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The whole concept is inherently flawed isn't it? Riders are paying out huge sums of money to buy what they feel is the required kit, to either get, and hold down, a team place and earn money, or further their own ambitions on the world stage... With the money they earn needing to be of a level to afford the kit they need, and provide them with 12 months salary for a six/seven month job... And to earn that level of money they then ride for all and sundry on an ad hoc basis to get as much as they can.. An ad hoc basis which cripples any credibility that the sport has, and reduces it to a contrived farce... A farce that drives people who loved watching Speedway,, (and still do), away... And if the farce that masquerades as a 'proper sport' isn't enough to drive you away,, admission fees then reflect the cost of the salaries of the riders rather than the credibility or entertainment level on view.. With the farce being so contrived it renders all the competitions worthless, from a kudos point of view, yet costs hundreds of thousands from a salary point of view... And all done on nights and days when the riders, rather than the customers, dictate to you when you should run.. An amazing plan... (An amazingly unfit for purpose plan)... Yet..... What a fantastic core product they have to sell.....

The previous promotion may have entertained us all for years... But let's not forget that their backhanded 'dodgy' way of running the club's finances for all them years is one of the main reasons that today is the final meeting ever for Newcastle Diamonds... Among other things yes I know

Must have taken A LOT of courage for Rob Grant to get up and announce what he announced on the microphone before heat 15... Just what he has been through TODAY let alone the last 2 years... He needs to be applauded for that, but he did make it very clear that his involvement was complete, nothing more he can do... What a massive shame but best of luck to him for the future in his own businesses... He even had to courage to admit that he made many wrong doings throughout the season, but like he says... If anyone out there can do it better, please come forward

What a genuine bloke Rob Grant is... he has just addressed the crowd... which has been a good turn out but Rob stated no one made any approaches yet and the 6 week countdown starts now to save the club Regards THJ

Devastated on numerous counts today carnt make tonight covid stricken , my club could be no more and the sad news on Dave Tattum R.I.P . Hope theres a good send off for the club , the team and the fans and a mark of respect for Dave . Hope ive worded this right if not apologies , so for one last time come on the Diamonds

Awful news about Dave Tattum, RIP. I will keep my views on Barker to myself.

Whilst I agree somewhat with what you are saying once the M.O. of the previous lot was exposed I can also see the perspective from the other side and how some fans may have felt they have had the Mickey taken out of them once the shenanigans of the previous promotion came to light... Again as someone who invested in the product of the previous promotion and supported them financially you would think that me more than anyone should feel aggrieved especially when I found out where my cash was actually going however like your good self I have enjoyed the fare delivered up at Brough Park over the years for sure. However that enjoyment has been tarnished slightly by now knowing what has gone on... have I had the Mickey taken out of me... probably... but I would do it all again for a sport I really enjoy... Ignorance was maybe bliss at the time but now its out there as to what went on... well there are two sides to this and you can't take the emotion out either way... or the choice of words used... unfortunately Regards John

Here's an unpopular post for you, speedway is failing because of the fans. It's often said on here that speedway should try and copy darts, T20 cricket, The Hundred and create an atmosphere. You look at these sports and the fans are creating a party atmosphere (usually alcohol induced). You look at speedway. There's no singing, no chanting, no drums / other musical instruments, no fancy dress (unless you count a Wulfsort jacket). What happens after a race? Programmes are filled in. That looks great for TV. Then they sit back down in their deck chairs. Polish fans (what little I've seen of Polish speedway) create an atmosphere. Just a thought.

Just finished talking about this and it won't be me doing the biz but happy pulling some very interested parties together who will hopefully save the situation... More... hopefully to follow Oh and just on another note... what a strange night... well done Brummies it could have went either way... pity our No 1 was missing... may have been a totally different situation... however what I will add 12 years military service reasonable Rugby Union Player and former nut case and I had a serious lump in my throat at the thought of that being the end... very emotional in the end and thanks to Rob Grant for seeing out the end of the season it's been a rollercoaster and we are we are but what a great ride... Regards THJ

I’m not loaded but I can state now that if it runs I would sponsor a heat and buy a season ticket even though I can only actually attend half of the meetings.

