horse so many times until you realise that to keep throwing money at something, that has a tiny chance of gaining any return, is completely futile.. I do admire promoters who are willing to put their own money into the sport, but also am then equally as amazed that they then allow themselves to run it the way they do... Speedway's very own version of Hari Kari... (And that isnt a 4 point Japanese international that could be worth a punt)..

I've read some bo##ox on this forum....I've no doubt contributed to some as well....but to say that nobody wanted to sign Harris/Riss/Shanes/Morris/Thomas... is pi##in ludicrous ! All 5 riders will be snapped up if we drop out the League.....I even think that Redcar would take a punt on Paco!

It's not always the answer, can't remember the guys name, co-promoter of Cradley and co-promoter at Swindon with Terry Russell a few years back, owns a transport company, ask him when he tried for a season and took the lease from Mole. He really had his fingers burnt. I know Mcloughlin tried lots of methods and I think even he struggled to get bums on seats, he did though get sponsorship. Perhaps Birmingham like speedway in general is now finding its level after year on year of watering down of the product and the die hards heading to the great speedway stadium in the sky.

Enjoyed that tonight.. Seemed to be a bit of thought gone in to the introductions and the music too.. With the proof being my 18 year lad and 23 year old son in law (first time attendee to speedway), actually recognised some of the songs One noticeable thing for me though was the fact I paid £27 for me and my student lad and watched pretty much the same riders that I paid £44 to watch a couple of weeks ago.. (No student concession) at the NSS in a top league encounter.. ie Schlein, Douglas, Morris and Worrall.. Much better VFM it seems in the Championship.. Add in Danny King, Hans Anderson and Kyle Howarth and you do have to question the top leagues prices for all intent and purpose the 'same thing'.. Racing was 'ok' with a few decent passes and several close races which kept you interested to the end.. Poole just too good for the Lions to make it a 'classic'... Seemed a decent crowd too with a bit of atmosphere getting generated in the main stand.. Son in law has said he wants to go again so taking him to the NSS when we get back of hols...

I haven't attended the last couple of meetings after getting peed off with what was on offer Now we get the Gavan/Shovlar show on here........testing times!!

Wow,, a sight seen at Foxhall tonight which is very rare,,,,, the water tractor did a lap during the meeting

Must confess I have never understood the "use it or lose it" ultimatum often quoted by fans, (and indeed some promoters), down the years... By the very definition such utterances are used suggests that those who are "expected to go" (and therefore regarded as 'loyal fans'), are actually simply "not bothered" whether the clubs carry on or not.. Because if it did mean so much to them, they would still be attending in sufficient numbers to not require those very comments in the first place.. A demise of a club is sad, but often inevitable, as the 'tipping point' is finally reached re costs v income after several weeks of struggle, and the difference between the two finally becomes untenable to be bridged by the promoter... And as the reasons for that demise often lies within the operating model of the sport, and is therefore self inflicted, it seems to prove that (contrary to popular belief), turkey's do seem to vote for xmas after all it would appear.. Promoters often do seem to sometimes over estimate how 'important' a Speedway club is to its followers and make the mistake of believing it means 'everything' to them similar to all other team sports.. However, by it's very operating model, the sport doesn't engender that blind loyalty, devotion and tribalism that other team sports do, therefore it simpy cannot mean the same emotionally... Which ultimately is the 'acid test' of any team sports' sustainability and progression I would suggest..

Mike some great points there myself personally i am sick to death of the sport’s pathetic rules nothing ever changes.The Championship as a product looks half decent but the Premiership well i have no interest in whatsoever to be frank it is poor value it is a league in name only.

Totally right it helps to have a winning team of course, but my take is the number one priority is for the fans to have a great night out and to be entertained.Birmingham being a massive catchment area with many more things to do , maybe some people may not have missed speedway as much as they thought they would.I am in that category with no speedway at Swindon it was my life for years but the real truth is i haven’t missed it as much as i thought i would.I still love the sport and when it is good it is good but generally speaking is it value for money ? it is not a cheap night out now for a family.I will take in a few meeting at Poole this year and maybe Plymouth but if Swindon does not return ( very unlikely) i cannot see myself being a week in week out supporter again.Fingers crossed for the Brummies great supporters great club just hope they can survive this crisis.

