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To me, doubling up is a problem To me, fixed race nights are a problem To me, one league senior league, plus a development league, is a must

Kent to Eastbourne - about an hour

Its not precisely clear from Gambo's post above whether 140 days racing is enough to support a rider for an entire year (or whether he thinks it should be) but if it is, that is a stark contrast with what you are putting forward. Truth is that speedway has always been for the overwhelming number of riders a part time occupation even during the season. I have said this before but Mick Bell, a three time British League winner and a decent reserve/second string in the 1970's, once described it as a 'good paying hobby'. I'll be honest and say that my knowledge of rider pay is minimal, but to repeat again I'll be surprised - very surprised - if most those doubling up between the top two leagues are struggling to survive. The teams that pay them, however, most certainly are and what we cannot have is a situation where clubs are put at risk simply so that riders can use the sport as a full time occupation.

Great to see Nikki back. Excellent signing for both the Tigers and British speedway. Who cares what his reasons are for returning. Yes, he isn’t as good as he once was but he is still better than 90% of the current league. If we can drip feed a couple of more decent riders back in to the league this season it will be a decent close season for British speedway. First visit to Owlerton beckons. Well done Sheffield. Poole who?

Why because somehow you were in the know and rather than let the club announce what they’ve described as their biggest ever signing, you thought it was a good idea to share the news before they had - smug something for sure! congrats to sheffield on the signing of Nicki, look forward to seeing you in the top flight next year

An interesting article with AdrIan Smith of BV in the Speedway Star current edition re some of his thoughts on the future... It is noticeable that those who come into the sport without any 'emotional attachment' to any particular rider or team through either being a sponsor or fan, seem to look at the sport far more objectively and dispassionately, and therefore make far more clearer decisions based on good business practice.. He seems to have a lot of ideas, (many of which contributors to here will recognise as they have been mentioned on probably far too many occasions!), including the need for an 'independent body' to improve the sports credibilty and bring it in line with other sports.. He mentioned that he hoped several topics would be raised at the AGM, and also talked about his concern that changing points levels every year doesn't help the sport progress, and, as we saw from the AGM press release, that is being looked into with the Champs possibly setting the level the season after next. So maybe some of his ideas are starting to get some support and cut through? I would imagine though overall it will be a 'hard sell' for him to convince those who are 'too close' to the 'emotional' and 'hobby' aspect of the sport to agree to change.. He does though come across as a shrewd man who finds a way to get most things done, so more power to his elbow, (and those of a like mind).. Overall a very interesting read and in general another excellent issue again.. UK Speedway is VERY fortunate to have such a professional magazine cover it's output..

I've never had a problem with doubling up because, and I'll use Chris Harris as an example, Ipswich don't race against Birmingham because their in different leagues. You should be backing the rider that rides for your club and not because he rides for a different club in a different league. I also think that given the lower crowds nowadays, riders generally need both leagues in Britain to earn a living. Although riders say cost is going up every year, it would be interesting to know how many of them get jobs during the off-season....

Or you could say, when he's trying he's always determined, normally ruthless, and occasionally reckless. But he is a character and great to watch.

i didn`t know Colin North at all but this year at the British Final I parked up behind a car on the road side. A man got out of the car and opened the boot, I could see it was full of TengTools merchandise of which I spotted some TengTools caps. He picked up some caps and other stuff and began walking off to the stadium, I asked him were the caps for sale he pondered a second and said here you can have one. So I was shocked to see the photo of him on Twitter I will always remember that moment, it was a nice gesture. everytime I put my TengTools cap on I`ll think of him.

Brilliant signing, no negatives to this signing what so ever, great for Sheffield and a big boost to British Speedway.

Dont mention that to us Wolverhampton fans .

Really nice to see Simon Stead so enthusiastic about the season ahead, and it's great to see so much positivity and forward planning where there is normally so much doom and gloom. Great signing as far as I'm concerned. Sheffield are certainly coming to the table all guns blazing, and good luck to them!

Who cares ?

Great signing Will put bums on seats and thats what this sport needs right now Rest assured fans of other clubs will go to the home matches with Sheffield just to see Pedersen.........when Sheffield come to Foxhall the crowd will be packed because of him.......entertainment assured Lets hope some of the other promotions can get a few top boys back........maybe not the top of the tree but the Zagars, Iversens of this world

I'll just sit here smiling smugly with my arms folded

Apparently Kyle Howarth, given the number 2 race jacket, has just bought some brown kevlars.

