its been raining a lot the past 2 hours from what i can see on the radar.  good call to call it off day-ahead

Quite possibly and you also have less experienced riders on uber powerful bikes, I've never been a fan of the old swearer but can't deny his grit and determination even prior to that awful last big crash he was no longer at the very top table. Equally when riding for Sheffield he could beat 99% of the UK riders in his sleep like he was going round the track in an arm chair with a cigar on the go. He probably is the kind of fella if given total power could make a go of turning the sport round but equally you could see him getting frustrated very early doors with the current caretakers letting out a war cry of two words beginning with f and followed by c and walking out the door.

I was there also for that one also Roger 16 years old, 41 years ago jeez great atmosphere with the Gunderson v Neilson rivalry at its peak and Sudden Sam nearly nicking the title, Bradford was a good track I also went the year Per Jonson won it and I remember him using the banking to sweep past Jimmy Nilson on the run in to the line. I do remember walking to the stadium though even then you had to be on your toes I can't imagine the place is much better these days. Seems like a lifetime ago now but truly great times.

No.  Never went.  In fact I’ve only been to one Individual World Final (Bradford ‘85) - it didn’t appeal to me the same way that team racing did.

Update on former Berwick rider Connor Coles posted on social media. After 6½ weeks in hospital and rehabilitation, Connor is finally home. To say we’re grateful is an understatement. There were times when we didn’t know what the future would look like, so having him back home with us and the girls is the best feeling in the world. The progress he has made has been incredible. Just over two weeks ago he was largely bedbound, struggling to talk and eating puréed food. Today he’s walking, talking (all be it still very quietly) eating normal meals and continuing his recovery at home with his family. He still has a long road ahead, with ongoing appointments, exercises and rehabilitation, but today is a huge milestone and one we weren’t sure we’d see so soon. Thank you to everyone who has supported us, checked in on us, helped with the girls, visited Connor, donated, fundraised and kept us going through the hardest weeks of our lives. Every message, phone call and act of kindness has meant more than you’ll ever know. We also want to thank every single member of staff involved in Connor’s care and rehabilitation. Your support, encouragement, expertise and belief in him have helped get him home to us, and we will be forever grateful. Recovery doesn’t stop here, but we’re simply grateful to have our family back under one roof agai

Freight Island would be good near Piccadilly, only 24 min on public transport or less if they lay on shuttle buses or a 50min walk. The problem there is the cost to use it and the fact it would likely be just fans there. The alternative is Piccadilly Gardens (27 or 63 mins). The problem with Manchester as opposed to Cardiff is the crowd wouldn’t make a dent in the city, even with a Cardiff sized crowd of tens of thousands. Lastly would be the area a the rear of the hotel near the old bingo hall. Setting up many marquees for food and drink plus entertainment would give an area for fans to mingle nearby. For me they have never thought about the greater experience as the fanzone just doesn’t cut it from my experience at any of them. Ok for a bit of a wander but nothing to occupy any great length of time.  There are many screen around the city some with seating either temporary or permanent. These have been used for football, tennis, F1 etc. It would be good to get the whole meeting live up onto those screen as a Manchester event. I’ve had pubs up and down the country put speedway on for me whilst away and the response from customers has always been positive considering I was the only fan there.