Aces51

On balance I think Belle Vue are as strong as last season. Boxall is a better rider than Nielsen and will score as many points more than Stefan as Richie may score less than Josh. Add to that the likely improvement from Cook and Fricke and they could even be stronger.

Maybe because they are two different issues. The first is about the use of a word which I wouldn't use but which in common usage has different meanings dependent upon the context in which it is used. The second is about the wisdom of a Promoter insulting paying customers. There is nothing inconsistent about supporting the first and being critical of the second.

My point, which I thought was clear, is that the original story was that North wasn't going to ride here in 2016 because he wanted to look after his Dad, it then transpired he was riding here and the story changed to he was only riding here because he had been offered contacts in a number of European leagues and the offers are too good to turn down. Today, you tell us that part of the reason he wasn't going to ride here was because Poole hadn't offered him a contract. All of these reasons could well be true. My point is that today is the first time we have heard about the role Poole played in his decision making. Hence my point about the spin put on the story, trying to make it look as if it was wholly to do with concern for his father or, the lure of lucrative contacts and nothing to do with Poole not wanting him. Coincidentally, putting the sole reason as caring for his father supported Poole's actions in the play offs and some may think that was the reason for the spin.

It may or may not have been correct at the time but if we are to believe Skidder1's most recent version it was far from being the whole story. Apparently, a part of his reason was that he was not offered a place at Poole but the Poole spin machine forgot to mention that aspect of the story.

Howarth usually did ok at Kirky Lane so he shouldn't have too much difficulty adapting to Monmore Green. However, he won't be the stand out tier 1 rider if he rides as he did after losing his place at Swindon.

Did you forget to mention that when it was said he was staying home to look after his father?

It wasn't cheating but it was against the rules. If the referee had noticed once the race started then Newman would have been disqualified and his points wouldn't have counted. It is exactly the same as when it is noticed during or, immediately after, a race that a rider has not got a dirt deflector fitted. A situation I have witnessed at least twice and on both occasions the rider was disqualified and those finishing behind him moved up a place. The reality is that the referee apparantly didn't notice, Poole gained the points and an overall victory by 2 points. End of story.

I think you'll find it was David Gordon and Chris Morton who got us to the final by building the new stadium and getting the SWC final allocated to Manchester.

Sorry to read that Gary's operation wasn't a success and that he had to go back because of the infections. Infections seems far too common in hospitals these days. Hopefully, he will have a speedy recovery and be home for Christmas.

They can't all be academics like Roscoe. His understanding of the rule book, his mastery of tactics and his erudite comments and deep analysis of events are obvious for all to see. His motivational skills, particularly apparent during the play off semi finals last year, can only be admired.

I agree, two seperate roles. However, he should never have been chosen in the first place, Phil Morris was a far better candidate.

All that is really needed is an effective SCB. They should properly scrutinise the proposed rule book each year, refuse to approve any rules which are open to interpretation or just plain silly and advise what amendments or changes are needed. They should police decisions made by the BSPA and investigate and rule on any decisions which are contrary to the approved rules or not in the best interests of the sport. They should be empowered to take the initiative and not have to rely on people within the sport fist having to report matters to them by way of complaint or an appeal.

That report also said "To ensure that younger households enjoy the same wealth in older age as recently retired households, we need to see a relentless focus on productivity to get wages growing at a healthier rate. So maybe less time at work spent on Speedway issues and you might catch up.

Rory has returned successfully from serious injury before so hopefully, he has the mental strength to do it again.

Non Belle Vue discussion on this thread I can cope with but football is going too far.

I hope Charlie does well,always enjoyed watching him at Kirky Lane and was popular with the fans.

Starman can't believe it. At this very moment he is blowing out the candles and destroying the Holder shrine in his bedroom. The betrayal is too much to bear, his hero a turncoat.

Boxall certainly does have question marks over his reliability but as things stand it looks as if there are still some decent alternatives we could use if the need arises. Let's hope it isn't necessary. As for Stefan, I think many Aces fans wanted him back and were sorry to see him go. He was a popular member of the team who progressed during his time with us and I think will still progress further, given the right help and guidance.

More than pleased with that, Cook,Fricke and both Worralls all likely to improve their averages and Boxall likely to score more than Nielsen. I accept that Boxall is going to have to prove his reliability but other good choices are available if he doesn't stay the course. Let's hope now that those sides that may be struggling to build competitive teams are able to do so. It is not good for the sport for any teams in an 8 team league to be significantly below the standard of the rest.

Yes.

The whole cost is going to be covered by the takings from the Betty's Hotpot Van. Dev, an occasional fan, gave the management the secret recipe.

A top rider who always gave 100% and never knew when he was beaten. The sport wouldn't be struggling if every team now had a couple of riders with Nigel's grit and determination. He was one of those rare riders who was popular with fans throughout the country.

I think the problem with that proposal is that the fans of any team running a side in the top league with riders like Tai, Hancock etc. , are not going to turn out in sufficient numbers to support what they will regard as their second team. No matter how it is dressed up fans will regard the side, who are likely to have the majority of meetings, as an inferior product. Worryingly, history shows that the super stars didn't bring in huge numbers of fans before they started to miss out the UK. If the top stars do not increase crowd levels significantly clubs may find themselves in severe financial difficulties, not only in paying these stars but also, in covering likely losses when running the second team.

According to the press report, as well as ruling out Mondays, Tai was also advocating one home and one away match against each team. On the current league structure that is 7 home matches, far too few as far as I am concerned. Yet another example of riders trying to hold the sport here to ransom and having little regard for those riders who don't race abroad. I say if they don't want to ride here than so be it.I'm sure we'll manage without them so long as we make much more effort to encourage home grown talent.

I hoped for more than waffle. No matter how you try to twist and turn and make comparisons with other sports you cannot get away from the point you ignored. Crowd levels have continued to fall and according to you that makes the play offs unsuccessful and could be evidence that they have had a detrimental effect. Now I wouldn't go that far. The finals have drawn good crowds by today's standards but what we don't know and probably never shall, is whether the total numbers over a full season would be as bad if we still had a proper league system rather than a cup qualifying competition. Also, let me say now I have read all of the posts on this topic and I have made my point. I do not expect you to agree with me and doubt you will be able to resist the urge to reply. However, I see not point in continually rehearsing the same arguments, it will not be a case of not being able to answer whatever points you make but simply that it would be pointless exercise.