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Another thing that makes the Poole offer attractive is that near certainty of extra meetings as they are pretty much nailed on for the play-offs most seasons

So all other teams don’t pay on time , and you know this how as this is how it comes across.

Because there are plenty of examples when this is not the case. And by the way we moved down to save money so hardly going to splash the cash. People thinking we would is odd! But other fans only say it because they don't like that other riders might want to ride for Poole and it makes them feel better, not because there is actually any truth in what they are saying.

The other issue with running an NDL team on another day/night is what if your riders are being used by Championship teams due to a fixture clash... they the champ team will take preference and then we will need to have guests or run with r/r.... there is more than one factor to take into consideration other than the "best suits me" scenario.... my first choice would be Saturday 19.30 under lights... then a Monday same time would you believe but neither are doable at present... so it will be what it will be and if that impacts one or two fans I'm sure it will open doors for one or two others... As the Bishop said to the actress it's gonna be a case of "just suck it and see what happens"... Regards THJ

Go and find a phone box to start a fight in!

Reds football season will finish at the beginning of May, speedway will probably start at beginning of may due to only having 6/ 7 home league meetings, then reds start again mid August by which time speedway league meetings will be about finished, then if in playoffs or ko cup these could be arranged to avoid a clash with the reds, I know people are debating right or wrong with Saturday afternoon, but can we keep positive and look forward to the rebirth of the comets and back Andrew Bain and co in this venture ( I have no connection with them ) UTC

Half of Championship clubs ride on a Friday night, so they see that as the best for meetings. However, that means the need for lights, a not inconsiderable expense. Speedway rarely runs on Saturday afternoons, probably because that is prime time for leisure, particularly participation and spectator sport. Saturday nights - like Fridays - require lights. Sunday afternoons would run directly against Workington Town RLFC, the towns most popular spectator sport. My suspicion is that speedway fans would also come from Whitehaven, so there would be direct competition with that towns RL team. None are absolutely ideal but my preference would be Saturday night - even allowing for the necessity of lights. That is, after all, Workington's more traditional race night, and moving away from that can be an absolute disaster - ask Poole or Sheffield about that one. Alternatively, if it is possible to coordinate with Workington Town and run speedway when the rugby team are away, that maybe a solution that could work to the benefit of both clubs.

I thought the idea was to encourage the youngsters to come and try it, most with a parent. So if the kid likes it his parent might take him more often. A quick look at the Zoo prices... Little old Banham Zoo in Norfolk is £57 and Colchester is £80, both for a family of four. Add to that once they have been once it's not somewhere you would want to go every week or 2.. I know speedway is expensive, but your not looking at the same Baboons arse every week at speedway.

I don’t think the CO was more than a director of MSS at the time that Blackbird Road was sold, ie he didn’t own MSS, that was the Sandersons.

I must say I didn’t realise the difference in being a no 1 and a genuine no 1 was a massive 0.01, Sam really must try harder next year, disgraceful. For gods sake, you couldn’t make some of this rubbish up. Why only Doyle and Fricke? Oh let me guess, because they’re in the GP’s.

Well debated.

While it aint nobody's business but the new promoter's, the red herring of 'no floodlights' isnt really relevant for a list of six or seven fixtures, is it? The sun doesnt set in Cumbria until well after 9pm in the summer months -- so there's 16/17 weeks in May, June, July & August to run evening meetings.......

what is over the odds really? if a club desperately wants a single rider to fit into there team because their ave fits perfect they will pay whatever the riders wants within reason if it’s over the odds who really cares it’s not like there’s a minimum or maximum rate if 2/3 clubs are after the same rider then that could be when clubs will pay a bit over the odds like for any self employed person you pay for what you get

I really wouldn’t be too concerned, it can’t be anything like Monmore, Tungate got 14 points!

Do you understand what a number 1 is? Means you need to be one of the best (seven last year, now eight) riders in the league. If the league is weak, you don’t need to be in the GPs to be a number 1. It’s a simple maths equation!

