Barry Hearn....

[Daytripper 1,123]

I also know of this guy who is asking for £2000 guarantee, and it is from a PL team !!!!

That's a big sum for a little chap!

[heathen chemistry 660]

hearn will never touch speedway. he only got involved with snooker if he could control the whole shooting match. and he now does.no way would the promoters give up there powers to anyone...why wud they listen to hearn . they dont listen to the people who pay there wages now. the fans

[The Voice Of Reason 2,124]

As a Leyton Orient Supporter of some 45 years, I know a little of how Barry Hearn operates.

 

He transformed the way that our club operated; and dragged it screaming into the 21st Century. He would not pay ridiculous wages - based upon the fact that he knew full well that we had a limited supporter base. Talking of which, if you think Speedway teams find it difficult to survive, try taking over a 4th Division Team in London; with the likes of West Ham, Tottenham and Arsenal literally on your doorstep.

 

But he managed the books. He controlled costs. He would not be dictated to by players; nor by their blood-sucking, parasite 'agents'.

 

He improved (actually re-built from scratch) three sides of our ground by thinking creatively; or outside the box - selling the four corners of the ground for the development of flats. That wasn't too popular as it does still appear that we are playing in the middle of a council estate; but needs must. He was not prepared, like so many other Chairmen who have learnt to their despair, to throw bucket loads of cash at improving facilities that were going to potentially bankrupt the club. Meanwhile, to bring in rent throughout the year (not just during the season) he built our West Stand to incorporate all Doctors Surgeries within the London Borough of Waltham Forest. We've even got a chemist shop next to the Supporters Club! It's fair to say that the facilities of our stadium could have only been dreamt about 15-20 years ago.

 

Despite the ridicule that he has received from some elements of our supporter base (and they are more than entitled to their opinions) he basically steadied the ship; and whilst we didn't tear up any trees, we enjoyed some really exciting play-offs; a couple of brilliant F.A. Cup runs; and finally a promotion during his tenure. Compared to the 'eccentric' (and maybe that's being overly polite!) Italian Chairman we now have in charge, he was a breath of fresh air that basically saved us from oblivion.

 

Of course he's also transformed darts; and many don't know he actually brought fishing to Sky TV. Not knowing anything about fishing, he read that there were literally several thousand 'fishermen hobbyists' within the UK - so basically said that he knew there was a market for televising it. He took the risk (something he's generally willing to do) and the rest is history. His tenure as a boxing promoter was of course extremely successful - particularly when Chris Eubank was under his wing. Getting back to darts, ask Phil Taylor (another from the 'Hearn stable') what he thinks of Barry - he truly adores him.

 

I once read an article whereby he related that his son, who had just achieved a marketing degree, told him (words to the effect of) 'Dad you break every rule within the marketing/promotion book". To which he replied, "yes son, and that's why I've become a multi-millionaire in the Real World".

 

I am absolutely convinced that Barry Hearn would improve Speedway within the UK. He has the ability, and possibly more importantly the contacts within media circles, to raise the sports' level of awareness. And whilst I admire ALL Speedway Promoters for their financial support and ongoing efforts, if truth be known, they aren't even in the same league as Barry Hearn.

 

The sad thing is that it's possibly now too late. Barry certainly doesn't need the money; and isn't getting any younger. Such a shame as I truly believe without someone of Hearn's capability, the sport that we love will, in a few years time, probably be semi-pro; whilst a number of clubs will have gone to the wall.

 

It's not a scenario that I'd ever want to see come to fruition - but I really don't see any alternatives at this particular time.

Edited February 17, 2016 by The Voice Of Reason

[Humphrey Appleby 13,960]

As a Leyton Orient Supporter of some 45 years, I know a little of how Barry Hearn operates.

 

He transformed the way that our club operated; and dragged it screaming into the 21st Century. He would not pay ridiculous wages - based upon the fact that he knew full well that we had a limited supporter base. Talking of which, if you think Speedway teams find it difficult to survive, try taking over a 4th Division Team in London; with the likes of West Ham, Tottenham and Arsenal literally on your doorstep.

 

But he managed the books. He controlled costs. He would not be dictated to by players; nor by their blood-sucking, parasite 'agents'.

 

He improved (actually re-built from scratch) three sides of our ground by thinking creatively; or outside the box - selling the four corners of the ground for the development of flats. That wasn't too popular as it does still appear that we are playing in the middle of a council estate; but needs must. He was not prepared, like so many other Chairmen who have learnt to their despair, to throw bucket loads of cash at improving facilities that were going to potentially bankrupt the club. Meanwhile, to bring in rent throughout the year (not just during the season) he built our West Stand to incorporate all Doctors Surgeries within the London Borough of Waltham Forest. We've even got a chemist shop next to the Supporters Club! It's fair to say that the facilities of our stadium could have only been dreamt about 15-20 years ago.

 

Despite the ridicule that he has received from some elements of our supporter base (and they are more than entitled to their opinions) he basically steadied the ship; and whilst we didn't tear up any trees, we enjoyed some really exciting play-offs; promotion and a couple of really exciting F.A. Cup runs during his tenure. Compared to the 'eccentric' (and maybe that's being overly polite!) Italian Chairman we now have in charge, he was a breath of fresh air that basically saved us from oblivion.

