bluebee

Remember him from my childhood days supporting the Bees. One of my heroes along with Booey, Ron Mountford and the rest. RIP Rick. Condolences to the family.

I wonder if anyone could help. My Eurosprt subscription comes up for renewal soon. Would I be better off with Discovery Plus? I usually watch on my PC. many than ks

Of course you have to factor in the crowds. There won't be any. Even if the average speedway supporter could afford an electric car it is likely that electricity will be rationed. Public transport will be the only feasible alternative and that would rule me out for a start as I live too far away. The future is green, The future is for the rich only.! Poeple who go to speedway are generally not part of the affluent elite.

Might have to make changes if the youngsters don't reach the right level. Plenty of title winning sides have changed their line-ups mid season. There's always a gamble with putting in youngsters - some raise their game others crumble. I do hope that they don't find it too much of a step up. That might not help them,

It may be a top heavy side but I see the sense in this. Heat winners at home keep the crowd numbers up and that's what pays the wages. Also no team is fixed - changes can be made to the bottom end later. It's a calculated risk in my thinking. Shame they couldn't get Bomber - he's just worth watching whatever the result for the team. Hope ffor play offs next season. Anything else a bonus.

I do hope attendances hold up next season (and beyond). I certainly intend to go to more meetings next year. There are some faults with the place - it's not the best stadium for watching the sport and the tractor in the middle of the green doesn't help and advanced purchasing of tickets is a pain. The quality of the racing has generally been pretty good. Things in its favour for me 1. the staff at the stadium have been welcoming and polite 2. the place is clean and tidy (and not all speedway stadia are 3. the fans have been friendly and I've had a pleasant chat with a number of them. Long may it continue and please try and get Bomber there next season! The management have been doing a very good job and should be congratulated. I suggest they might like to contact the council about their proposed traffic scheme - it c could affect attendances.

It's gratifying to see that wide-eyed admiration follow this team whatever league they are in, They have deservedly earned their reputation over the years.

Never mind Knudsen to Glasgow what about Bomber to Sand Lane next season - a marriage made in heaven. Berwick were the best team from heat one tonight. Oxford just didn't have the heat wieners and that's the job of the top end of the team. It was like watching a different team to previous weeks.

Clearly this is a sign from the gods that Batch will score a full maximum and break the track record. Must admit I'm hoping to see Bomber pull off some outrageous runs round the outside while getting a good win for the Zeetahs. With the weather as it is I hope they've been soaking the track. I can remember a trip to Sandy Lane to see the Bees take on the Cheetahs - in 2003 I think - when the management came out with hose pipes to dampen the track. during the meeting. I recallColin Pratt called the track disgusting when interviewed on telly. I have more faith in the current management who seem to be more than capable. A win for the Cheetahs by 10 or I reckon. Don't forget your sun screen!

Although I always buy a programme at meetings I rarely read them on the day of the match as I like to concentrate on the meeting and the company. I'll read them later in the week usually. But after reading Oxford's programme today i started to ponder on what poor value official programmes generally are. The articles by the various contributors s all seem to cover the same issues and state similar opinions. In the Oxford programme there was comment on Luke Killen's debut by four columnists and Aaron Summer's comeback was covered multiple times. Sure, there's a years gone by section and a biographies of the visitors but the team discussion pieces all regurgitate the same topics and points. When I buy a magazine I like to read different things - and yes it was good to read about these riders but not in every comment piece, Am I just unlucky in the teams I have supported or are there good programmes out there with varied content. I would think there might be an opportunity for a bit of humour somewhere in the pages for example, or even a bit of technical stuff for those inclined. Perhaps there could be some discussion between the contributors about what each one is going to cover before going to press. I'm not just picking on Oxford as I think the management have generally done a very good job and my criticism applies to many other programmes I've bought before. Just like to know what others think.