Masters had the highest average (official fixtures exc bonus) of any rider in the Premiership last season bar Jason Doyle. How the hell is he not a number one?

'Splashing the cash' isn't the same as 'paying more than most'. I'd have thought moving down would allow you to continue paying more than most as well as maintaining your race night. And I think people probably say that Poole pay more than most because that's the case it stands to reason as one of the best supported and sponsored clubs in the UK. The notion that Poole are one of the only ones to pay on time is a poor argument too (not your suggestion on thos thread I know). Most do and I'm sure that includes Plymouth.

But if the NL went down to 4 or 5 clubs, would that be feasible. If there was no NL where do the Championship riders of the future come from? Teams could end up flying more riders in from abroad / paying for more visas, making the Championship more expensive & possibly losing more clubs - so even less matches!

What 'fortunate position' is that then? Oh yes, being able to guarantee that riders will be paid on time and as per contract! Thats why riders want to ride for Poole. Shouldn't every club be aiming to do the same?!

At the end of the day money talks and Poole are in the fortunate position of being able to offer more than most. Good luck to them.

The championship is the problem. The Championship should have a workable Rising Stars scheme so that all these riders "too good for the NDL" can be accommodated. It's correct that Dan Thompson shouldn't be in NDL as he's too good. But he's only got his PL place. So do I blame him for clogging up a place in the NDL? Absolutely not! It's not Dan Thompson's fault in any way. It's the Championship which is wrong.

Who cares if it is underhand? It's a business, and that ruthless approach is one of the reasons that has made Poole so successful over the years (as much as I hate to admit it). It's as much Plymouth's fault as it is Poole's if they can't keep hold of a rider. If it was illegal I'm sure Plymouth would have been straight down to their lawyers.

Fen Tigers to Roar again in '23 The news that all Speedway fans in Suffolk and indeed further afield have been waiting for is out - the Mildenhall DJS Fen Tigers, proudly sponsored by Manchetts Rescue and Recovery, will race in the 2023 National Development League [NDL]. The West Row-based club’s future had looked in doubt after a significant drop in their crowds during a difficult 2022 campaign and increased running costs in the context of the Cost of Living crisis. But the club, formed back in 1975 has always attracted fantastic, devoted support and none so more so then the incredible efforts of a Group of its most loyal fans, led by Emma & Jeremy Reader and Carol & Tim Darling stepping forward to create a GoFundMe page and running a range of money-raising events that have succeeded in bringing in considerable financial support for the club. Then with two private sponsors (remaining unnamed at their request) coming forward over the Christmas / New Year period, the cash needed target to run this coming season was all but reached. All that was then required was to reach a successful agreement with the stadium owners to run Speedway there in 2023. This has now thankfully been achieved and the club can again move forward. The owners of the Speedway club released the following joint statement - " We are overwhelmed by the support received both financially from supporters and that provided by Emma, Jeremy, Carol and Tim. Their efforts and their support of us and the club have relit our fuse to push forward with Mildenhall Speedway and we are extremely grateful to them. “Speedway is secured for 2023 but this can only be the start, we will be working closely with the supporters group during the coming year on events, raising the profile of the club and fund raising initiatives to ensure we can continue into 2024 and get closer to the 50th anniversary of this great family club (2025).Our biggest challenge is to increase the support at meetings back to pre-COVID figures of over 400 a meeting, This will take a big effort and we hope supporters will back us in this and spread a positive word about Mildenhall Speedway. “We will share financial information with the supporters group as the season progresses and hopefully if we can achieve a profit that money will go directly towards the 2024 season.” Next on the agenda for the 2021 NDL champions, who finished runners up last season, coming close to defending their title is again to gather together a successful on-track group of riders, as the club owners went on: “Our next job is to get the best possible team together to represent Mildenhall Speedway in 2023 in the NDL; and we will let you know rider news as we have it. We would like to thank you for your patience over what has been a difficult time for everyone connected to the club and once again say thank you to everyone who has stepped forward to help the club".

So spreading false rumours is ok as long as it is in line with the agenda of accusing Poole of doing something underhand.