Hopefully today's sadness will be replaced by optimism and excitement in the coming months as a bright new era - for Newcastle and the sport generally - is born. My thoughts today with the black and white faithful.

You could also say Newcastle would have folded without the previous promotion too though...

Very sad day all round and the sad news of the passing of dave tatum just adds to the sadness and puts everything into perspective, I've been going to Brough Park as it will always be called to us for about 50 years when my dad first took me, seen some great riders and great teams, from the Owen brothers nicki pederson David bargh too many to name here, I'm a naturally a glass half full person so praying this won't be the end and someone will be able to keep Sundays as speedway night....

Yep another sad day for Speedway and just something else on Robs plate... Best of it is as unwell as Dave was he was going to make the effort to get today So sad... Regards THJ

Can this poster not answer for him/herself? To say the previous promotion have ‘took the p@ss out of the supporters for years’ is absolute boll@cks. They have provided many years of enjoyable entertainment to me and everyone else who attended. At no time have I had the ‘p@ss’ took out of me and I’m certain 99% of supporters feel the same way. What happened at the end and behind the scenes is a different matter and whilst I agree something ‘dodgy’ happened, it did not affect the man on the terrace. So how have they had the ‘p@ss’ taken out of them for years?

If only people knew how Mr Newcastle speedway ( George ) ran it & never mind the VAT carry on & also his co promotion team .. I think fans would think hang on here what's been going on .. & Rob had to find out the hard way after some of the MOTHS came out the Newcastle speedway closet... So shame on the previous promotion for letting Rob grant to sort all your s@@te out.. it's a pure disgrace & I hope yous get what it coming to yous

Great to have Roy on the mic.

I couldn’t make today as I was up North working but I am more wary than I have ever been on any sniff of rain.

I understand how you feel but if there is to be a team in 2022 they are the people who would have to be persuaded to come back regularly, so there's no mileage in slagging them off - it's a bit like the Prodigal Son. I am however about to make an exception to this rule... The crowd was made up of speedway supporters... I hope you've enjoyed your evening, RBFC... walk the dog, a couple of cans and watch Call The Midwife? Better than being on the terrace at Brough Park, eh?

If someone could put the post together, a well thought out one, it could be shared over and over by as many people as possible... Let's get the word out there for people to see!! Isn't there a local council member who often visits the track for big race meetings? Couldn't they help get the word out there too, we can't let Newcastle speedway end on tonight

Haha! I'm sat at home, wasn't going all the way up there with rain forecast, especially when they get called off with such regularity these days! I won't be going to Leicester on Saturday either as it's a double header and I have no interest in the 2nd match, not unless they hold the prices. I don't have any questions to ask other than could it be the tyres? A lot of others have questions though, he's obviously reading this so why not come on and answer?

I feel sorry for the Facenna’s and the track staff.What we witnessed was nothing short of farcical.They should had called it off before any track work.(if it was as bad as the riders thought.)

In Poland a rider from each Team goes out 1/2Hr before meeting starts to access track condition.Why is that not done here,or is digging you heel in the track tell you everything.Joke!! Dan Thompson made them look stupid.The other had no intention of even trying.Heard a few disgruntled regulars saying they have had enough,which is not good news.

I agree,that was farcical,Cook digging at the entrance to 3rd 4th bend during track walk.Howarth had no intention of riding from the off.Speedway is a dead duck if meetings can’t be run on that track on dry night with no chance of any more rain. Before the track grade.Why do they never just run a few bikes round to turn the dirt over instead of removing it all and making it farce.The Ref’s are scared to make a decision and listen to much to everybody.That should have either been called off before a wheel was turned or they should have just got on with it.

