steve roberts

Again a most welcome site...thank you!

If the 1980 World Championship had been run on GP lines he may well have been champion rather than Michael Lee? DJ dominated the qualifying rounds if I recall?

I think I'm correct in that Dean Barker was once Charlotte's partner?

Simmo summed him up in his book...DJ would cut corners to save money and it proved costly more than once.

Agree!

Obviously not an individual to be trusted. Shame that those chairing the meetings as regards Brandon don't dig a little deeper before taking on board his observations/comments?

Oxford made a move to sign him in 1974(?) but it didn't amount to anything...think it was management statement to appease the fans at the time?

That makes sense...thanks for that!

I'm okay with it!

I'm sure that there is some truth in that! By the way it's good that we have managed to have a civil conversation which can only be a good thing!

As a matter of interest is his role in the enquiry just an advisory one or does he have a vestige interest in proceedings?

Unfortunately I would have to agree (now there's a first!) but comments he made in "The Star" were somewhat ambiguous and open to question which is what I was commenting upon from a personal point of view and knowing first hand the circumstances at Cowley in the middle seventies. There was also his involvement at Bristol as part of a consortium that didn't get the necessary planning permission despite operating for a couple of years which in my opinion questions his "integrity" but that's for others to question and decide if they wish to go down that particular line of enquiry?

Never said it was however it's up to those inolved with the enquiry to arrive at a conclusion based on his comments/observations baring in mind his past record.

He took after his Dad, Bob, who was known for "expressiing" his views!

I've just laid my hands on the "Speedway Star" edition where Clarke Osbourne was interviewed. He quotes that speedway is no longer viable which may or may not be the case but Osbourne is/was only interested in selling off assets to make money otherwise why did he sell Cowley Stadium back in the middle seventies when crowds were good at Oxford and speedway was generally thriving? Personally his views don't wash with me knowing his past history and involvement with speedway stadia down the years.

I've just re-read "The Cheetahs 1976 - The Resurrection" by Keith Lawson the circumstances in which Cowley Stadium was sold by "Bristol Stadiums Ltd" (aka Clarke Osbourne) in 1976 and the role that the SOS Committee played (of which my Uncle was a leading player) in securing a lease agreement with the City Council who had acquired the site and thru' negotiation together with massive support from the Greyhound fraternity speedway continued to be run there. It also helped greatly that the out going Stoke Promotion were wanting a new site. It took a great deal of work and persuasion but one must never give up hope but of course speedway was in a far healthier state back then which I guess made it somewhat easier in achieving the objective? Of course the later rescue bid received massive support from the local council which I would imagine helped/encouraged an incoming business initiative but I guess that there aren't many out there able, or willing, to take a chance in todays economic climate?

Oxford were very fortunate in that it had a council that was very pro-active...shame that can't be said about Reading apparently.

Personally I feel he should have achieved more as he was a great talent. Going back to Eastbourne after Oxford was a mistake in my opinion but I guess that he felt comfortable around his father/family? Gordon Kennett once said that Martin should have taken himself off to Australia for a winter tour (as many riders used to do) to improve his technique and self reliance but I guess working at the Dugard Machine Tools at Hove (?) during the winter took precedence?

Yes he was part of the Dugard Dynasty.... Grandfather Charlie Father Bob Uncles John and Eric Brother Martin They all rode speedway at one time or another. I believe Martin has a son who tried speedway?

The first time I saw Joe Screen ride was as a fifteen year old during "demonstration races" with, if I'm right, Paul Dugard (now there was a wasted talent) at the 1988 Golden Greats Meeting at Coventry.

Oxford's 1986 "All conquering" team was something special...Nielsen, Wigg, Cox, Grahame, Sorensen, De'Ath and Surman. Each rider brought something to the side and complimented each other. My favourite Oxford team for obvious reasons.

I shall resist commenting on that one!!

In no particular order... 1. Hans Nielsen for his leadership qualities. 2. Garry Middleton for his brashness and ability to wind up the oppostion. 3. Dag Lovaas who was just poetry on a bike. 4. Gordon Kennett for his battling qualities and ability to pass where others feared to venture. 5. Jens Rasmussen for his total commitment and braveness. 6. Marek Cieslak who was a sight to behold round Wood Lane during his debut season there. 7. Kai Niemi who was a solid dependable rider who should have achieved more. Amongst those I would have liked to have included would be Hasse Holmqvist, Ulf Lovaas, George Hunter, Simon Wigg etc etc Trouble is tomorrow my list would probably read differently!

Which was a travesty because, if I am correct, a 99 year lease was granted initially?

There's that man again!