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Categorically Poole do not pay inflated wage demands! However what they do offer is regular payment of wages and introduction to a range of local companies that are able to offer a variety of support services, eg, accommodation, transport, workshop facilities and yes some financial support. Plus of course a history of winning trophies - and all within the same team building points as everyone else. Some people on here seem to think that winning meetings/trophies is not entertainment!!🤩

Following on from last week’s debacle over the SON 2 non TV coverage, Richard Coleman of Mayfield Sports has issued a statement which appears in this week’s Speedway Star, out today. There is also a section on the Social media outrage over the meeting. Would he have said anything if a reporter hadn’t contacted him ? Doubtful in my opinion. So thousands of Speedway fans worldwide won’t be able to watch the FIM flagship junior Speedway finals, which we are used to seeing. 3 SGP 2 and the SGP 3 final in 3 weeks. The SGP 3 final in recent years has produced some superb Speedway from the youngsters on their 250cc bikes. If Coleman knew last year that the SON 2 meeting would not be filmed by Mayfield Sports it’s a shame he didn’t have the balls to tell anyone !! I think of the streaming we have currently- BSN, Sweden and Denmark 4 live matches per week and of course Poland where many meetings are on TV, or streamed. One such meeting is this afternoon - the Bronze Helmet produced for the live showing on the Motowizja channel by Sabmar TV. Even the FIM have a streaming channel along with their partner Tapes up TV. So where does that leave the FIM ? I suspect angry and disappointed. There is i would hope time for the powers that be to sort something out for the SGP 2 finals coverage as the 1st final is not until the 10th July.

Whilst I agree with some of the comments highlighting the financial implications of screening these meetings and the fact that clearly Mayfield Sports can't afford, or don't want to spend the necessary sums to show them, there are in my opinion some anomalies in all of this, and indeed in the way the whole series has been promoted over the past few years. Firstly let's examine WBD, who proclaimed endlessly we were entering a "new era" of speedway. This crowd then gave control of the whole thing to a bunch of people who had very little, if any, knowledge of the sport. Incredibly they created a rolling package whereby considerably more than 100 people (honestly!) were transported around Europe for each SGP. The costs of this must have been enormous! Not only that, but they then tried to "Formula 1ise" the world championship by creating the most ridiculous system of running in front of empty stadiums for what was essentially practice, and made it even more ridiculous by then dishing out world championship points to the riders who got to the final 4 man race of the practice, again in front of empty stadiums. You couldn't make this utter nonsense up!! As if that wasn't enough they introduced drones and steadfastly refused to change this introduction when many fans complained bitterly that it interfered with their TV viewing. TV viewing that was proving to be costly and expensive. Their 10 year master plan quickly fell apart and they panicked and pressed the eject button to escape at the half way stage through their get-out clause. But before we leave them, let's not forget that they also made the whole series harder than ever to access, with difficult to find channels and live events hidden away in expensive pay per view places. It was an unknown-to-speedway fans company that out of the blue stepped in. Mayfield Sports. Most of us had no idea who they actually were. Now, we are only two SGPs in, so let's give them the benefit of the doubt as to what we are going to experience as we go forward. But the early signs as we have seen are slightly alarming. I was pleased to see the drones had gone. Firstly I imagined that was a decision based on customer feedback but now I suspect it's financially based and is a cost cutter. The fact that many SGP events are now 2 day events with meetings the day before suggests another attempt to close down the costs . Nothing actually wrong with that and actually it's sensible when you think about it. But, here's where it begins to unravel. This ditching of the screening of SoN2, SGP2 and SGP3 came out of nowhere and has, understandably, left lots of people unhappy. And it seems clear that Mayfield had no intention of telling folk beforehand. Until they were forced to. That's not good business sense. There's also been the reduction in prize money for the riders, which did come out pre season. So it seems we are now looking at a shoestring production, at least compared to previously. Richard Coleman claims he needs to get the SGP series itself right first, which is commendable, but let's put our hands on our hearts and ask ourselves seriously if you believe he will later extend things to what they were previously? And here's where I want to ask the question. Why didn't the FIM think about giving the whole series to Poland to promote? I'm pretty sure OneSport, organisers of the SEC series, have previously wanted to take it on, but were rejected. I have to ask the question, why? Poland leads everything in speedway. It's professional in every way at a level that no other country can match. Its weekly televised productions from Canal Sport and previously Eleven Sports are beautifully put together events that run to time, are superbly slick and professional and clearly there is a large pot of money to do things the way they should be done. Now, I completely understand that perhaps no Polish company came forward to promote, but I have to ask, were they actually asked? And if not, why not? To hell with FIM prejudices against the Poles, which clearly exist as Poland has long complained bitterly that they have to fork out more than other nations to stage SGP rounds. The FIM should, in my opinion, be begging OneSport or any other Polish TV company that will, to take this series by the scruff of the neck and promote it PROPERLY. Speedway is in a mess. Everyone knows that. Even Polish promoters and owners of clubs I've spoken with over the past couple of years are worried that their product is attracting less young people than previously. But, if we want to see our beloved sport, the sport where racing can be utterly spectacular and beautiful, be able to succeed, we have to market and promote it properly. And that includes promoting and televising the youngest and younger racers at world level too. If Mayfield Sports don't have the will, or the money to do that properly they should either change their business plan, or get out quick and be replaced by a company from Poland that can do it properly. It's the only way I see our world championship events remaining a serious TV proposition.