A stupid comment. Watch the GP's and Euro's and you'll see ruthless riding each week. He is no worse than any other rider.

I really don't think that is what you meant to say

Anders Rowe is without doubt an excrement prospect for the future and is making good progress but he is certainly not ready yet for PL.

Reported

Anyone know where Adam Ellis is going in the Championship?

Stop talking to the mirror and concentrate on this thread..

And Nicki has his say

Put one club (Rye House) out of business, another (Sheffield) up for sale and forced another (Poole) to change leagues. It should not be the case that we risk the very existence of our teams for no reason other than riders doubling their pay and they all seemed to manage before we had it so why not now ?

Everyone's highest home attendance will be against Sheffield for sure, love him or hate him, he's box office. Great signing for both Sheffield and British Speedway in general.

Well having not attended one match last season on a Sunday at Owlerton, that signing alone (Plus back to Thursday night racing) will have me purchasing a season ticket

Best thing to happen to British Speedway in years and years. This is what it's all about, big names and proper crowd pullers.

That has been the problem now for a few years and unless the bspa address the league set up it will continue.

He has put about 18 teams out under his various user names so I'm guessing he is confusing himself.

Totally agree with the post, and particularly relevant is your last sentence. At a recent NSSC meeting Referee Phil Griffin, who by the way provided many laughs in his talk-in, was particularly scathing in the attitude of a particular CL Heat Leader who thought that around 140 actual 'working days' in a 5 month season should allow him to live for 12 months.

Beggers belief really.....Adam Ellis is on the up & on a decemt average.

Brilliant signing for British speedway and Eastbourne, regardless of the limit. A lot of clubs will be jealous, especially if you can keep Drew for a few years and see him mature into a number one aged 20! About a point under the limit, but an all British team, excellent continuity from last season and three very good emerging young riders. Tom Brennan might drop a point and Drew put one on, so Lawson, Kerr and Newman will have to step up to be realistic challengers.

Yes

He is desperate to come back to the UK for a fraction of what he can earn abroad. I heard all the GP stars are queuing to come back too.

Don't believe everything you read on this forum. It's a hoax. Some people just get a kick out of deceiving other people.

That’s not the official website page tho. Nothing on the official website. It’s a prank by the way.

Couldn't agree more, what a signing and Gr8 to have him back in British Speedway, just a shame its not with the Diamonds.

Oh shame on you Rob! Don't think this is the time to try to rain on the Tiger's parade. It's got to be a good move for British speedway in general and whose to say that it may not start a trend? I mean, don't the management at the NSS have Matej on speed dial already?

Come on Skidder. Look at the reaction on here to Nicki's signing. Surely this is the way forward to attract back some of the missing fans (I hope so anyway!!)

Ah bless All those seasons you mocking me for Ipswich being lower league.................and telling me how awful we would be last season So nice to give it back................

Seeing him sweeping water off the track (in his shirtsleeves while it was still raining) at a Colts meeting hugely impressed me. I can certainly think of one other who would do that but many who most certainly wouldn't. I am reasonably sure that he and Barry Bishop very much see eye to eye. No surprise there.

Exciting signing for sure just hope he can maintain a high points return every week.Always loved him as the villain just like Mauger and Olsen ,top drawer rider most people hate because they are top of their sport and set the benchmark for others.Looking forward to seeing him regular ,roll on next season.Hopefully we can back him with some quality,Josh g ,Charles Wright Brady Kurtz Ryan Douglas,Jake Allen possibilities??????? Welcome Nicki pedersen

There wont be a bigger signing this winter, well done Sheffield. Nicki is box office where ever he goes so will be good news for the other tracks. Must be a visit to Sheffield me thinks.

Who cares about the spelling.We all know who everyone is talking about no matter how they are spelling his name.It's a great signing by Sheffield and good for British speedway imo. Well done Sheffield on the signing.Hope you all come out and support your team now. Look forward to your visits to the NA where Pedersen still holds the track record.

Are you watching the same MPT as i am ? he was one of are best rider for the last two years .

Well past his best before date, i think he will struggle to maintain his starting average ...

Great news. Well done Sheffield.

Boxall should never be near the sport again,with his reputation.IMO.

To be honest drew couldnt be assed at kent the 5 times i saw him, he didnt like the track at all, with a good run at reserve and confidence restored he should easily put a point on his average at the very least, nice team

Have no fear, he is fearless. Been back on his bike for a while and now down in Australia getting more big track experience working with the Jason Crump training camp.