From what been told the work was done against wishes of track curator and at behest of Leicester. If had been left alone would have been raceable is the view from our end of the pits

The riders are at the track over 2 hours before the meeting starts , some even more. Do you think they don’t talk to the track curator ? Just because you saw riders pointing doesn’t mean they were pointing out any specific ‘issues’ or where they ‘ wanted the track altered ‘, it’s quite normal that riders and track curators chat during a meeting and everyone has an opinion on how they would like it but it’s a club decision on track issues and it’s preparation and weather conditions come into play. Redcar have very rarely had any home track advantage especially as for the last 4 years they have had great track curators. As for Newcastle it’s the shape that gives an advantage not the surface.

I agree. They rocked up to the gates looking like they were ready, but to me it looked like Morris didn't bother round the first bend, Craig saw he was in third and decided not to bother, and Broc had a little go before realising there was no one behind him. Thompson gave up in sympathy. They dropped like flies one after the other, from fourth to first. It looked like they took us for mugs. Was it perfect? No. But it didn't look dangerous. I've seen plenty meetings in far worse than that, including at Ashfield. Track staff worked hard and to me it looked like they'd given them a half decent track. The problem looked like a lack of heart to me.

Trying to make sense of it all with bit part info. Leicester complain at 5pm bends 1 & 2 are too soft so spend 2 hours scraping every speckle of dirt off, tonnes of it, to the point of glass. Why? Was it really that soft or did Leicester not want to ride a grippy track? Two hours wasted watching tractor racing. Nothing short of embarrassing.

He's a professional speedway rider. It's all part of the job.

We could double that in the next 7 days.....

Ya right I don't know you and you definitely don't do sarcasm or dry witt do you ... however because of your 42 years of attendance do you have that much arrogance to think that this gives you a right to continually put out negative posts... try a few positive ones for a change and see where that gets you... nice coffee... milk and brown sugar in abundance.... nice... An opinion is a view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge... What I share is fact based as I talk to the promotion two or three times a week... they are fact based comments on agreed content that the promotion are happy to share and I try and stay away from opinions... did your mother never tell you to keep your opinions to yourself and especially negative ones and It takes some ego to think that because you pay to get in as a punter you get to say how the sport or the club is run... the previous shower never extended that courtesy thats for sure... 50,000 go to SJP to watch that rubbish and Mike Ashley doesn't take one happers worth of notice of what the fans say and neither did Johnny English VAT fiddler for that matter... What you have in Rob Grant is someone who listens to the fans... now he may not be able to successfully deliver on what they would like always however he will give you a response as to why he has taken the action he has... I have an opinion which is this I don't think you like this promotion... now I could be wrong but I do get this feeling at times with what you post... Are you suggesting I have my wires crossed when responding to another posters request... I would suggest it is your issue jumping in with both feet without reading previous posts and your fundamental dislike for this promotion that is skewing not only your vision but your reasoning as well... When Johnny English bailed out there were two people in the running to take the club over... That was Rob Grant and me... no one else and I was happy to stand aside when I found out it was Rob because I knew with his Business of Event Management and Catering and the connections he had at Brough Park and within ARC racing he was by far the best person for the Job... I have been happy to hand over not only my entrance money but additional cash in the form of sponsorship... It's been a hard season but we have had bad years in the past and this guy has got us through it.... When the opinions are strongly formed; negative:; directly attack; castigate and deride the club the promotion the man then the defence gets stronger and more vigourous.... a carrot gets a more positive response than a stick.... the failings of the last promotion have been well documented and many have expressed their feelings on these matters but if you would like me to run through it again I would be more than happy to accommodate you with a response.... however to save everyone's sanity I am sure they would appreciate it if it was done via the messaging system... so just let me know and I will sort a PM out for you... Regards John Courtney P.S. name in full as requested as I certainly have nothing to hide...

He can't have been suspended or Poole wouldn't have been allowed the r/r facility!!

Just over half a point covering the top six is amazing, the very definition of a solid team. A proper team, not just three big hitters and a load of makeweights.

Totally agree.

It will be extremely harsh if Ben receives a ban for missing today ,as surely safety is a priority and he states he’s not in a good place now , so to me not been in a good place and trying to force him to ride isn’t the answer

I wish everyone going today well, I have for the most part enjoyed my trips to Brough Park over the years and hope to return one day, fingers crossed.