 

Of course he's also transformed darts; and many don't know he actually brought fishing to Sky TV. Not knowing anything about fishing, he read that there were literally several thousand 'fishermen hobbyists' within the UK - so basically said that he knew there was a market for televising it. He took the risk (something he's generally willing to do) and the rest is history. His tenure as a boxing promoter was of course extremely successful - particularly when Chris Eubank was under his wing. Getting back to darts, ask Phil Taylor (another from the 'Hearn stable') what he thinks of Barry - he truly adores him.

 

I once read an article whereby he related that his son, who had just achieved a marketing degree, told him (words to the effect of) 'Dad you break every rule within the marketing/promotion book". To which he replied, "yes son, and that's why I've become a multi-millionaire in the Real World".

 

I am absolutely convinced that Barry Hearn would improve Speedway within the UK. He has the ability, and possibly more importantly the contacts within media circles, to raise the sports' level of awareness. And whilst I admire ALL Speedway Promoters for their financial support and ongoing efforts, if truth be known, they aren't even in the same league as Barry Hearn.

 

The sad thing is that it's possibly now too late. Barry certainly doesn't need the money; and isn't getting any younger. Such a shame as I truly believe without someone of Hearn's capability, the sport that we love will, in a few years time, probably be semi-pro; whilst a number of clubs will have gone to the wall.

 

It's not a scenario that I'd ever want to see come to fruition - but I really don't see any alternatives at this particular time.

Football is relatively well run in comparison to speedway, so even if a club isn't, you can fix that and find your level in the league system. Even so, Hearn hasn't stayed in the sport.

 

The problem is speedway is just so badly broken that it needs a complete restructure from top to bottom, but that just can't happen unless you control all the tracks, or at least enough to push through the necessary changes.

 

I expect Barry Hearn has already looked at speedway in the past, but ruled it out as something he can do anything with.

Edited February 17, 2016 by Humphrey Appleby

[TonyE 822]

There is a mighty difference between turning one club around and taking on an entire sport at national level!

[chris4gillian 1,832]

There is a mighty difference between turning one club around and taking on an entire sport at national level!

 

Err....snooker and darts...both at international level. I rest my case m'lud.

[Skidder1 7,637]

As has been said before, the Boxing, Darts Snooker and even Angling on TV that Hearn got involved with are all sports for individuals over which Barry Hearn exerted complete promotional and organisational control. Even with his involvement there are still other Darts, Boxing and Snooker Promoters, organisations and competitions that still exist - whether they are seen as real competition is open to debate!

 

As for taking over his local football club and attempting to transform it - well done. There are many other similar stories in football and other team sports

, but they don't compare with taking on a whole league or association - be it for speedway or anything else.

 

Where someone like Hearn could be useful is by taking on events such as the British Final and any other big individual events (even the SGP series, if you really want to see the rest of speedway struggle?!).

The equivalent to Barry Hearn is the likes of One Sport in Poland and the new (UK=based) promotions company behind the World Speedway League!!

[damosuzuki 696]

An independent EXECUTIVE chairman of the BSPA who arbitrates and has business experience. Has never been anywhere near Wimbourne rd.

 

Thing is even a part time post is going to cost at least 20K which is a lot for Speedway.

[Humphrey Appleby 13,960]

Where someone like Hearn could be useful is by taking on events such as the British Final and any other big individual events (even the SGP series, if you really want to see the rest of speedway struggle?!).

 

I think the problem with the SGP as it stands is that it's never made the transition into a full-time circuit. If it did and offered full-time employment for the top echelon of riders, then it would solve a lot of the problems of riders picking-and-choosing their meetings as happens now.

 

I've no personal love of individual racing which I think gets quite tedious if there's too much of it, but if the SGP was genuinely able to rejuvenate the sport then it might be beneficial to the lower levels as well. However, speedway is a small market and a tough sell to sponsors and unless Barry Hearn was prepared to run black, the FIM would be expecting its cut too. Just don't think it's worth the hassle and the risk for the relatively limited returns on offer.

An independent EXECUTIVE chairman of the BSPA who arbitrates and has business experience. Has never been anywhere near Wimbourne rd.

Thing is even a part time post is going to cost at least 20K which is a lot for Speedway.

 

Unlikely to find anyone decent willing to do it for that sort of money, and if they did and were any good, they wouldn't hang around for very long. I have seen CEO jobs for sports organisations advertised around 45K, but that's very much the bottom end of the market.

 

You'd usually expect to pay 80K and probably much more for that sort of level position.

 

Err....snooker and darts...both at international level. I rest my case m'lud.

 

Neither of those sports, whilst played internationally, were really organised internationally or even had much in the way of an established competition structure. Both sports also have very low overheads in terms of what's needed to play them, and what professionals did exist were paid a pittance in prize money.