Musielak has to be the first name on the team sheet next season no matter what his average is, Proven that he's not lost it on British tracks and he just had a couple of rough season's because he was at the wrong clubs. Think we're learning a lot about Tom Brennan this season, Maybe his limit is an engine room 3rd Heat Leader?

I tell you what,, Kye has to be the signing of the season,, I bet hardly any other clubs even considered him.

All this nonsense about pay rates to attract riders.The Top men in any of these Teams are not riding for fun.King,Nichols,Jeppesen,Harris Kildemand to name few.Im sure most riders even reserves go to the highest bidders.

Monarchs firm favourites. Quite frankly embarrassing if they don’t win.

You literally couldn’t name a sport where the term “lives or dies on entertainment” is more fitting than speedway. It is the definition of an event sport. Crowds will dwindle? I’ll counter that with: the sport will die, never mind dwindle. Speedway is built on close racing, passing and even jeopardy. The saddest thing is one of the most entertaining meetings I’ve been at was at Wimborne Road for the 2004 World Cup final. The second saddest thing is the Fords know how to build a capable team. Yet, despite both of those facts, you continue to prepare a track for what I can only describe a sleeping tablet in speedway track form. Given the state of British speedway, all clubs must contribute to its survival. Poole aren’t and why is beyond me.

No. They were weather spikes. But now global warming is clear for all to see, with temperature records broken on a yearly basis. Ten of the hottest ever years have been very recently. Stats are there for all to see.

To be fair, I think maybe it’s you that are missing the point. Poole are successful as a business and as a team. They have a strong supporter base who have been treated to a winning team year after year. They are addicted to winning because they have got used to it. But the team can only beat what’s in front of them, and last night, the opposition were not only poor but disappointing - 5 race wins out of 13. And three of these were by Harris. After last year’s clashes, much was expected of this match but Glasgow were a let down. But that’s only half the story - not only do Poole keep their own supporters happy, but the also make other promoters happy when Poole come to visit. Because the home supporters turn out in greater numbers because they want to see the mighty Pirates humiliated by their team. And sometimes that happens. For example, if you were an Edinburgh supporter, would you prefer to watch the Monarchs against Poole or against, say, Scunthorpe?

What point am I missing why are Poole’s crowd levels better than Tigers,who provide the best racing.Tigers crowd levels look down on last seasons .IMO Why are all these fans consistently turning up at Poole + away from how they attract fans to their meetings.Its hardly Poole’s fault is the sport is dying on its feet.

Mitch would have been a great signing to show intent for the future of speedway and not the past! IMO we have far too many old riders now which is only worsening the sport by not giving chances to the younger generation, you want to bring young people to Foxhall but don’t give them anyone who they could relate to? As much as I hate Falubaz, Mitch is performing well, even when Madsen does push him off!

Janowski is the wildcard

It’s a speedway track that requires a nice bit of throttle control and skill which seems to be beyond a lot of modern day riders with bikes that require it.

I present you exhibit A, when you’re on drugs. 😁

Let's surmise WBD signed a 10 year contract with the FIM for ( i assume) promoting and showing the GP’s SWC, SON SON 2 and SGP 2 and SGP 3 which they did for 5 years before bailing out. What interests me is what agreement is now in place between them,( FIM) and Mayfield Sports and where does the TV output sit within that contract. I would doubt that the FIM would have agreed for the SGP’s, SWC and SON only to be shown on TV. What we don’t know and probably won’t find out is 1/ Are Mayfield Sports contracted to provide TV production for SON 2 , SGP 2 and SGP 3. 2/ are WBD ( HBO) contracted to show SON 2, SGP 2 and SGP 3 in addition to the GP’s and SWC/SON. If either are true then someone is breaking a contract.

