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I am truly devastated at the loss of Steve. He was my friend and travelling companion on several memorable domestic and overseas trips. He had no side to him but was a straightforward gentle gentleman. He worked tirelessly to get Peter Collins to come back to Belle Vue - and don’t believe PC’s propaganda, he was told he would always be welcomed at the NSS as would any ex-Belle Vue rider. What wasn’t on offer though was his demand, not request, that nearly 200 of his cronies, some who’d had no involvement with speedway let alone Belle Vue, also got in free. Steve tried many times to talk sense into PC, including going round to his house, but PC would not change his mind, possibly because he’d backed himself into a corner. Steve was never one for taking offence and went to the Glossop signing of PC’s book. Having paid his £20, PC scrawled in his copy “Steve, I will never forgive you for what you have done to me and my family. I will never go to BV if you are there.” Steve shared a photo of the inscription but then said to me that he’d enjoyed reading the book. That is the sort of man that Steve was and I hope that, although Steve will never be at BV again, neither will PC as he’ll be barred. I am not alone in knowing that I will never forgive PC for what he wrote. Many men become world speedway champion, there’s one every year, but there will only ever be one Steve Casey. I knew Steve’s cancer would take him sooner rather than later but am still stunned that we have lost him. The world is a much sadder place today.

Firstly to say that we at Retro Speedway are naturally sincerely saddened by the news of Steve's death. In my experience he was a very amiable, decent bloke. He was clearly devoted to Belle Vue, had a keen sense of Aces' history, and was a natural enthusiast for speedway as a whole. With respect, Gordon, and I fully appreciate you are feeling very sad and upset right now, the acknowledgement you hoped for WAS addressed by Retro Speedway - PRIVATELY - with Steve direct. An online forum is not the best way to handle such personal matters. I believe Steve thought so too. Possibly unknown to you, Susie and I both communicated personally with Steve, separately, over the book signing matter. Understanding the possible upset caused, we offered to try and resolve things to his satisfaction. He appreciated our sympathetic words. As you rightly point out on the other thread, Steve did read the book and said he enjoyed it. In fact, on Nov 23 he sent me an unsolicited text saying: "Hiya Tony...just finished the PC book and really enjoyed it...was a great read with some fabulous memories and insights (accompanied by four 'thumbs up' emojis)." I obviously thanked him for his kind comments. Earlier this month, he phoned me to say how grateful he was to unexpectedly receive our new DVD, Defunct British Speedway Tracks 2, which we sent him as a goodwill gesture, to hopefully lift his spirits after another spell in hospital, and because he actually features on it in the BV Kirky Kane segment. I hope this serves as the public 'acknowledgement' you expected and that those reading these posts gather a true picture of Retro Speedway's part. RIP, Steve.

I have kept quiet on this for a very long time in the hope that there would at least be an acknowledgement of the wrong that occurred that night. For those that want more, please see my comments on the thread entitled Steve Casey RIP

Those other sports usually have options. However, the British Basketball League is actually owned by the owners of the London team, so you absolutely see it in other sports.

I thought she did a grand job when I went to see Sheffield there. Could be 3 years of experience to where she's improved, but I found her level of interaction and talking to the fans to be spot on, which is better than 80% of announcers who absolutely love the sound of their own voice.

Sadly, it was announced tonight that Steve Casey has passed away after a battle with cancer. A wonderful man, a wonderful speedway FAN. After his riding career ended after spells at Ellesmere Port and Newport he returned to his spiritual home at Belle Vue where he performed a superb job as a presentation manager. I was proud to know him when he worked with Allied Dunbar (along with Chris Morton) in the 90s, and used to love our chats at the NSS every meeting in recent years. He always had time for people, and there's no greater compliment that I can give him. It's a lovely coincidence that he passed away as his team are finally the champions again. RIP Steve. A speedway legend who will be missed by many. Thoughts are with his family and friends.

It amazes me how much stick Gerry and Peter get. In my experience, pretty straightforward, people-focused, invested in the community, great at business. They seem very private but that’s all.

So after all the faffing and delay it's not even the club that let's the cat out of the bag!

Interesting snippet in the Redcar section of the Speedway Star. Interview with Danyon Hume about his move there. Buried in amongst that.. ”Hume is hopeful of returning to Ipswich to double up in the Premiership, and feels the stars are aligning nicely in his attempt to continue climbing the Speedway ladder” No direct quotes from Danyon himself but that was obviously relayed to the interviewer off record. Thought that was interesting.. New boy Keynan Rew is the front cover headliner this week as well, with a two page interview inside. . Well worth picking up. Fully fit sometime in February and will be raring to go in time for press and practice.

