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Very sad news, I was fortunate enough to watch him ride for Newcastle in the 60's wonderful memories of a great, possibly the greatest ever speedway rider. Rest in Peace Ivan.

If this rain doesn't stop soon, the riders at Newcastle had better bring their canoes!

It's all well and good saying this is a holding team until Polish teams release the riders they don't want is making the assumption that we could afford to sign any of them when they become available. Lets just get behind the riders putting on the Diamonds race bibs and enjoy watching speedway.

Just because we don't appear to have a world beating team doesn't mean that the racing won't be entertaining. When we had the all conquering team racking up 5-1 after 5-1 it may have been nice to win but often the actual racing was poor. I'll reserve judgement and be prepared to watch some exciting heats.

The question is, can we afford an 8.20 rider, even if one is available. No point in bankrupting the club.

Thanks for the response Steve, I apologise, you have never said shut up, however I seem to have triggered a response from a few people and hopefully more positive information will be available in the very near future. It's true as Tsunami said, our first competitive fixture is 5th April, but the longer it goes without signing riders gives them less time to practice on our 'technical' track and work out setups.

Steve, do you not think the paying customers have a right to be concerned? We are supporters first and foremost but time is now very short, not only to P & P but the actual start of competitive racing, and your constant 'It'll be alright' attitude is getting a little irritating. If you know what's happening then please pass on the information, we don't need to know chapter and verse, but confirmation that there are riders in the frame would be helpful, If you in fact have no information then stop telling everyone that It's going to be allright and stop telling us to be quiet

As Aceslider says, the visa office operate at their own pace. However, this would imply that the rider in question is from outside the EU, presumably either an Australian or American, cue everyone to give lists of possible riders. It's now eight days and counting to P & P. Don't panic Mr. Mainwaring!

With less than 2 weeks to press & pratice, I think It's about time to press the panic button. We are obviously struggling to obtain the services of riders that we can afford and I believe that there is a minimum points limit as well as an upper one so we can't just sign anyone. Worst case scenario, there is an announcement in the next two week saying unfortunately we're not running as we can't afford it.

So if we find another potential world champion Dane like Nikki P on 5.2 we have 8.31 for a number 1. Sounds like a plan.

I think predictions are a bit of time filling fun and nothing to get uptight about. Remember that girly sport football? Just remember Leicester City.

I assumed 25th/26th for P&P Just wondering if the meet the riders night could be used as a fundraiser providing there is enough time to organise one.

Good news with the announcement of the main sponsor. All we need now is the announcement of the last 2 riders and the dates of Press & Practice and, if we are having one, the meet the riders night.

Thanks AndyS, no chance of Nicholls then. See you tomorrow.

We had 23.40 left before these two signings, on the last green sheet averages, Wilkinson 4.97 and Aarnio 5.02 making 9.99.