Whilst thats just false economy and won't solve the problem (paying riders more will mean even more supporters needed and its unlikely to magic them out of thin air). Birmingham have their limited crowd base and the chance of attracting a few new fans/neutrals/away fans so spending big on riders will only close the club quicker and produce even more gate and go racing (it will just be the home side doing it more often). Brum do have a chance though to build a team that engages with fans and provides on track entertainment. The likes of Harris, Shanes, Morris and Thomas are all racers who can pass but the track isn't there to provide the opportunities. Create an outside line that works, leave the inside line slick so there are racing alternatives. Speedway is a basic product and people will still pay good money to watch lunatics like Bomber and Shanes ride the boards.

There is nothing better in speedway than watching riders progress. One year Todd Wiltshire was winning an individual at Glasgow and the next year finishing 3rd in the world. Most recently Max Fricke transforming from a 19 year old for the Monarchs into a Torun SGP winner. Next hope is Josh Pickering, absolutely stunning value for money. I'll miss it all. Edit. Todd may have finished 3rd at Glasgow. Definitely top 3.

Back with your usual crap!!! King and Schlein ride for both and Cook is better than Steve Worrall… Rowe and Allen are better than Kemp and Nielsen Kemp and Starke are miles better than Wright and Hume We get the leagues are closer …. But please if you think the Poole side that beat Leicester last night is better than the Ipswich side tonight then you are clearly deluded… oh hang on sorry yes you are trolling …. Yawn

Im sorry to see the Brummies yet again in this situation several Promoters have tried and failed to make a go of it at Perry Barr over recent years namely Patchet, Philipps and now Mason only Tony Mole aided by the Drurys and other backroom staff namely the Commercial guy whose name escapes me have made a go of it, I really dont know the answer to the Clubs current plight somehow they need to get through the current season, if they fold midseason i fear that this will be the end for Speedway in Birmingham, as i think the Landlords for one wont be very happy to have yet another Promotion fail. Is there an Investor out there that could put some money in to help promote the Sport locally, i drove through the roadworks where the old flyover used to be early this week no sign of any advertising around there where thousands not hundreds must pass weekly, AV Fc is maybe a mile or just over away WBA Fc just a little further away in the oposite direction surely something could be done there ?, something along the lines of produce a AV/WBA program/match ticket you get half price admission Iv no idea but something is better than nothing, rather than splitting the Juniors & Children under 16 and under 11 just make it kids for a quid, and how about some between race entertainment thats what kills a lot of newcomers having to wait around between races, even the pre meeting introductions could be made more interesting by placing the bikes at the starting gate and having the riders (minus Helmets) and mechanics introduced and walk past the fans as they are announced, a few boos for visiting riders never harmed anyone in fact it helps create a bit of atmosphere. I dont know just throwing a few ideas around but the bottom line is Brum need to get people through the gates for more than the odd meeting otherwise its curtains for Speedway in Birmingham.

Wolverhampton quite a technical track so best of both worlds, Technical track in Premiership, Flat out track in Championship

Also taken from the club website “Another Seagull to be given a chance on Saturday is the popular Jake Knight, who stands in for Drew Kemp, who is riding in Poland.” I guess you couldn’t be ar$ed to read the article in full.

There are a few clubs sniffing around Josh but I wouldn't rule out Scunny for sure but forgive me if I bite my tongue on that one for now... Regards THJ

Top 6 for the play-offs.

For what it's worth I'm not that impressed with the outside viewing at PB. I like being on the home or back straight just in front of the start gate. Where else in speedway do the stadium put a huge steel bus type shelter to block peoples view of the start gate? Birmingham have. It's basically set up for dogs where banking and the view isn't as important, so unless you want a decent view you have to go indoors and upstairs, which loses it for me.

Get your wallet out then and cough up if you really think that is the answer, become that investor.

Another home win...

Sky high rents do always amaze me. I guess the landlords know they have clubs over a barrel and charge what they like? There must be level of sense applied though as if Brum close and no Speedway runs thats a fair amount of income lost per month to the greyhound folks.