Southend Stadium

Seems the NDL tail is wagging the Championship dog!

It isn't just the sunset time either where the track is located was another issue... there are many factors to take into account (and have been) when looking at the day to run on and the time to start... consideration had to be given to people walking to the track which is difficult in broad daylight let alone in any twilight... it ain't located on any main well lit road that is for sure... Regards THJ

I agree Doyle takes to much of the averages up ....lets hope ....get the reserves going and we will be fine ...

Holder Iversen Pedersen are over the hill and all easily beatable.

Poole are definitely an attractive club to ride for there silverware doesn’t lie I just think saying clubs don’t pay there riders on time is poor unless the person on here who says it has proof but I sincerely doubt they do and they should be careful what they say as I no for a fact certain promoters of teams pay a passing interest in what is said on here.

Poole fans really are a strange bunch. There was no criticism intended, lighten up man lol

The Plymouth 'Infamy, Infamy, they've all got it in for me' Gladiators!!

Come on,,,, get on with it

I didn't look past the 3 riders I mentioned..... You make a fair point !

This is not the prediction page.

You're correct. The Ochiltree family (Midland Sports Stadiums Ltd) owned Brandon and Blackbird Road. They sold Leicester to Barratts for housing in 1984. They sold Coventry Stadium to Avtar Sandhu (Coventry Stadium Ltd/ Coventry Greyhounds Club Ltd / Coventry Racing Club Ltd) in 2002 Around 2013 there were rumours that Coventry City FC were buying the stadium, but also HMRC put a block on Sandhu selling the stadium as they claimed Sandhu bought it with the help of a criminal business partner who had been convicted of money laundering and organised crime. Sandhu eventually sold the stadium in 2016 to a Jersey company Brandon Estates Ltd. (I have no idea who is behind Brandon Estates Ltd - someone must know) Mick Horton was trying to lease the stadium for Speedway from them to continue in 2017. I think Sandhu tried to lease back the running of Greyhounds too. This fell through and Sandhu apparently broke into the stadium and allegedly stole fixtures and fittings. Brandon Estates Ltd contacted the police and claimed no one could now run Speedway or Greyhounds at their stadium as it was an active crime scene. That's how I remember it.

That is the bandwagon I'm afraid FB. If it makes them feel better then it is up to them.

We saw Congreve at Newcastle in the Championship last season & he was a long way off the pace for that league. Even if he is eligible to take a place in an NDL team would he think it viable to travel 12000 miles just for a NDL team spot. The finances involved would be unobtainable.

There is an article dated 2nd May, 2018, which does suggest Avtar Sandhu sold the land to Brandon Estates. I don't think he is still involved. Although I mentioned the Ochiltrees in an earlier post, looking at the background of the stadium's ownership, I think the family were promoters only, not owners. I'm sure I will be corrected if that's wrong.

Linlithgow used to race on a Saturday afternoon in the 90's as did the Dale Devils in the 00's.

Its also supposed to be family entertainment; somewhere to take the kids; So 7:30 on a Friday night may not be ideal for families as its in from school then back out again with the kids after a week at work for the parents; then likewise on a Sunday (day/night) as daytime Sunday lunch (if any one has that these days) and night-time its school the next day!!! so are you just thinking of yourself here as to what suits you sir (ooooh suits you sir!!!) as a Saturday morning or late afternoon doesn't really impinge on much for the locals; they can come and watch their Speedway with the kids then go and do the Football or the Rugby in the afternoon... when it was the other way round I know quite a few guys who used to come to the speedway after watching either sport but often missed due to the drinking culture so you only seen them when either sport was away from home... Jenga comment just landed in and this covers his thoughts as well... Regards THJ

Regarding Barry Ayres, from where I sit he more than succeeded at speedway, he got to race it, I never got any nearer than sitting astride Soren Sjosten's bike in the Hyde Rd pit car park as he was preparing to load it up after a meeting, my dad did ask him first, I was 7, wish I'd known at the time that this would be the highlight of my speedway career. Coulda woulda shoulda

Steve: they have the single most important thing - a TRACK...