and also pays the most 😃

47/43 home win. Picko to beat Howarth 2nd round TKO

Pretty sure the Redcar change comes to effect Friday so Jenkins still has a team spot as of today

Looking at this strictly from a business point of view, rather than just as a Speedway fan, the situation seems clear to me from the inetrview. I'll admit that last week I completely misjudged the support that you personally had on here, and I was wrong to try and find the humour in you ranting to HBO. You are passionate about the sport. But looking at the situation now, Richard Coleman's interview sums it all up perfectly. I’m not going to argue that the communication wasn't poor, it was and it should have been common knowledge that these events are not being broadcast. It may have affected people’s decision to subscribe and is no different from me holding back information to purchasers in my business life, but the rest of peoples outrage is completely detached from commercial reality in my opinion. Coleman is just stating the blunt facts of a balance sheet. Television production companies aren't charities run for the benefit of our hobby; they are businesses driven by viewing figures. The hard truth is that outside of Poland, Speedway is just not a popular sport anymore. "Thousands of fans worldwide" phoning HBO on Facebook or wherever else they post and spend their life rather than doing other things and enjoying themselves, doesn't pay for an outside broadcast unit, satellite uplinks, and a full production crew. It takes millions of viewers to make that viable, and the numbers simply aren't there at the moment. As he says, his job has been to "sort the SGP out, first and foremost, as the previous promoter was losing millions". As for the Streaming argument, you cannot sell an exclusive rights package which he has done and then decide to broadcast a rogue stream because people are complaining on a forum. Me agreeing with the interview is just me trying to understand how their business works. Demanding a full television production without the viewership to back it up is pure fantasy. That being said, from a corporate perspective, it would certainly be interesting to hear what the FIM actually think about the situation and where it leaves the commercial value of their flagship junior events.

He knew exactly who you meant he just couldn’t help himself.

Although Zach isn’t as good as Lawson or Masters, I think it’s more of a case that he’s younger and has aspirations to try and make it further in the sport, like his Brother, and then riders like Basso Brennan Nagel and many other riders who left the champ despite never hitting a 9 average. I still firmly believe Zach is riding at about 75%, and come the playoffs he will find that extra gear like last year

Another poor showing from Paco tonight, 4 points from 4 rides for Edinburgh 😬 he honestly needs to go, as much as I like him, but liking a rider sometimes isn’t enough 🙈

On a positive note Vinnie back for the Comets this weekend 😃

I think you lose the right to privacy when you put all your troubles on Facebook, strong language and all, available for the whole world to see

shows the sorry state the sport is in in the country when eddie kennett is returning at the top level.

Called it at the start of the season that Brennan may be out of his depth at number 1 and might get demoralised, I hope he doesn’t but he will find it tough. For me, Lawson doesn’t fit the witches formula, he goes back to the pits and doesn’t interact with fans, seems moody a lot and doesn’t bother going on the parade lap after the meeting when everyone else does.

Garbage! Most Lions fans are thrilled with his contribution this season. You might want to look at the riders scores again? Kemp could have scored more than he did if not for mechanical issues ( his own fault admittedly).Dougy was outstanding and the rest of the team were solid against the team that has the best combined heat leader trio in the league. Tonight was a great example of what team speedway should be about.

Enjoyed this, Chris Adams managed his side well given the hand he was dealt with injuries etc, got the most of of a 4 (maybe5) man Foxes side! A bit gate and go however but a few good races and one or two good moves from the home riders. Agree that Kye Thomson is a cracking rider and he mixed it really well. Witches needed more from some riders - both Lawson and TomB didn't do enough tonight for me. It was nice to see Jordan back and I do wonder why he hasn't been given a spot ahead of Kennett - nothing against Kennett but Jenkins did enough for me to think why isn't he in?

Is it for the drone to capture? Or maybe its done to look like a 3D one like they do at cricket?...

