Dandelion 775 Posted February 24, 2021 (edited) The 'Berwick Bullets' To be lead by leon flint and Kyle Bickley I also imagine harry mcgurk, Greg Blair and mason watson will be in the team... and sam mcgurk? If hes old enough yet... will luke ruddick for as the final signing then? 1. Leon flint 2. Mason watson 3. Luke ruddick 4. Greg blair 5. Kyle bickley 6. Harry mcgurk 7. Sam mcgurk Edited February 24, 2021 by Dandelion Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barrybishop 896 Posted February 24, 2021 Club Statement: ‘Wightlink’ Warriors Withdraw from the National League and the British Speedway Promoters Limited (BSPL) It is with much regret that Isle of Wight speedway promoters, Barry Bishop and Martin Widman, have made the unpalatable and heart-breaking decision to withdraw its Associate Membership of the BSPL and as a result the ‘Wightlink’ Warriors and Wizards will not be participating in the National League or Midland & Southern Development League this year. The decision wasn’t an easy one to make but after much correspondence, it became clear that the new rules being imposed by the BSPL Board of Directors on to the National League were not right for the ‘Wightlink’ Warriors in 2021. It is terrible news for everyone associated with the club and for those at Smallbrook Stadium. So many volunteers, sponsors, officials and riders have worked tirelessly together to ensure that speedway on the Isle of Wight became the multi-award winning fun family experience and a pleasure to visit. Now the promoters need some time to focus their thoughts about the future and whilst the decision will mean no league speedway at Smallbrook for this year, it does not signal the end of motor cycling activities, initially starting with speedway training as soon as the current restrictions allow. Finally, Martin and Barry want to thank you all for the tremendous support you have given the club since speedway returned to the Isle of Wight and they look forward to seeing you all again very soon. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sings4Speedway 3,247 Posted February 24, 2021 Congrats to IOW for sticking 2 fingers up to th BSPL bullies. Pushed arguably the best and most visionary promotion team out of the sport. I have no doubt that the Island team will bounce back better whilst the rest of the leagues continue to crumble. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ringitsneck 348 Posted February 24, 2021 28 minutes ago, Dandelion said: The 'Berwick Bullets' To be lead by leon flint and Kyle Bickley I also imagine harry mcgurk, Greg Blair and mason watson will be in the team... and sam mcgurk? If hes old enough yet... will luke ruddick for as the final signing then? 1. Leon flint 2. Mason watson 3. Luke ruddick 4. Greg blair 5. Kyle bickley 6. Harry mcgurk 7. Sam mcgurk Not a hope in hell of that team fitting 35 point limit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris116 756 Posted February 24, 2021 1 minute ago, Sings4Speedway said: Congrats to IOW for sticking 2 fingers up to th BSPL bullies. Pushed arguably the best and most visionary promotion team out of the sport. I have no doubt that the Island team will bounce back better whilst the rest of the leagues continue to crumble. Maybe they can take note of how Mike Parker started the Provincial League in the early '60s and proved that it was possible to "promote" speedway. I may hate the memory of Parker for some of the things he did in Speedway and Stock Cars but he did have vision and he did promote. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Islander15 1,065 Posted February 24, 2021 30 minutes ago, Dandelion said: The 'Berwick Bullets' To be lead by leon flint and Kyle Bickley I also imagine harry mcgurk, Greg Blair and mason watson will be in the team... and sam mcgurk? If hes old enough yet... will luke ruddick for as the final signing then? 1. Leon flint 2. Mason watson 3. Luke ruddick 4. Greg blair 5. Kyle bickley 6. Harry mcgurk 7. Sam mcgurk That top 4 only just fit under the points limit by themselves! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Islander15 1,065 Posted February 24, 2021 23 minutes ago, barrybishop said: Club Statement: ‘Wightlink’ Warriors Withdraw from the National League and the British Speedway Promoters Limited (BSPL) It is with much regret that Isle of Wight speedway promoters, Barry Bishop and Martin Widman, have made the unpalatable and heart-breaking decision to withdraw its Associate Membership of the BSPL and as a result the ‘Wightlink’ Warriors and Wizards will not be participating in the National League or Midland & Southern Development League this year. The decision wasn’t an easy one to make but after much correspondence, it became clear that the new rules being imposed by the BSPL Board of Directors on to the National League were not right for the ‘Wightlink’ Warriors in 2021. It is terrible news for everyone associated with the club and for those at Smallbrook Stadium. So many volunteers, sponsors, officials and riders have worked tirelessly together to ensure that speedway on the Isle of Wight became the multi-award winning fun family experience and a pleasure to visit. Now the promoters need some time to focus their thoughts about the future and whilst the decision will mean no league speedway at Smallbrook for this year, it does not signal the end of motor cycling activities, initially starting with speedway training as soon as the current restrictions allow. Finally, Martin and Barry want to thank you all for the tremendous support you have given the club since speedway returned to the Isle of Wight and they look forward to seeing you all again very soon. Such a shame. This sport should be for all but unfortunately some men have too much power 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mac101 1,201 Posted February 24, 2021 44 minutes ago, Dandelion said: The 'Berwick Bullets' To be lead by leon flint and Kyle Bickley I also imagine harry mcgurk, Greg Blair and mason watson will be in the team... and sam mcgurk? If hes old enough yet... will luke ruddick for as the final signing then? 1. Leon flint 2. Mason watson 3. Luke ruddick 4. Greg blair 5. Kyle bickley 6. Harry mcgurk 7. Sam mcgurk they only have 17.5 pts for 5 riders as leon and kyle announced already Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dandelion 775 Posted February 24, 2021 I'm guessing that greg blair wont be an assessed 3.00er then? Even if he was that team would be a touch over 36 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagpuss 10,780 Posted February 24, 2021 What are these ‘new rules’ which have resulted in the IOW not running? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sings4Speedway 3,247 Posted February 24, 2021 1 minute ago, Bagpuss said: What are these ‘new rules’ which have resulted in the IOW not running? The published ones being a cut in team building limit , no play offs and no cup comps. As a stand alone club facing potentially 6 home fixtures with a diluted product due to how teams are being built looks a harder sell. Throw in the removal of ghost teams its equally unlikely any MSDL will take place either . I can only appauld IOW for being the only ones brave enough to do the right thing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob B 1,256 Posted February 24, 2021 5 minutes ago, Bagpuss said: What are these ‘new rules’ which have resulted in the IOW not running? Don't know, and wonder if this causing Belle Vue delay too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fortythirtyeight 840 Posted February 24, 2021 3 minutes ago, Sings4Speedway said: The published ones being a cut in team building limit , no play offs and no cup comps. As a stand alone club facing potentially 6 home fixtures with a diluted product due to how teams are being built looks a harder sell. Throw in the removal of ghost teams its equally unlikely any MSDL will take place either . I can only appauld IOW for being the only ones brave enough to do the right thing. I’m guessing you won’t be attending any Development League matches as you have such a downer on it now? The NL outgrew itself, paying riders who should have moved up too much to encourage them to stay and stagnate, big fish in a little pond. Now the sport needs to develop its own and bring on the youth which is what the new points limit is intended to do. The racing will be fine just a few seconds slower and a few more fallers perhaps. They have to start somewhere changing the sport and they’ve started here. It’s a shame that I.O.W. have pulled out but that’s their decision. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikebv 10,276 Posted February 24, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, barrybishop said: Club Statement: ‘Wightlink’ Warriors Withdraw from the National League and the British Speedway Promoters Limited (BSPL) It is with much regret that Isle of Wight speedway promoters, Barry Bishop and Martin Widman, have made the unpalatable and heart-breaking decision to withdraw its Associate Membership of the BSPL and as a result the ‘Wightlink’ Warriors and Wizards will not be participating in the National League or Midland & Southern Development League this year. The decision wasn’t an easy one to make but after much correspondence, it became clear that the new rules being imposed by the BSPL Board of Directors on to the National League were not right for the ‘Wightlink’ Warriors in 2021. It is terrible news for everyone associated with the club and for those at Smallbrook Stadium. So many volunteers, sponsors, officials and riders have worked tirelessly together to ensure that speedway on the Isle of Wight became the multi-award winning fun family experience and a pleasure to visit. Now the promoters need some time to focus their thoughts about the future and whilst the decision will mean no league speedway at Smallbrook for this year, it does not signal the end of motor cycling activities, initially starting with speedway training as soon as the current restrictions allow. Finally, Martin and Barry want to thank you all for the tremendous support you have given the club since speedway returned to the Isle of Wight and they look forward to seeing you all again very soon. A shame... Could they still run some 'open meetings'? One thing that the team on the IOW seems to grasp is that if you need 'X' hundred per week to remain profitable, you don't necessarily need the same 'X' hundred per week... And with such a transient population on a 'holiday island' promoting their 'product' to people who might only be there for seven days or so is vital... Every promoter should promote every meeting like the IOW do, ie just like it is their last... Because one day, for them all, it might be... The IOW team seem to understand this better than the vast majority of all the rest I would suggest.. Best of Luck to everyone down there... Edited February 24, 2021 by mikebv 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sings4Speedway 3,247 Posted February 24, 2021 2 minutes ago, Fortythirtyeight said: I’m guessing you won’t be attending any Development League matches as you have such a downer on it now? The NL outgrew itself, paying riders who should have moved up too much to encourage them to stay and stagnate, big fish in a little pond. Now the sport needs to develop its own and bring on the youth which is what the new points limit is intended to do. The racing will be fine just a few seconds slower and a few more fallers perhaps. They have to start somewhere changing the sport and they’ve started here. It’s a shame that I.O.W. have pulled out but that’s their decision. I will attend the well balanced meetings just like i have past few seasons but take no joy watching poorly matched sides and riders at any level. Im not against the points limit reduction but there should have been a cap on the top averages to help build more strength in depth sides. New 3 pointers vs clegg and flint will offer little in viewing. It will just be about which of the newbies improves. Im again all for offering chances to riders and getting rid of dead wood but only riders who are good enough and not just for the sake ofi t as they are young and have a bike. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites