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steve roberts

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Posts posted by steve roberts

  1. Posted

    6 hours ago, 1 valve said:

    Those owners who eventually sold up, by & large, did so after many years of owning, developing & maintaining the facility whilst ensuring as best as possible, a competitive team was put together. 
    Osborne, on the other hand has an undeniable history of acquiring stadiums/clubs and running both into the ground with little or no investment in either before selling off for development. 
    The message is clear, When Osbourne comes calling, so does the Grim Reaper.

    Thankfully Osborne's time at Oxford during the mid seventies came to an end when he "sold" the stadium to the local council but was saved by some pretty resourceful characters who formed a committee as regards its future. Personally I would turn my back on him if he ever entered a room I happened to be in.

  4. Posted

    4 hours ago, frigbo said:

    Bob wasn't a big fan of Ulf. Nor Mike Ferreira for that matter.

    Radford never fitted in at Cowley and the last resort was when Gordon Kennett phoned Radford to see if the meeting against Swindon was to go ahead to be told that it had been cancelled. It did take place and Oxford had to cover for Gordon and subsequently lost to Swindon...Radford resigned soon after and he wasn't missed.

  5. Posted

    23 hours ago, salty said:

    I remember Ulf signing for Cradley at the end of the 1973 season. We were a weak side to start with but ended the campaign decimated by injury - missing Persson, Cole and Cribb - the 3 heat leaders, so Ulf was definitely a sight for sore eyes in a team being patched together by guests. He acquired himself well in the circumstances and would have been welcomed back in 1974.

    Apparently according to the late Bob Radford who was the manager at Cowley in 1974 Ulf wished to return to Cradley after signing for Oxford and agreeing terms. Bob Radford only lasted half a season before resigning his post.

    • Like 1

  7. Posted

    On 1/26/2024 at 11:23 AM, bigdave said:

    Yes, because it creates publicity before the meeting and increases the attendance at the meeting. If it didn't do either, then I would have thought that Ian Thomas wouldn't have booked any interval attractions.

    Just re-reading Ian Thomas's book and as you say he was a great advocate and it generated much interest and publicity.

  10. Posted

    10 hours ago, StevePark said:

    Quite possibly, but in those days (I'm talking mid-to-late-70's here), I seem to remember, a lot of people used to stick around, because it was a "proper" second-half, with all the riders from the main meeting involved. 

    I used to stay on and watch the second halves. At Oxford during the early to middle seventies we were spoilt dure to our tie up with sister tracks Eastbourne and Peterborough  where many of their riders would contest the second half. Great days!

  12. Posted · Edited by steve roberts

    13 hours ago, lucifer sam said:

    Not far off for Oxford. I would go for 1985, rather than 1986. 1985 was the first league championship for 21 years. The first time (for a whole generation who hadn't been around in 1964) is always special.

    1986 was an even more successful year, but the weather meant it finished in anti-climax. In contrast, the final home meeting of 1985 was the KO Cup Final with Oxford beating Ipswich in a last-heat decider - which I would rate as the best-ever meeting at Cowley. 

    I'd agree...1985 was a special year whereas as you say 1986 turned into a bit of anti-climax when the weather beat the "Cheetahs" when we on course to win the four main trophies.

  14. Posted

    Sad to hear of the death of the character at Oxford Ernie Tipping(?) known as "Kojak" to many fans over the years who used to sell the "Star" and "Mail". He was a great character enlivening many a "discussion" winding up the away fans especially.

    RIP

  16. Posted · Edited by steve roberts

    55 minutes ago, iris123 said:

    It is an absolute interesting point. Wasn't it his years military service ? And did all speedway riders have to do it? Because I can't really recall others having to put their career on hold . Or was it because he hadn't reached a certain level before he was due ? Or maybe he was of such a mind that he actually wanted to do the year

    Of course I remember Tommy Janson having the break in his career for his military service in Sweden. But that was later and another nation

    I seem to remember my mother saying that he was serving in the RAF when he rode for Oxford?

    I've just checked and apparently his RAF posting was cancelled so he could continue to ride for Oxford?

  18. Posted

    Having just finished Alan's most excellent book I thought that I'd re-read Peter Collins' book because of the close connection and history between the two riders and again found it very informative and a very good read second time round.

  24. Posted · Edited by steve roberts

    59 minutes ago, fatface said:

    Yep, the boy done good. But three World Finals is probably a bit sub-par for his abilities. I just think 85 was pivotal really...the year following a decent World Final debut...he was banned from the World Championship. Then in winning the WLT that same year, he made himself hot property (and very well paid) on the continent....and that tipped the balance. I get it entirely. But there's no doubt his speedway suffered.

    Being a "Cheetahs" fan I saw first hand Wiggy's exploits. He could be briiliant but also disappointing. Hans always said that he continually "tinkered" with his bikes which affected his performances on occasions.

  25. Posted

    12 hours ago, fatface said:

     

    The Wiggy of 83/84 looked so hungry and sharp and destined to be at the sharp end for years. Looking back, the ban he had from international speedway in 85 coupled with winning the World Long Track that same year completely changed the direction of his career. I’m not sure speedway ever became an absolute priority again. I remember him going out of the World Champs at the Commonwealth Final one year and he was really poor.

    Sticking with long trackers, did Marcel Gerard ever give speedway a go? Pretty remarkable that a guy from Switzerland could win the WLT.

    Personally I think that "Wiggy" always prioritised  Grasstrack/Longtrack over speedway. Shame because I think he could have become a real big force in speedway however he didn't do too bad all things considered.

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