Leaderboard

Especially to those who had bought Season Tickets on the strength of the team at that time

Don't think Workington was ever a trick track, was one of the biggest tracks in the league and anytime I went the racing was a good watch.

If they had replaced Cook properly with the points available before May 1st it would have showed some positive intent. As things stand i fancy Boro will possibly be competing with Lynn and Ippo for the wooden spoon...

Unfortunately Tom was offered a ride while we were in our Limbo period of championship or National league and quite rightly for himself he took it .

The initial contests are over and the Eagles have done what is necessary but this weekend the hard work begins with both League matches against Leicester my pre-season forecast favourites for the title. By Monday we should have some idea as to whether we are going to be contenders or also rans. Whilst pretty certain to lose the away match If we can hold the Lions to 12/14 points then it will be a good result and make the possibility of an aggregate 'would be victory' realistic and make us competitive in any two leg competition. The Home match will be tough but I think we could get as many as 51 points. The three we really have to contend with are 1)Scott Nicholls who loved Arlington and apart from maximums with Ipswich won one of his 7 British Titles there plus leading the Eagles to win the Elite KO Cup. 2) Ritchie Worrell who I recall made his first appearance at the tack as a Poole guest and got somewhere between 18 and 21 points. and 3) Ellis Perks who made a major contribution to the Eagles team in 2016 and will now be reserve. On the other hand Bates and Douglas appear never to have ridden the track which could be a limiting factor. I don't put too much store in the Lions reserves who we know quite well, they don't take to Arlington and will have their hands full and find scoring difficult unless they get some breaks. An interesting weekend ahead as it looks certain that the two teams will meet in the next round of the KO cup and quite possibly the Shield Semi -Final.

That could be from last night. The line up for the memorial race after ht 15 was: Todd, Brady, Holder, Harris

Whilst i agree that he is certainly a talent that will hit the top league personally i think its Brennan's arrogance / self belief that helps him succeed. He does have a hot headed streak that could hold him back but equally those who achieve big things often have those traits too. The opinions that winners are nice guys is often nonsense.

The Cook and Harris situations stink that cannot be denied. The lack of a replacement for Cook is worse as it's cheating the paying public.

As with most things Speedway we will never know the truth. Subterfuge and deviousness are the norm even when being up front is the best way. Neil Watson told me that he and Ged were to carry on as promoters and I do not believe he would tell me an out right lie. Ged told me that the team he put together was done so very cheaply and I believe that as well. He has been naïve in the extreme to put his faith in those he should not have. He also told me that he regretted selling the club. As regards the veracity of the new owners they sat at a fans forum knowing full well there was a problem with Cook but chose to pretend all was well.

Ive known Anders since he could hardly sit on a bike,from his early days at Weymouth. Over the last 2 weeks, Ive watched him ride at Plymouth,Kent, Berwick and Somerset. Good performances everywhere except Berwick,where most struggled anyway. By far his best was at Somerset.Always in the mix doing a great job at reserve. Pleased for him and enjoyed chatting with his grandparents too. I agree that Rebels should stick with the reserves all season. They will only get better.

Harris going Ipswich isn't a problem in my eyes panthers have a better rider in tungate biggest problem they've got was having a consistent heat winner in cook and ending up with another reserve .i can understand why carl says what he does but I haven't heard anybody say they believe him .its not as though he's gonna say buster is taking the p155 I wouldn't be having a team 3pts under limit if it was up to me

brum all have riders riding out of position, newmans not a heat leader, nor zach or ashley, ulrichs a 3rd heatleader riding at one. The only 2 places in the side that are in situ are the reserves. Eastbourne wont win many on the road, the fact theyve stuffed brum by so many says more about the team building from the brummies imo

Huge result away at lower league team. Poole have turned the corner.

There's times when you can put a positive spin on it but honestly last night for me just wasn't acceptable, I was really disappointed. The score after them awful 7 heats was 13-29 and even after abit better next 8 heats we still lost be a margin of 16 points!. Its no positive that we avoided a drubbing and only lost by 16 which is resounding enough. People are totally right to feel annoyed, angry and disappointed after last night but I hope we all keep the coming every week and give the side our full support in the coming meetings. We need a reaction from the team next week against Berwick, better gating and more consistency from some of the riders is needed so we can avoid a night last night again.