Saw Brennan at Leicester having pictures taken with fans. Seems have a very good attitude to the paying public. I hope he has a very successful career.

just got back from another last heat decider match. Crowd looked good too with quite a few Leicester supporters. Shame Oxford lost as it looks as if play offs may be beyond them. Would have been good for the comeback season to be extended. Still, if the standard of racing is as consistently good as the last two meetings then the fans will keep coming back,

Just to reiterate I'm not getting at Oxford or holding up their programme as a particularly egregious example - I fully agree about Alan Bates's article as being well worth a read. It's just that reading the whole programme brought to mind the general quality of the programmes I have read over the years at a number of clubs. They are one way of engaging with the fans and entertaining them and if they are not varied and lively it's an opportunity missed. Wednesday was a really entertaining night at a revived club that seems to me to be making a really good effort to build up a fan base. It just that reading the programme later didn't carry that feelgood factor on afterwards. And I like to buy a programme rather than just fill an A4 sheet as I feel it's part of supporting the club.

Totally agree. The thing needs to be shifted. Much of the viewing on the home straight is low down and that thing doesn't help. On a positive note well done to both teams for a great evening's speedway. It could have gone either way right up to the last heat. Glad to see some good British talent as well in Hume and Brennan. How people can spent multiple posts having a moan after such a really good meeting beats me. The crowd was good as well. As much as I like Scott Nicholls it was a privilege again to see Bomber in action. I remember his early days at Brandon where I declared with authority and great wisdom that he would never make it. He must be the most entertaining British rider since Loram. The day he retires will be a sad day for speedway. The man deserves a knighthood for services to our sport - Sir Bomber arise and let's hope you forever! miss the gate!

Well, I can't allow my new team to be ignored on here. I think they have a match against some northern lot today. I'll stick my neck out and go for an away win! Weather seems very variable here in the Cotswolds. I'm leaving getting a ticket until late afternoon as I doubt this will be a full house and want to avoid a last minute rain off. As it will be my first visit (been abroad, honest) can anyone tell me whether its best to get a terrace ticket or an inside stadium. And also how long to get from the car park so I can plan my journey to arrive at the last minute. Cheers

Got my email. Refund if I can't get to the Glasgow match. Fair enough but I'll try and make it. Reckon it will be better meeting than against a depleted Diamonds team. My first visit to the new Cheetahs (last time was in 2002 I think)/ Went in the stand which I will avoid if I can, It was like watching speedway on a small TV with the sound turned right down. It made me realise how much the sport is a sensory experience. No way that electric is the way forward. Nice though to talk to a long time fan in the bar area and would also like to say that all the staff I dealt with were very friendly

Oh b*****s.As soon as I booked tickets the heavens opened.

Thanks Rosie. About to book my tickets so hope the earlier downpour was a one off. Should be a home win of course but I hope Newcastle make a fight of it. It's not my idea of a night out watching a hammering.

I'd rather watch a good meeting than a good crowd. Cardiff GPs are often never that good to watch but they have good crowds!Actually, a lot of GPs have been pretty processional. Does make you wonder if a more central location would have been better for the national stadium.

BB no complaints about the track My comment was directed elsewhere

Zagar superb tonight. Like the rider I saw at Brandon in years past. Doyle almost imperious. Good meeting and some good hard riding from both sides. Nice to see Brennon and Hume giving it a good go - both riders look promising. Surprise appearance of the night - the Ermolemko mullet! And the track again was very good although I know some on this thread would have been disappointed not to see a nice blue groove like they are used to.

Have you just found out?

Shocked as many are here. He was en enthusiastic commentator but more importantly a well liked representative for the armchair fan, and an affable personality who skillfully showcased the sport for to a wide range of spectators. Never met him but if I had I would have expected him to be the same genuine and pleasant personality that he portrayed on screen. Speedway has lost a close friend. My thoughts for his family - they have lost a man who was a very welcome guest in many homes. RIP Nigel you will be greatly missed - Wind it on!

Wish I could attend - missed out on tickets for the opener - but I will be coming later in the season as many times as I can. Must keep Oxford going and for any of you who might have missed it go to the Brandon Update thread and GET YOUR EMAIL OFF!!!

I've sent in my email. If Oxford can come back so can Brandon. I've moved out of the area (nearer to Oxford now!) but would still travel to attend some meetings throughout the season. I suggest a link in other topic areas to get as many people noticing as possible.