The rent will be the absolute killer at birmingham. Remember the masons went there coz nobody nearer fancied a pop at it, god knows how much theyve slung at it .

Mine lost interest once it became unaffordable for them to attend at age 16 and whilst they were still in their last GCSE year. They couldn't pay the student price because that was for 6th formers and uni students, so had to pay adult prices. Even at the concession prices, it was too far out of reach and unaffordable to go week after week. Eldest still likes speedway, keeps up with all the news but has gone to maybe 5 meetings and two GPs since he was 16, youngest has gone to just one GP and no league meetings but still has a passing interest but middle son stopped going the week after his 16th and has absolutely no interest whatsoever....they were all massive fans at one point. None are interested in football...or any other sport come to that, speedway was their love and they would have continued going and still be contributing to the sport had the prices been more sensible for them to do so.

My son in law said that he wants to go again and said "I think I could get into this more when I understand the rules"... I quickly explained to him that Steve Worrall (who took his eye as "being good"), was Belle Vue's captain, Rory Schlein is Leicester's Nick Morris and Ryan Douglas' team mate at Wolves, and that Schlein will rode for Ipswich tonight because one of their riders is injured.. I then told him that Kyle Howarth rides for Sheffield, Hans Anderson rides for Peterborough and Danny King rides for Ipswich... As his eyes glazed over whilst taking it all in I just said.. "Best bet Jake, is to very much NOT bother trying to understand the rules and just enjoy the racing"... Taking him to watch Ipswich at the NSS next week...

‘Not sure promoting would make any difference’ ???????? Promoting makes all the difference

Apparently it says on the official site from the un-official spokes man that he is.

Newcastle will never get a better chance of a home win.

I’ve learnt that if I am pessimistic beforehand then I can always take defeat that wee bit easier as I will have expected it

I am actually the centre green presenter at Kent, although due to local covid restrictions we are very limited to what we can do. This season has been limited to a pre match coin toss, and post match interviews. In the past we have done interviews during the meeting but as you ve heard yourself the sound system is not the best. And its pretty pointless interviewing anyone whilst tractors are out as well. As for Glenn in the box, (when you are stood somewhere you can hear clearly...) there aren't many people better at getting all the relevant info out there, whilst dealing with all the refs commands as Glenn (and indeed his mentor Derek). I think people would genuinely be shocked at how much goes on in the box, frankly anyone who does that job has my undivided respect. Its fair to say the quality of the sound system has been a thorn in the side of the speedway since day 1, but i do know they ve had various sound engineers in over the years. So whilst there has only been minor improvements, that isn't through the lack of trying. I don't know for certain, but knowing we have a very tight curfew due to noise concerns from a couple of the neighbours, I imagine that has prevented them just plonking a couple of huge speakers on the greyhound track. Really great to read your various posts on the meeting and the stadium. I will share them with the club management, as when someone highlights all the positives that are happening you'd like to think they will take on board the constructive criticisms as well as the compliments. As for the crowd being quiet, despite air horns and the like being banned, I ve never heard us described as being quiet before. But I speak to many of my mates and many are still in awe of the speed, skill, and ruthlessness the step up in leagues has provided. Many fans are still getting their heads around the fact that the Poole Pirates are actually at Central Park. Nice to see soo many Poole fans, and getting to interview Midlo was an unexpected surprise.

Except Poole

Nope...

I am not fighting with Gavan. Not worth it. Just showing there is nothing between the leagues and it’s time for an a amalgamation for the sport to move forward. If there was a north/south divide, then perhaps a rider could be named in both sections, though it would cause an issue should both clubs qualify for the playoffs.

You don’t have a number two you sacked him , therefore our reserve rode as a second string for you …. That tells you something And yes Ben Cook is a good rider …. But not as good as Paul Starke though yes he may end up better in time Your argument is flawed The Poole 1-7 would not beat the Ipswich 1-7….