ORIGINAL ADVERT HAD 7PM ..NOW CHANGED IT TO 5PM

loose lips sink pirate ships

Don't need to guess! Lawson (7.97) confirmed for Poole.

Very similar to how the Danish league runs... So we're not talking complete bo!!ocks... People are just scared of change. Tbh the issue of number 1s vs number 7s isn't an NL issue, only every league needs restructuring imo... Watching Robert Lambert or Steve Worrall in the same race as Danny Phillips at Brough was incredibly boring at times... Honestly I think this is one of the biggest issues with British speedway, but no one will listen

Fantastic post I personally believe riders should be graded at the start of the year for team allocation and should be regraded at the halfway stage of the season. With riders only being able to go up or down 1 grade regardless of the points they are averaging. exactly as you say there should never be a kyran v anders race if one is a heat leader and the other a reserve should be heat leaders v heat leaders and heat leaders v second strings. The others should then be second strings v second strings , reserve's v reserves and reserves v second strings. Riders should race the grade above or below only . Grading should be A heat leaders ,B second strings , C reserves , D reserves in first season or not achieved a 3 point real time average during previous season. D graded riders should stay at that grade all year

I agree with you about intervals. I take particular notice at King's Lynn which is my nearest track, and people use the bars and eating outlets throughout the meeting, and don't make a rush for it in the interval, so an interval isn't needed from that point of view. Generally speaking, the track is graded on and off throughout the evening, so we don't need an interval for that. I often wonder why there is a need to grade the track, weather situation conditions apart of course. I know that speed doesn't make a good race, but I've noticed particularly at Peterborough, races tend to be a bit slower after a track grade. Obviously, I'm not a rider, so there might be benefits from having it graded after every four heats, but unless a rider or ex-rider comments on that, we can only guess. Going back to Mildenhall, I so hope they can find a way round the financial shortfall, and it was noticeable that the crowds were lower last season, and it's just unfortunate that due to stadium unavailability, they went for weeks on end right in the middle of summer, with not a single meeting, and during that time, the public found other things to do, that maybe they liked better or as much as speedway, so didn't return. The length of time it takes to stage a meeting in the afternoon, doesn't unduly worry me personally (it does in the evening) , within reason of course, but would of course if I had a 3-hour drive home at the conclusion of the meeting. I wasn't aware of that many people complaining last season at Mildenhall, but I certainly was in the previous season (2021), when many walked out before the end, and said they would never return, and unfortunately didn't. I was lucky enough to visit the Isle of Wight for a meeting last season, and I say lucky, because the variation of things they did, not just on track, but off too, mainly for youngsters, made the entire evening a real pleasure to experience. Riders were happy to greet and talk to you prior to the meeting and in some cases afterwards, dependent on their ferry time. Promoters Barry Bishop and Martin Widman were happy to wonder round talking and laughing with their paying public, intermingled with any duties they needed to tend to. You were made to feel a part of the event, and not just somebody sitting watching, without anybody even knowing you were there. The announcer was probably the most clearly spoken, taking breaths between a few words, that I've heard for a long time, anywhere. At no time giving race results, times etc; over bike noise, which is certainly a problem at my local tracks. On the occasion I visited, the infamous Christina Turnbull was the referee, and I found her most pleasant to talk with, and a lady with a great sense of humour (please don't come back with Belle Vue v Sheffield..LOL), and offered you time to converse with her . Yes, a really great evening out. Would it work in say the National Development League, then I have to say I don't see why not, because the IOW stage 15-heats of speedway, plus a nice variety that changes from week to week of other events, such as speedway riders racing on grass track machines or the upright engine bikes, which attracts riders that have been long retired, returning to race. If you are a sidecar racing lover, they provide that from time to time. Ladies races, kids races. I made my way back to the ferry wishing I could be there the next week, because I'd felt part of proceedings all evening, rather than just somebody that has handed over his entrance money, with nobody caring or knowing I was there. So I think the NDL could maybe try something similar for a season, and if it doesn't work, then knock it on the head the next year.

Poole should try the premier league.