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I think "panic-merchant" is a bit of a stretch. As far as I can tell, nobody on here is actually from Northampton, so technically it isn’t "our" club and I suppose, in that retrospect, none of us should care. But we do care, and that is the point. It isn't about panicking; it’s about genuine concern from people who have a lifelong investment in this sport. The Star article might have made perfect sense to some, but for others, it still leaves a lot of silence where there should be activity. If pointing out a total lack of engagement or questioning a "wait and see" approach is considered demanding, then so be it. But most of us aren't looking for excuses to moan, we’re looking for signs of life in a sport we want to see succeed. There is a massive difference between being a "forum merchant" and being a concerned fan who understands how a modern business should actually communicate with its customers.

Just a quick update as a Sky TV and TNT subscriber. I was prompted to add HBO Max today. I can see all the SGPs from last year available to stream, and have watched one to test it. I can also still see the TNT channels in the usual channel guide. So, as long as TNT is still showing the SGP series this year, then I expect to be able to watch it from either location. Obviously, if you subscribe in a different way you will need to check your own options.

Not a bad idea Mike personally I think if the top 4 UK clubs joined it would be a better proposition to sell to the public, the other 1 or 2 remaining prem clubs could drop down to the championship and it would still allow the 3rd heat leaders/second strings to double up in the championship to help with the lower leagues expenses and allow said riders to top up their coffers also.

Just a quick update as a Sky TV and TNT subscriber. I was prompted to add HBO Max today. I can see all the SGPs from last year available to stream, and have watched one to test it. I can also still see the TNT channels in the usual channel guide. So, as long as TNT is still showing the SGP series this year, then I expect to be able to watch it from either location. Obviously, if you subscribe in a different way you will need to check your own options.

The Star article made perfect sense to me. Without naming names, it answers enough questions to satisfy all but the most-demanding of forum panic-merchants.

Strange I spoke to him yesterday at length and seemed quite a nice guy. But then not crossed him yet I suppose

Going on previous promotions from the past and their ideas of wisdom they may go as ackney awks running out of Brafield to tap into the former east London fan base

Is it Northampton?

It would be great, however, Poland would destroy every other league due to the money they pay out... Every "decent" rider would choose to ride over there... And any rider not riding over there, would happily leave their non Polish team and replace those who did... I think a UK/Scandinavian League could work though, particularly if/when Poland force in the one extra league rule... A more similar renumeration package across the three leagues and this would bring variety... Use the Danish model, (five rider teams), and you could get 22 teams, meaning 21 home meetings... It would also give a true "Elite" UK league for the UK teams to race in... And would mean "Polish wages" wouldn't need to be paid to attract Polish top riders,(like happens already in Sweden and Denmark)... As an example. Northampton opening in such a league would capture the imagination of the locals far more than a six team UK league would, I would suggest...

The prospective promoters are having a meeting with the stadium owners tomorrow, not sure what’s to discuss at this late stage but anyhow they have decided on a team name, wonder how or even if they can bothered to tell us plebs their wonderful news ?

That approach would be kind of understandable if the first meeting were six months away, but it isn’t and it wasn’t when the news was first announced. If they truly know what they’re doing, then fair enough; time will tell. They may well have a five-year plan in place to go from strength to strength, but in the meantime, the silence isn't doing much to build momentum.

The ultimate for me would be to make it 1 team per rider across the continent and introduce continental competition. Would allow UK to return to preferred race nights and introduce more TV deal opportunities, increase the number of meetings against different teams (more variety) and chances to see the best riders across the world when they compete in continental competitions.

I was going to use the BSP one... And put an advert in the Speedway Star....

You must have had a Marketing plan ready.......🤣

You would think it's a common sense thing to do, considering all use the same riders... To be fair to Poland though, they do put fixtures out well in advance, and yet the UK will still plan in meetings knowing riders are missing as they can happily just bring a guest in.... Or even sign riders knowing 100% that their already planned in calendar will mean they will be missing... Meaning so many guests end up being used which are not for injury cover... The British Final being arranged on a night when three meetings are already planned in is a perfect example that whatever "common sense" agreements exist, there will always be something the UK can end up doing which rolls eyes...

Stop talking sense! The chat about how amateur the Northampton stuff has been is only compounded by a brand new promotion not being able to arrange their PnP when all their riders can be there. I don't blame TB he was signed before last season ended in Poland but surely dates were shared upon signing to make sure everyone was available for the official launch of their new business/team. Doesn't install a great deal of confidence.

Todays Star says "we understand that there is a wish that all relevant club information will be announced at the same time"

I would like to see a rule implemented where riders have to prioritise the own country as part of their licence requirements and that includes riding in British final and the governing body’s from each country work together for the good of world speedway to avoid clashes

Did Bomber not guest for him instead?

Season hasn't even started proper and riders are missing PnP for Polish sparing. If only there were some pre-arranged Press Day for the Premiership teams ay...

Big thanks to @Phil for sorting this out, we have a lot more forum users back on the site now.

No Tom today at Press and practice. he's contracted to be in Poland.

There's a brilliant local YouTuber getting all sorts of publicity lately by just highlighting things in and around the town: Jamie Benkert - YouTube

This forum only represents a very small percentage of the overall fanbase, but I’m certain we have people on here and in the stadiums with some terrific ideas. Imagine if the clubs actually reached out and asked their entire supporter base to put suggestions forward via a dedicated email address. There might just be some real nuggets in the postbag that could help the sport move forward. Whether it’s a fresh marketing angle, a community link, or a better way to handle the meeting experience, the fans are the ones seeing it from the outside. Beyond just ideas, many fans have professional contacts and networks that could be a huge asset to a club. You simply don't know what’s available to you unless you actually try things and open the door. It costs nothing to ask, and it might just uncover the exact help or innovation a club has been looking for.

Great stuff. 👍