Are you a rider or promoter or one of those stupid enough to invest good money after bad in a business where effectively the staff (riders) dictate how, when and if a meeting goes ahead.? Riders are suppose to entertain but if the track does not suit them or the weather is not right, they rarely ride to their capabilities and simply go through the motions, hence extortionate prices to watch demonstration races and it is the riders and promoters who need a thought change unless you run the IOW then they have already provided what the punter would like to see in terms of value for money and various disciplines. Stadiums generally are crap and only speedway fans would put up with poor facilities etc. and actually pay for what you rightly say is fifteen to twenty minutes of races in two plus hours. It will not die but it might end up with part time riders and amateur competitions. Failure to crack on with changes and reinvent itself over the past twenty years in the U K finds the sport where it is today. Even the body that manages the sport has failed miserably to ensure that regular and reliable t v coverage, which should be the window on promoting the sport in the U K , is up to the job. When Eurosport can cock up the Olympic coverage what chance for a second rate down on its heels sport like speedway. In terms of what is wrong with the sport, from a fans perspective it is endless. From a promoters perspective all in the garden is Rosie and for all its faults it is basic enough, four riders and four laps yet the rule book has taken away the simplicity. It needs to go back to basics and each club really ought to be run as a business but not a hobby for a few entrepreneurs who, if it was their main operation they would have liquidated a long time back and put their money into something that might generate a return over and above bank deposit rates. I hope you local club survives.

Finally I can have dinner!

Both teams tonight are not as strong as the Poole team, in a lower league. This winter will surely se an amalgamation of both leagues. There’s nothing premier about the premier league bar it’s name.

Think you may need to think again on that one ? RJ 72

My point was more if the lad hopes to go on and achieve anything meaningful within the sport that’s going to be in Poland. For me I therefore don’t see any great need to go to a more technical track. If he’s good enough he isn’t going to ride technical tracks at the top level.

Well and good budgeting for 500 fans, but when some clubs easily get 1000, they’re going to get the better riders, and your riders arn’t going to be happy as getting paid less, and your fans arn’t going to be happy, as you’ll be at the bottom end of the league

Fine in practice how what kind of team are you going to be able to put together, remember nothing puts off fans than a few home defeats and by their own admission it looks like Birmingham are down to their hardcore now.

I disagree.....Shanes/Morris/Paco are certainly good enough ! Even if we had a team that won home and away every week, it wouldn't bring the fans back! It not about a successful team....??? How many times have we won the top flight division over the last 50 years??? It's all about the product and value for money.... Speedway as a sport is farcical with all the guest riders and poxy rules....also the modern engine has ruined things....its made surfaces harder to prepare....

Just popped onto the forum today to see how the news has been received. Such sad news after all our memories with Birmingham. I think I’ve only been the once since we finished on the presentation team but we’d intended to come this summer as soon as COVID allowed. I can’t make next Wednesday as we’re away in Scotland but if it’s rained off or if there are further meetings we’ll be down for the next one for sure. Hope all our old friends there are keeping well, so many local tracks to us have already closed like Stoke, Buxton and Coventry so to lose Birmingham would be tragic.I’ve genuinely never enjoyed doing the centre green presenting anywhere else as much as I did at Birmingham and that was all down to the fans and the response and buzz on the terraces.Fingers crossed for better news soon and if next weeks off or there are further meetings I’ll see you very soon.

Berwick will never get a better a chance of an away win this season.!!

Its stitched on to be Batch who else would it be...

That is the right decision for him and the team.

That would mean 2 years ago, you couple had Robert Lambert & Dan Bewley as your reserves! Would staying at reserve be best for their progress!

Unfortunately Zane didn’t score many points in his time with us. As I said on another thread I have no idea what happened out of the public eye but clearly enough for MF to publicly dump him. He was woeful around Wimborne Road. Last week he failed to beat an opposition rider at Poole. I don’t believe for one second we dropped a clanger. He can gate, and you can’t pass at Plymouth so he is scoring ok. I hope he continues to improve and has a career in the sport.

A timely showing this morning on the Talking Pictures channel of the 1953 film 'Skid Kids', with a story centred around cycle speedway. The article on the sport in the mag was very interesting, and, what a terrific picture on page 15!