Hello GAH learnt to spell NSS i see

Thanks City Rebel.... hope i he is fit for the remaining speedway fixtures. East End Fan.... think it’s a bit of a stretch to name Jake, Dan and Eastbourne’s Vinnie Ford as products of the Kent Royals NDL team.....when they have ridden what one or two home NDL fixtures this season. As for fixture planning, call me sensible, but yes running an NDL side in 2021 seemed a big risk with the late start and very limited track availability.Still I am not privy (nor do I expect to be) to the Kent club or NDL finances and NDL league planning that took place in 2021 that saw IoW not running at all , and later both Newcastle Gems and Eastbourne Seagulls pull out. Len is a staunch advocate of regular weekly racing, ( and I agree with him ) but 2021 was not a year to launch a new CL side and continue to run an NDL side IMO.

What a crazy post from someone who knows nothing about doing tracks, nothing wrong with the track, just not getting out of the gate with the away riders. Before you ask yes I do understand the art of track preparation. Having done it for years.

It was always the Red Lion for me on a Friday. Off the 79 and in the pub for a couple of pints and a game of dominoes. Even at 18 a part of me was already in his sixties! My best memory was late seventies in the Lion when a car full of King's Lynn fans arrived. 'Four pints of lager please.' 'Don't sell it.' 'Have you got bottles of lager?' 'No' 'Four pints of bitter then.' ''Don't sell it.' 'Well what do you sell?' 'Mild' Happy days.

And as much as the attendances have been low this season, not having freeloaders getting in has been one of the positives.

Too many hangers on/free loaders they know who they are. Still loyal to English always kissing his backside. I would Name a few but I wouldn't lower myself to be honest.

This is all getting very personal and maybe the font of all knowledge should write an in depth, no holds barred synopsis of the wicked wrongs committed by the previous promotion. It would only carry any form of credence of course if it is was signed by the individual concerned in their own name rather than the insidious invitations to come and hear it in person as it really was.

Totally agree, both points. I'm not one for having a pop at the commentators because it's not a job I could do and I reckon it's much harder than it looks but...... ....why do they struggle so much with the format? It's the same every year. I know both meetings weren't great but they should be building the excitement. Tonight Russia had two heats left and could have made the run off and what did we get.... "that's the Russians finished..... ....oh no they've got another heat..... but that's a dead rubber" total rubbish. In fairness the Russians never looked like troubling the qualifiers but technically they could still have qualified. I know stats aren't everyone's cup of tea but they could do with having someone providing stats to prompt content rather than "I've seen him with his shirt off!!!" tbf that was quite funny.

But… George English nicest man in speedway isn’t he? Highly respected etc etc I hope he and his cronies are ashamed of the state they left the club in putting its future in doubt!

As a chap who spent far too much of his life from the age of 10 to his early 30s traveling all over supporting not only his team but speedway in general I find myself in despair! Throughout most my time as an active supporter the sport was slowly losing its way & losing customers. Towards the end of my time as a regular 2009/10 it had become noticeable worse. Now on the odd occasion I've been in the last 10 years every time I attended you can see that it's gotten worse. It really is now at a critical point. The reason for my despair is I'm now in my mid 40s with disposable income the type of ex fan who the powers that be should be trying to win back. However when I go I am severed up a product that is poorer than the last time I attended & if I'm lucky only a couple of missing riders. It still appears that even though there are thousands of unhappy customers on here those in power do nothing about it or worse still come across as having no interest in trying to! So looking at it 2022 will be another year of the same old same old with possibly 4 tracks having closed down. No doubt more will follow after 2022 it really is a race to the bottom!

Stewart looked pretty pleased with himself in the pits after the call off. Whilst Peter Facenna looked not so pleased read into that what you will.

Too close to having a 4 at the start of my age!!!

Ignore the idiots and clowns John, anyone who is still a friend with English after all this is a joke. Instead of asking Rob to go on the mic maybe Keith could ask his mate English to go on the centre green and be interviewed by John and Granty.. that would be good