Its a winning team most want ..

Not a ringer - a legal replacement for an injured rider. Certainly more credible than a guest. Unless you know otherwise?

Thanks Steve. Great photo of SKC and Jackie

318 - it has to pay for him home and away

Why thank you

Well,, how do ya do that then

Thanks Tony. And I appreciated then and am happy now to acknowledge your gestures. You were, of course, as much an innocent party to what happened as was Steve but I did and do believe that what happened needed to be made public. The one man who should have apologised has remained silent. As I have said elsewhere, PC’s behaviour was unforgivable and I am not alone being shocked and disgusted by it. I know he’s got a huge chip on his shoulder about the NSS, but you don’t take your bile out on one of the guys who has worked flat out to achieve a reconciliation.

Not a great looking side imo

He's expensive .....and take him away from B.V isnt that good...

I wouldn't shift Worrall out personally, I'm all for Worrall signing as I think it's a shrewd move tbh. Only Prem track Richie is rubbish on is Belle Vue imo other than the NSS he's pretty reliable everywhere else and he rarely let's his team down imo.

Its ok....but not that good if thats the team ..needed a big signing like N.P to draw the crowd's in ...

And less conspiracy theorists

Will the deal just be for one season if Glasgow don't win the Championship? Asking for a friend.........

It’s just you, I think.

The Oxford Channel was a free-to-air terrestrial channel, later rebranded SixTV. It was an analogue channel though, so went the way of the Dodo after the digital switchover.

Great news! We need more Facennas in speedway.

188 different tracks in total covering 31 countries which is every country in the world that has staged a meeting within the past 5 or so years.

And with most guesses "it's good , but it's not right"

This is hilarious. You expect the paranoia from the other end of the M8 , but the affliction goes much further than there . Speedway fan - wish the league had a sponsor Speedway God- it has now Speedway Fan - yeah but its a Glasgow promoters company , surely that's a conflict of interests Speedway God - how ? Speedway fan - i dont know it just is . Thats them trying to buy the league again Speedway God - how ? Speedway fan - ( getting more worked up ) I dont know it just is . It seems well dodgy though . Speedway God - in what way ? Speedway fan ( reaching for the valium) i dont know it just is . So there you have it , the league and the sport badly needs sponsors , but only.if it's the right kind of sponsor . If Vladimir Putin owned Cab Taxis , nobody on here would bat an eyelid . But anything to do with splash the cash Glasgow and its , " oh no no no we cant have that "

Sorry Tony, I can't buy that. Unless we have the exact number and names between Wee Eck's 180 and your "tiny handful" it's pure conjecture. I also can't go with the notion of riders "putting their neck on the line". I have admiration for anyone who gets their head above the parapet and goes for it in life, particularly if that is something dangerous like speedway or stepping into the boxing ring. But let's not pretend they are risking their lives for some greater noble cause and sacrifice. These are not volunteers marching off to war. They are sports people in it primarily for selfish reasons, personal glory and remuneration. Without those, they wouldn't be doing it. In PC's case, often very well remunerated, squeezing out as much as he could get from BV in his latter seasons. And fair play to him too...it's a short and dangerous career. What makes me uncomfortable about this book is that it is a one sided take from someone who has had a brain injury. This has had an effect and as such, his interpretations are questionable at least. And, to be really, really honest, it's only been published because there is a few quid in it. We can't take it as some sort of historical document without the views of all other parties involved be they past and current BV management. You can't have your cake and eat it. I was a big fan of PC and I've enjoyed lots of your output over the years. But let's say this as it is.

Oh Lord! You know your post is going to set TTT off again, don't you?

True...and if u want to get anywhere in this league u need a good number 1....especially in heats 13 and 15 ....look at Ipswich with J Doyle...They only had 1 decent heat leader last year and they did well.....

Will allways give 100%..People love him or hate him ...but will allways bring in the crowds ..

Rosco is Team Manager!!!

Mine have all been arriving on time recently. Some very good articles, too. One on Mike Parker was very interesting, as is this weeks analysis of the Weston-Super-Mare fiasco.

I don't think those two things are compatible. If Adam got a 7 point average we would not be 8th!