I would like to take some time to look at one or two points made in this post that I think are incorrect. Firstly I disagree with the assesment of Zach but I guess thats just a difference of opinion. "We all saw that no one rode the outside all night as there was no dirt, no grip and no point doing so " To the contrary Kennett spent much of his time after his first two heats riding right round the outside. As for there being no dirt on the track. Whilst I would be the first to agree that the track has been slick so far this season, last nights track had the most dirt on it that I have seen for a long time. I have first hand knowledge of this because I had a rake in hand pulling it of the fence all night. Also James Shanes pulled of a couple of outside passes during the night so there was definatley a point in trying. As mentioned in the program there is a rarity of shale available at the moment and I know we are trying to source some. "The meeting was over by heat five and we only looked better in the later part of the meeting as Eastbourne relaxed and eased off. " The heat times dont support this hypothesis and niether did the racing. I had more to say but then I took a look at the Brummies forum to find that someone had said it better and more succinct than I can. So I am going to repeat that post here (hoping the person in question does not mind.) I will say this though. I understand the frustration. I share it. I understand the worry and share it. I hate seeing my beloved Brummies lose. And after the first 7 heats last night I was ready to dig a hole and jump down it. However the next 8 heats were far far better and I was impressed that we didnt just throw in the towel and showed a lot of courage on what would have been a very difficult night for them. They didnt throw in the towel so Im not going to. The post I was reffering to follows. So its nearly 24 hours on and perhaps the dust is starting to settle (quite literally) on last nights performance. Lets start with a reality check - at the end of last season there were few if any who wished to remain in the third tier of racing. Because of what happened in the Phillips era we all knew we were a club with no riding assets so our journey in putting together a team was going to be a long one and because we had the 'chicken & egg' situation of needing assets before we met the Championship entry requirements but couldn't really sign assets until we were 'in' it must have been a pretty thankless task. When you compare that to last nights opponents Eastbourne who because of the demise of Lakeside and the switch of the promotion they had a ready made list of quality experienced assets who they are now able to use. Now the 7 we have started with may not be the best in the league but they have been put together on a budget that hopefully ensures we last the season - something I am not convinced all other clubs will achieve. Watching the last three home matches, and the last two against fellow Championship clubs in particular, each of our riders have shown, albeit in glimpses, that they have the ability to win races around Perry Barr. Just look at last night, 5 of our 7 were paid for winning races and of the two that didn't one was Paco who as probably been the brightest spark of the season so far. I really don't think the effort they are putting in can be questioned (look at Tobias 2nd ride last night when he pushed all of the way for no reward) but its not their fault if at the moment on a regular basis they are not as good as the riders they are being asked to race against. One thing they do all need to work on though is their gating which is absolutely dreadful and if they cant get that right then perhaps we need to 'fix' the track accordingly! I sincerely hope we don't make wholesale changes and we persevere with what we've got now - I'm not convinced the crowds will drop considerably just because we aren't winning (if we are honest could they get much poorer than last night?) but the sense of achievement when this team does win (and despite what others think I do believe we will break our duck) will be fantastic for all who witness it. I don't want us to become Poole - a side that switches and drops riders at the drop of a hat to fit the averages - but I do want to see our team of racers given a chance.

Buster must be rubbing his hands at minute with how many are turning up Won't be long before he's wiping the tears when 1 man and his dog turn up. Expect we'll be hearing the same old tosh then

Jimmy Beaton the former Glasgow Promoter always said that weather forecast should not interfere with track prep,if the weather intervenes that’s bad luck.

