SFTGNigel 18 Posted November 14, 2018 (edited) “so with having someone owning more tracks knowing full well he doesn't pay over the odds isn't a start?” You think Chapman taking over Ipswich in any way addresses the fundamental problems in the sport right now?! I’ll have whatever drugs you’re taking. Edited November 14, 2018 by SFTGNigel Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ch958 2,395 Posted November 14, 2018 bit like the other big announcement today - bit of. a fudge Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buttons 370 Posted November 14, 2018 2 hours ago, bloom89 said: So saying as the Championship is being watered down to improve the standard of the premiership will that mean admission prices will reduce to accommodate this? You'll be lucky !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eric i 619 Posted November 14, 2018 'to support the progression of riders who have progressed through the National Development League, all riders will receive a 2.5% reduction in their average' Does this mean every rider that has been in the third division will receive a 2.5% average reduction? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteelShoe 500 Posted November 14, 2018 (edited) I'm really happy that the Championship looks quite strong with potentially 12 teams. Disappointed in losing Peterborough in particular as its always a good venue for watching the sport. This is somewhat tempered by Somerset returning but its a 100 miles further to travel from Worky. Somewhat surprised at Leicester dropping back down though. Maybe Birmingham returning and what chance the Isle of Wight ? I'll be much happier when someone from Worky confirms that we will be coming to tapes in 2019. Pleased to still see 7 man teams because with a shortage of riders it wouldn have made no sense to reduce further. Worryingly there appears little in the way of intiatives to improve marketing, sponsorship, entertainment, value for money, cost reduction, better fixture planning. Would liked to have seen a deadline completion date for at least the Championship Shield. Think 7 teams in the Premiership looks light so once again the Championship looks like being the most competitive. Edited November 14, 2018 by SteelShoe 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wealdstone 3,454 Posted November 14, 2018 Whether he is Chairman or not Chapman is now firmly in charge of British Speedway, no longer "gang of two" but a dictatorship. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daniel Smith 5,666 Posted November 14, 2018 13 minutes ago, wealdstone said: Whether he is Chairman or not Chapman is now firmly in charge of British Speedway, no longer "gang of two" but a dictatorship. Absolutely correct but (and some Stars fans may fall off their chair) I think this may be a good move. If Buster was to buy up every Premiership and Championship club that would totally remove the self interest aspect of Speedway. This is one of the main catalyst for poor management and the decline of the sport. So while it is dictatorship, it may just be what's needed to drag the sport forward. So, as 1 of his biggest critics, I'm gonna give him the benefit of the doubt and see how this works out. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leander 495 Posted November 14, 2018 11 minutes ago, eric i said: 'to support the progression of riders who have progressed through the National Development League, all riders will receive a 2.5% reduction in their average' Does this mean every rider that has been in the third division will receive a 2.5% average reduction? Yes!! Not too impressed with the rest of it though. Does nothing to address the lack of fixtures!! Fans and some promoters saying beforehand they wanted more meaningful fixtures. Well in the Championship they have ONE! Wow. Much better to split the league into two "conferences" (based on geography). You play everyone in your own "conference" twice (10 fixtures) home and away, and everyone in the other conference once ( six fixtures) = 16 league fixtures + three fixtures in the Shield results in a minimum of 19 plus KOC. Top two from each conference into the playoffs. 38 point limit. Why? All that does is artificially increase a riders average, as a team averaging 38 at the start of the season will average 42 at the end! without, possibly being any better. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Steve Shovlar 10,439 Posted November 14, 2018 Thought Somerset had more ambition but seems not. Really needed 8 teams to be honest. Havent been to Ipswich or Peterbourough for several years so will look forward to that, though much further to travel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeilWatson 1,988 Posted November 14, 2018 2 hours ago, 2ndbendbeerhut said: Premiership League – Commencing April 2019• Minimum rider points average of 3 ‘achieved’ and not assessedso if a rider cannot have an assessed average.... that means no newcomers can be signed as the likes of say Lidsey, Drabik or Becker would come in on an assessed ave, the same goes for Drew Kemp. This simply prevents a 2.xx rider being used in the Premiership but taking a 3.00 average. Assessed averages will still apply where appropriate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phil The Ace 2,860 Posted November 14, 2018 Out of interest where does chapman get his money??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daniel Smith 5,666 Posted November 14, 2018 7 minutes ago, Phil The Ace said: Out of interest where does chapman get his money??? He makes a mint out of the Stadium use. He can afford it no problem. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
racers and royals 8,735 Posted November 14, 2018 5 minutes ago, Phil The Ace said: Out of interest where does chapman get his money??? Maybe from Cheryl she is a Littlechild family member. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Speedway28 171 Posted November 14, 2018 Interesting comments in various areas on the statement today. However, playing devils advocate, I think some realism needs to be seen. The first issue of note is the doubling up issue. There was never going to be a huge change this season, the fact the BSPA are aiming to slowly lessen the riders allowed is a good sign and possibly the only realistic option moving forward. The changing of teams in leagues is interesting. It's clear there was a real lack of desire for sides to be in the Premiership and Buster taking over Peterborough and Ipswich was the only solution. Whilst it may seem to bring the sport into disrepute, the simple facts are that without Buster's investment in the two clubs, the top division would not exist at it stands. Having a top division still must be seen as a positive and a chance to move forward. Seven strong, stable clubs are a good starting point moving forward. One thing I would say is the identical statements posted by Ipswich and Peterborough, 'quoting' Chris Louis and Ged Rathbone are embarrassing. At least put a bit of effort into it! The lack of fixtures is still a huge issue that hasn't been taken care of and is a huge concern I believe. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daniel Smith 5,666 Posted November 14, 2018 1 minute ago, racers and royals said: Maybe from Cheryl she is a Littlechild family member. I can assure you that Cheryl is a fully grown adult Share this post Link to post Share on other sites