 

Speedway has none of those advantages. It can't be staged in small or medium sized theatres, track preparation is a black art and takes a lot of effort, you need multiple cameras for television coverage, and there are pre-existing professional competitions in a number of countries. It's also a niche sport played out in a relative handful of venues by specialist competitors, unlike darts and snooker which you can find just about anywhere and which many people have probably played.

[The Voice Of Reason 2,124]

Fair enough.

 

Let's all ponder a myriad of reasons why something can't be done; rather than looking at how it can.

 

Meanwhile, we can all drudge wearily along, shoulder to shoulder, into the abyss.

Edited February 18, 2016 by The Voice Of Reason

[BWitcher 12,453]

 

Let's all ponder a myriad of reasons why something can't be done; rather than looking it how it can.

 

 

 

This is precisely why speedway finds itself in the mess it is.

[orion 7,615]

There is a mighty difference between turning one club around and taking on an entire sport at national level!

Darts ,Snooker .he done it got the t shirt .

 

 

I think the problem with the SGP as it stands is that it's never made the transition into a full-time circuit. If it did and offered full-time employment for the top echelon of riders, then it would solve a lot of the problems of riders picking-and-choosing their meetings as happens now.

 

I've no personal love of individual racing which I think gets quite tedious if there's too much of it, but if the SGP was genuinely able to rejuvenate the sport then it might be beneficial to the lower levels as well. However, speedway is a small market and a tough sell to sponsors and unless Barry Hearn was prepared to run black, the FIM would be expecting its cut too. Just don't think it's worth the hassle and the risk for the relatively limited returns on offer.

 

Unlikely to find anyone decent willing to do it for that sort of money, and if they did and were any good, they wouldn't hang around for very long. I have seen CEO jobs for sports organisations advertised around 45K, but that's very much the bottom end of the market.

 

You'd usually expect to pay 80K and probably much more for that sort of level position.

 

Neither of those sports, whilst played internationally, were really organised internationally or even had much in the way of an established competition structure. Both sports also have very low overheads in terms of what's needed to play them, and what professionals did exist were paid a pittance in prize money.

 

Speedway has none of those advantages. It can't be staged in small or medium sized theatres, track preparation is a black art and takes a lot of effort, you need multiple cameras for television coverage, and there are pre-existing professional competitions in a number of countries. It's also a niche sport played out in a relative handful of venues by specialist competitors, unlike darts and snooker which you can find just about anywhere and which many people have probably played.

Thou I take your points in, the fact is that Hearn took these Sports that were dead and has made them great ...sure these sports were low cost but the fact is they were never doing very well ...I am sure if Hearn had control of speedway thou it be hard he would make it 100 % better ..he has a knack of keeping things simple and giving the public what they want .

Edited February 17, 2016 by orion

[BANANAMAN 330]

The Voice Of Reason, on 17 Feb 2016 - 6:36 PM, said:

Fair enough.

 

Let's all ponder a myriad of reasons why something can't be done; rather than looking it how it can.

 

Meanwhile, we can all drudge wearily along, shoulder to shoulder, into the abyss.

Your right us Mug Punters will still turn up ... Not a hope in hell of a Barry Hearn or an outsider ever having the chance to stop this terminal decline .. Lets just look forward to next month & the start of the season of the sport we love & make the most of it .

[weatherwatcher 664]

No one person would be able to take control of all the clubs and the infastructure ie the tracks as very few teams actually own thier own stadiums, but really on other landlords to supply them with somewhere to race, that is until they get a better offer for the land and sell it off for development, As has happened so many times before.

The only way they would want to do something like that is if they owned the clubs and all the tracks outright, but that will never happen, plus as stated above the promoters would never in a million years give over the power they now have to anyone else and take orders from them. They are the rulers of thier own little kingdoms, only listening to themselves and each other. Not taking the slightest interest of anything the fans have to say.

Until that say comes when they do sit up and take note, then nothing is going to change, fans will keep drifting away until clubs can no longer afford to run and end up with another few clubs lost, because that is the way it is going now.

They have got to re-write the script,, somehow, make it more attractive, I don't know the answer, but the have to do something, to get people interested in the sport again, I have said it before on here, there must be thousands of people out there who have no idea, that there is even a speedway club in thier own towns, there is no sponsership, since they lost Sky's money, even far less in the way of any advertisement about the clubs.

I can remember years ago going by Long Eaton's stadium, with posters letting people know when the next meeting was, for half a mile or so around the club, When did you last see one of those anywhere, I can't remember seeing one in years.

They need to pull up thier socks fast, before the whole speedway scene of what is the EL, becomes nothing more tahan back into the days of a rider who rode because he loved the sport.

Spending best part of his spare time in the shed down his garden getting his bike ready for the next meeting, then strapping it on the back of his car to get to the meeting. They will not be able to run around in custom vans because there will be only peanits in payment for a win, just the love of racing.

[heathen chemistry 660]

snooker and darts were totally diffwrent to speedway in the fact that they had much bigger fan bases and tv audiences in the past. so in a way they were sleeping giants just waiting to be reawakened . speedway is different the fan base has gone it will need to be started from the beginning basically and built up frm scratch compared to snooker/darts