In the "halcyon days" of the sport I was fortunate to attend Hyde Rd every week, and they had massive crowds, with several coaches full of away fans.. The racing was very much on a par with today, with most races strung out, with a few "good races" thrown in per meeting... PC would often win a race by half a straight when he gated... The Aces though were serial winners in those days meaning crowds stayed big, and whenever they went away they often drew the biggest crowds of that tracks' season.. When the sport started to lose its fan base, there started to be too many gaps on the terracing, and hardly any away fans in attendance, which resulted in nowhere near the same atmosphere being generated, which led to even less people then attending, making the atmosphere worse, and on, and on the vicious cycle went, with it never being even slowed down, let alone stopped... The racing was the same, the crowd size wasnt, therefore as the atmosphere declined, with it also went the stature of the league titles being raced for, which then also adversely impacted crowds further.. Poole know they need a winning team to keep a good crowd level, so provide one, with their crowd numbers ensuring that there will be sufficient atmosphere each week to (hopefully), engage enough people to keep coming due to the feel good factors of success.. Off track atmosphere, through winning, can add plenty of entertainment to a Speedway meeting, and obviously keeps people attending at Poole, even if the on track action doesn't always excite as much... Cardiff's first ten years or so also proved that... Great racing in a one third full stadium doesnt generate much atmosphere, and, thus, crowd growth... The NSS proves that... Poole "sells" success and the crowds respond in numbers.. Glasgow "sells" entertainment and the crowds respond in numbers.. Each to their own, and, if it works, why change?..

Manchester is contracted to run a double header GP next year and then that’s it. So don’t fear that you’ll be carrying Britain’s GP on your back for much longer! Mayfield’s ideal scenario is one at Manchester and one elsewhere, although nothing confirmed as to where that may be!

Looking at the numbers Mitch fits with ease. As it stands; 1 more home & 2 away, it looks like Rushen will move to No2. 2H 2A & Scott (when fit) would also move to No6. Castagna/McDiarmid would be at No7. McDiarmid is definitely the best option out there for the 1/7 greensheets but is that to late for change?? If King's Lynn want to make changes, they'll need to be where Rushen & Scott remain reserves & currently, to do that is replacing Cook, Castagna & Scott & declaring Rushen as RS, the risk there is the replacements could be even worse. I can't see that happening, plus, the team starts to look in a lot of trouble if the reserves start making the main body of the team already, it's way to soon for them. It highlights there's something seriously wrong. King's Lynn look like they're in a rock n' a hard place right now. Either, accept our youngsters in the main body or a team rebuild, can't see the latter. On paper, this team should be strong but something just isn't happening. Gating? Speed? Team bonding?

Also... don't be going on about how brilliant it all is on social media while ignoring the fans asking why it's not being televised if it's so good 🤷‍♂️

So is your criminal record 😂

Thank you for a very reasoned reply.

Tbh mate, we are all fans and its in our right to have concerns and discuss those on a public forum. I have no issues with what youve posted. Its not like you were slating the guy. As for the 1-7, just seen JJ might be a doubt after an incident in Denmark yesterday. Maybe some day we'll field a full team. Cant complain too much though. Poor Berwick cant catch a break.

Could of been worse half expected Jade Mudgeway to be announced 🤣 .That's me done for the season. Club needs to be asking why fans are leaving early every week with meetings dragging on and overall poor racing on a badly prepared track ,NON paying fans are allowed to watch from the Banking while us mugs pay to watch a mediocre product.

I don’t have a problem with you having said something. It wasn’t you who aired his anguish in public. And, although the original post has been deleted, I’m sure there are plenty of screen shots around

Which makes me think there should have been a rule put in place to stop those two signing for the same teams, why dont they grade the reserves the same way they used to a few years ago? Theyve stopped teams signing one rider over an 8 average but done nothing about riders at the bottom of the team. The season is over, award Poole the title now.

You’re missing the point. Speedway lives and dies on entertainment; Poole are starving the sport of that while they fill their trophy cabinet. I was vocal about recommending a Poole meeting to two colleagues from Bournemouth last season and unsurprisingly, they haven’t been back. This has absolutely nothing to do with Poole’s support or their annual revenue.

... and all put together within the same 40 point team building limit

Dayle Wood has come on massively from a few years ago when he was a wobbly danger to himself and others 👍🏻

“FTG” or “X passes X on B2 L1”.😂 We’re rubbishe, but when the champions are serving up this sort of racing on a weekly basis, what chance has the sport got?

I know Kemp jumped but it also cause Morris to jump which helped him make a blinder. Should’ve been pulled back. Track awful, don’t understand no matter the weather it’s always a dust bowl.

This time, it looks like Leicester has dealt with this whole matter in the right way

I hate to think what she thinks of you. 🙄

Ignoring used to be so much better years ago... You had some of the best ignorer's in the world, ignoring over here, with tens of thousands happy to watch them ignore... Now, we have some very average ignorer's with hardly anyone watching them ignore... Ignoring seems to be dying on its arse, if this continuous thread is anything to go by..

I expect the pairs being held at Poole will get a much bigger crowd then if it was being held at the NSS so it’s a sensible business decision.

Yes, but... don't forget the Poole fans are washing their hair on every night of the week other than Wednesday's 😂