Beowulf

Swiss Position, You have highlighted a problem, although it is not a new one. Some facilties are awful. Any male used the men's on the back straight at Swindon? Dark ages doesn't descibe it adequately enough. However, the resolution to this problem does not lie in the hands of the promoters. The only ones who are capable of doing anything about it are those promoters that own their own stadiums. In the EL, I make that Coventry and Eastbourne. In the PL, I have no idea, maybe King's Lynn? Back in 1996, the owners of Monmore Green wanted to change the greyhound track. We were very close to losing the speedway altogether. Sometimes these things are simply out of your hands.

For a second there I thought you were talking about Guiseppe Marzotto!

One of my favourite riders. He was riding superbly then unfortunately had a very bad crash (1969). He was going to the top that year, but the terrible crash virtually finished his career.

Well I was that meeting too. We didn't meet then and we still haven't met now, all these years later! We gave up a Friday meeting at Monmore too to go to Bristol. Historical note for younger fans, from 1961 to 1980 Wolves rode on Fridays. The facts are as you say. The reason the racing was so appaling was because it was a sand like surface on which you just could not turn. To lose tracks when they they are poorly supported is one thing, but to lose them when they have huge support is terrible. The programme is in my collection somewhere.

My goodness Shovlar the ticket tout! Can you ge me some for the FA Cup final????

No need for you to rub it in as well Cliv Clav!

A couple of times Liontamer? You probably saw half a season then! That particular track is a bit of a bug-bear really. Of my regular well travlled companions, only one of us got to Skegness, he's in that neck of the woods every fortnight. He does happen to mention that fact now and again!

Pardon me if the following is not quite right as time dulls the memory. I did go to White City to watch the Wolves. Prior to going there I wondered why Gordon Kennett did so well on what appered to be a big track when he was really a small track expert. Answer, the track was big in length, but with tight corners. Hence you would see Kennett bomb down the straights, long track style, and then lock it up to get round the bends i.e that bit was like a small track. That's how I remember it, but it was a while ago now.................

Zetters, I hope the weather is good and you have a enjoyable week. I shall follow Sweden with interest due to Karlsson, Max and possibly Lindgren??? However, I shall be watching it from the comfort of my armchair with a few chilled beers.

I rather think that you've got that the wrong way around, but you're not even semi serious opposition for us. Since Cradley closed we have won the League twice as well as the KO Cup, whilst you have won precisely nothing! Oh and I think we have a chnce this year as well! As for brains, I was referring to the discerning crowd at Monmore who appreciate the fine racing they witness every week. However, as you asked, I do hold a degree. To further press the point about the locals, the University of Wolverhampton is the 5th largest in the country

All of those good points didn't stop it from closing did it Gorgon? (no dis-respect Bradford fans) As far as Wolves trick track is concerned, well what it means is that you have to use your brains and throttle control instead of just keeping the throttle on 'open'. Something for the more intelligent supporter to appreciate I think. which is why you don't! Anyway how would any Coventry fan be able to recognise good racing. If you've never seen it you wouldn't know what it was!

Hated the place! No atmosphere, just a huge hole in the ground, invariably bloody freezing, often see clouds at eye level (ok exaggeration!), bends 1/2 different from 3/4. Plus they had riders who couldn't ride anywhere else eg. Thorp, Wilson, Smith, Havelock etc etc. Rubbish centre green announce who couldn't 'announce' 90% of foreigners names. Plus of course every time we went there we got an absolute tonking Mind you the Odsal chippy was great! Which other chippy in the country doesn't sell pies? Unique!

Never went to Prestatyn, but one of our riders, Norman Hunter, got injured there in 1969. At that point he was looking superb and could have gone on to be a Wolves legend. The damage was to his hand and sadly he was never the same rider again

I was there, but the only thing I can remember is that it was bloody freezing!

One of the greatest speedway names has to be Ove Olson (rode for Birmingham) How about Eric Broadbelt? never come across that surname anywhere else, ever.

1996 First leg of the cup Final Wolves agaisnt Peterborough, having to use Station Road as our 'home' leg because Monmore Green was unavilable. On the face of it no chance, thinking perhaps we should have used Belle Vue for the home leg. However, a magnificent performance by the whole of the team, maybe our best ever, and we got a good lead for the second leg which proved enough to win the cup along with the league. Happy days indeed.

Well I know there is a penistone road in Sheffield, so perhaps it's someone from that neck of the woods.

As a programme collector, I of course have to purchase a programme. Not only do I fill in the usual details but I also note the passes i.e. lap and bend that they occurred. I find this very useful when dissecting the match afterwards over a beer when I can back up what I say! Each to their own but I find filling in a programme is part of the enjoyment. Also if you use a programme board, it is useful to wave at the riders on their victory lap. Finally and overlooked, it is nice to actually read the programme and see what the management have got to say for themselves

Lars, Re last seasons play-off's and your comment that Eastbourne were far and away the best team. The league table said Eastbourne drew ONE more match than Wolves, that is all, hardly a vast difference I would say.

Another memory from a friend of mine. He was there for a Wolves match. I think our two riders got out and were leading. Phil Crump was in the race and it was amazing to be beating him, as he was a top rider. Entering the third lap, the Newport fans stared cheering, clapping and saying well-done Phil! My mate wondered what the heck was going on. Suddenly Crumpie seemed to become rocket powered and shot past our two riders as if they were standing still and beat them comfortably! He must have been bored winning from the gate! Apparently he was really awesome around Newport. Some of his other exploits included riding up the fence at Halifax wall of death style!

Yes, I have some memories of Somerton Park, I think it was my first away match (even before Cradley!) and went on the coach. Yes, it was very square and gave the home riders a big advantage. One of riders, George Hunter (RIP) infamously never did anything there or at Exeter. So we called that the the southern version of the Bermudan triangle for George. There were a few occasions when he didn't turn up to either place, or if he did he would come out of the gate, turn the throttle off and tootle round at the back. One unpleasant memory is of another coach journey there. Following some verbal 'exchanges' between the fans, the back window of the coach was put through with a brick and we had to come all the back with the wind howling through the coach!

The guy was a prat! That fact that his claim to fame was winding fans up, well it doesn't say much does it? His speedway or indeed geographical knowledge wasn't up to much either, I remember him going about the SWINTON robins. Well of course Swinton is in the north and not in Wiltshire. Finally, in the early 70's I was a young teenager. After a match at Monmore I was in the bar with some friends, although obviously not drinking. He was in there and I must have replied to something he said. He then aggressively grabbed me by the throat! Luckily Tom Leadbitter was also in there and he got him off me, and told him to leave the kids alone! A character yes, but from my viewpoint, not a particularly welcome one.

Yes, I remember Malcolm. Any memories? Well I liked him but to be honest he was never more than a reserve cum second string. He was tall and slim and at times looked awkward on the bike, as he was all arms and legs. I think he rode in all black leathers during his time at Wolves, although colour was slowly creeping in. Wolves is a small track, even smaller these days, and Malcolm's main ability was to be able to turn the bike easily and quickly. He loved riding the white line and once he'd put it there, there was no way anybody could get through on the inside (as I remember it!). However, this wasn't so good at big tracks. The one vision I have in my mind is Malcolm riding at Halifax, he gated, put the bike the on the line around the first bend and then the other three dive bombed past him on the banking on the first and second bends! (Mind you there have been loads of Wolves riders who have had problems riding at places like Halifax e.g. Ronnie Correy at Bradford). Nonetheless, as an ex-Wolves rider, I still fondly remember him and as part of my collection, I should have photo's somewhere.