Aww poor Rogers im sure he had some tissues in his glove box........just on top of Gary Flints licence and next to the scrabble mans UK passport

Tom took a guaranteed team place as he couldn’t risk waiting any longer for the Brummies to decide which league to go in and totally missing out on a team spot elsewhere yes, Danyon’s shoulder injuries were considered as risk due to their regularity and the amount of meetings he missed because of them it’s my understanding that Mitchell Davey and at least one other rider were given assurances that they wise guaranteed a team place for this season, regardless of which league we were in then, those places suddenly disappeared over the winter I’m sure most Brummies fans would have been much happier having Tom, Danyon and Mitch in the team we might not be a much better team but the fans would have had some continuity and riders who they had a strong bond with and as such, would probably cut them more slack Unlike some posters, I don’t hide my identity, even having my photo by my name on the Brummies forum so, knowing the management monitor that forum, presumably, they do the same here so, if I get banned for airing my views, so be it There seem to be about three or four of us who are prepared to say it as it is and I’ve already been questioned this season as to the identity of two of those other people so as you can see, it maybe doesn’t pay to be to free with any criticisms

I'm not sure why anybody is amazed at the tactical sub move - Rogers has proven time and time again over the years he is shocking when it comes to making tactical moves and I'm amazed people continue to employ him to do so. It's great what he does with the younger riders but a tactical genius he is not.

You are spot on there about “going” - a lot won’t bother shortly - you can forget 2500 crowds (apart from possibly Stars visits) because the moans on here are a spit in the ocean to what is being said in the grandstand and face to face amongst Panthers fans. It’s not a case of “IF” but “WHEN” crowds fall

In fairness i said about racing quality and i have no real allegiance to any side so just prefer entertaining speedway to watch rather than boring home side wins. However i am in the minority of fans and spread my visits around tracks so i am not the target audience. As for the above IF it is true that the Promotion was considering sanctions against anyone who complained then they will have a very short and painful lesson in promotion as its often those who complain the most are actually those who have the most passion for a team.

Harris is superb to watch on his day..to me he epitomises what speedway is all about..I was gutted when we "released" him...and this was when positive turned to negative...

You best organise friendlies against Plymouth and Isle Of Wight.

Apologies i had been following his Swindon form closer than his Brum form which has been slower to start however i do believe that Zach will go on to a world class level and certainly would never be considered in the firing line.

Well, well....yet another 'gating' lesson for our boys??? Well done to Eastbourne....especially the promising Tom Brennan I've been a critic in the past, but I can't see how the manager was to blame in any part of this 'poor' performance? My only differing opinion of his tactical changes would've been in heat 12....I'd of gone with Ulrich over Kyle ? but it wasn't going to make any difference to the result either way! As for the reserve switches ? they were spot on imo and obviously tactical so far as Paco's average goes (trying to keep it down....) The most disappointing aspect, was the 'crowd level', or lack of it? It does look like football swallowed up a big part of it ? I cant see how we can criticise the riders for not being good enough??? Nobody tried harder than Shanes/Thomsen.....really feel for Tobias. I'm only just beginning to see what a tough/competitive league the Championship is....I'm afraid there's going to be a few more spankings home/away. Well done to Ulrich on his couple of wins...he beat both of Eastbourne's best 2 riders Kennett/Kerr! I have a small concern about the track last night? far slicker than usual ? hope that wasn't tactical, because we seriously are the worst team I've seen for a long time at gating? P.s Although we were effectively hammered...I wouldn't swap the racing for National League and will gracefully accept defeat by better teams in the Championship!

Workington was never a trick track , big wide and fast yes but tricky never .

Would it not help Birmingham to make marketing decisions before the day of the meeting? so we made a great offer for junior supporters as £1 but this was on the day of the meeting would this not work days before the meeting and use social media to help advertise this offer?? Great offer though - am all for it, but the timing?

Who was it that took the fifty pieces of silver to move his team up to the Elite League. ?

I collect hundreds of riders autographs as a kid and the only person that ever refused to sign once was Barry Crowson. It was all dressed-up in a suit at the when Wimbledon raced against Coventry in the GBL in 1976 at Plough Lane I still remember it extremely well. I was standing outside the the pits exit on the grandstand aside when he refused to sign. Cyril Maidment came out form the pits and said to don't bother standing their you ca always go into the pits to get some autographs at it was the after the match before the second half started. Cyril and Barry went off to discuss something and I went into the pits and loads of autographs including Ole Olsen which made-up for Barry's refusal. I did already have Barry's autograph though. If i remember correctly this was at the time when Barry had a dispute with Wimbledon because he wanted to ride gian for King's Lynn but Wimbledon put a £10,000 price tag on his services, and he never rode again officially as I'm aware off in British speedway.