I consider Adam a friend of mine (was at my wedding etc) so im desperate for him to do well… basically him hitting a 7pt average and Poole finishing 8th would be the dream

Yes, i also went to Stamford Bridge when the track was still there to see. And i went to the derelict New Cross stadium and stood on what was left of the terracing. Plus as i said on another thread, been to the Crystal palace Athletic stadium, which was built n the old speedway track

Good way of paying less tax via “sponsorship”. However benefits the sport in some way and a bit less goes to those pesky royals which is a winner. however I do see the point of it wouldn’t happen in any other sport in the world where a club owner sponsors the league. However it’s speedway so sporting integrity doesn’t exist does it.

Having thought about today's social media NKI reveal. 'Lead by example' could mean that NKI is the captain rather than the No.1 Nicki P, Andersen, Basso, Worrall, NKI, Cook & JJ is the only team that makes sense to me but Gasser is 100% certain on Holder. I think the club are going to save the best signing till last rather than ending the lengthy 2023 team building process on a whimper. So if Chris Holder isn't one of the next two announced then don't rule out Nicki Pedersen being the last announced rider for 2023. I agree, Very expensive for an average return.

With everything I’ve seen on here I am placing my bets with us coming under the limit…. With Andersen….. with worral…. surely pedersen for 3.5k a meeting is an offer you can’t turn down, love him or hate him he gets people watching

Everyone said the same about Roynon at Poole. He was the only rider that fit yet they took months to announce it. I just have a hunch it will be him, he fits, Laurence was always associated with the US lads when they came over, seems like he would be the best choice from what's out there now he's signed I think in Sweden for next year so he's already in Europe. That said, it will probably be someone like Tom Perry

It doesn't look the strongest team on paper,,, but neither did your team 2 years ago,,, and look what happened. And I've read often,, it's better to have a rubbish team to support than no team.

Quoting my own post I know, but after reading todays Star it makes more sense. The “young sensational racers” part wasn’t about the riders still to be named, it was those already signed, Basso, Cook and Jenkins. Those would be surrounded by “old hands”, or should that be “old Hans”

I have done a few stadiums that held speedway but for other sports, all of which you could clearly still see either the track or the stands that were curved for the track. Stamford Bridge (Football, Chelsea, Stamford Bridge), Cliftonhill (Football, Albion Rovers, Coatbridge) The Boulevard (Rugby League, Hull FC, Hull), Brooklands (Football, Romford, Romford), Pilot Field (Football, Hastings United, Hastings). I don't think any stadium would beat Hyde Road for atmosphere and quality of racing, but my most memorable trip was to Park Road, Barrow back in 1985.

...which opened the doors to so many bland channels and in the area that I now live a sometimes questionable reception with the picture breaking up!

Not convinced that Fellows is even the pick of available 3 pointers but maybe some guidance and heavy machinery investment will assist that. Likely with this side that its 3 rides only at number 6 or might be fortunate that result is decided early and gets his last run out. With Killeen as the other reserve there is always a feeling he might not last the meeting and Fellows could be decisive as the lone reserve rider.

Impressive list!

Hmm. I think you are being a tad disingenuous. To be really clear, I'm talking about you making a few quid in not ideal circumstances. Not PC. Look, I think your contribution to the nostalgia speedway market has been very good and I've been a happy customer. I think the Kenny Carter and John Berry books stand up against any speedway book ever. And Backtrack had some good stuff before running out of steam. But, I also think the use of a lot of footage in the DVDs is a bit naughty....I assume ITV Sport and BBC Sport haven't handed over distribution rights to these? I think producing a PC book is also a bit naughty post-brain injury. As a consequence, sadly, I don't think he is a reliable source and his words against others should not be put into print unchallenged. The Belle Vue management past and present are really in a no-win situation, there is nothing to be gained for them coming out against PC, a bona-fide club legend. Equally, for this particular issue of all ex-riders getting free admission, how can any speedway club operating on fine margins (in realty loss making) start ushering 200+ folk through the gate for free each week. I have long worked in PR and there aint any mileage out of Barry Ayres* heading in free every week. It means very little to the 50+ year olds who might remember him....and literally nothing to any new crowds they need to draw in. I'm not surprised a PC book has been rolled out. He is a name that still means something to people, hence this thread. But given the health circumstances, I don't agree with it. * sorry to Barry Ayres if he reads this! He had a crack, fair play. But wasn't up to it. I could have chosen from many others.

I don’t know about recollections. George was living and working in Canada during the period in question. Tony Mole ran all his speedway operations through one business of which he was the sole owner. In the short time I was involved - we set up the company in 2006 and I ceased to be a promoter after the end of the 2009 season - as I said, George had no financial involvement.