The stage that the promotion sets for today’s speedway matches at Poole is a shambles. The days of great racing where you would leave the stadium with “your head on fire” are long gone. The track is a mess (and has been for a number of years) and the racing is bordering on non existent and boring. Not sure I can put up with this for much longer!!

Well it was a stroll in the park for the Champs. Expected Belle Vue to put up a good fight but in truth they were never in it from the first two heats. No wonder there were no travelling supporters if they are that poor on the road. Track not good. The first three heats produced the best racing but then it dried out and was pretty much follow the leader. Hose pipes not used once during the meeting for some unfathomable reason. Plenty of track grading going on though and the issue of the first bend bump is back big time. Tonight Poole showed strength in depth. A solid team with only Covatti struggling after a good first ride. How on earth did Holder get motm? Brady excellent tonight. Only dropped one point and some good blasts through. For BV Fricke tried as did munchkin. Bewley struggled as the meeting went on. Fitness? Next week Ipswich in town.

Easy win. Belle Vue outclassed. Different next Monday but the boys showed good fight in testing conditions.

Ftg

Good luck to Belle Vue tonight.

Yes very true. But at least the Witches are competitive away which is great for all in the league.

my interpretation of rule changes in winter were that a rider can double up (one level) or down (one level) but can't double up/down (2 levels) and can't ride in all 3 levels. So if Ipswich did come calling he could not ride in NL. Besides every time Ipswich rode on a Monday (most of their away fixtures) he would miss Kent matches. So as an example with my own Club - Zach and James have doubled up, so can't double down.

At Eastie I love to be near the start line taking in all the noise and atmosphere, but can understand some preferring a face full of beef, to a face full of dust at the moment!

He's damaged ligaments on one thumb & has difficulty gripping.

I remember asking for Hasse Holmqvist's autograph when he was leaning out of the window of the showers at Cowley.

On the team front i hope the season turns around for the Birmingham fans but i must say the side looks woefully weak and unbalanced.Also at the start of the season i was amazed that both Bacon/ Hume were not included maybe Tom wanted to ride at Peterborough maybe Danyon's injury record were the reasons.??

Always fireworks when Garrity rides at the STMP. Auty is always worth the admission money and Jake Allen should be pretty good to watch. MPT is a big player in this one and no one is more frustrated than himself as to why the bikes just are not performing so far at home. This looks like being a cracker of a match with the weather forecast looking good. 47-43 Home win for me

Once a clown, always a clown ...

Correct but sometimes it how you shuffle them cards.

Chuffed for Rowe arnieg being a Swindon asset i want him to progress how did he do.? Be great if Gary May sticks with Atkins/ Rowe all season it will be worth it longterm.Workington showed that with young Bickley a bit of faith in someone works glad Kyle has started this year well onwards and upwards for him.

I have ,obviously because the previous post says the car park will be needed for the Swfc v Stoke game and Swfc are at home to Qpr while the blades are at Stoke .Hope that clears that up for you.I think tiger blade is obviously still overly excited with their promotion and got confused .

we might have a chance of winning now .

Belle Vue weakened by the loss of Berge being replaced by a lower league reserve up against two championship heat leaders in Covatti and Jakobsen.......Poole by 12-15 now

Just a few copies of the first print left now. Some comments from customers; "A phenomenal Newcastle historical record" - AT (Exeter) "It will become a bible for Newcastle fans and historians of speedway" - JH (Edinburgh) "Congratulations on a tremendous compilation" - KC (West Midlands) "Exemplary new item" - MV (Great Yarmouth) "First glance took my breath away" - NT (Edinburgh)

I much prefer an early call off. It's the tactical ones i can't stand. Hose pipes left on or electrical faults if riders are missing.