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Message from former Berwick rider Connor Coles posted on social media. The last few months have given me a lot of time to reflect. As I’ve been working through my recovery, I’ve seen the thousands of messages, comments and well wishes that were sent while I was in a coma and afterwards. There are too many to reply to individually, but I’ve read them, and I genuinely appreciate every bit of support. To everyone who took the time to send a message, say a prayer, donate, support my family, or simply think of me – thank you. That support carried me and meant a lot to me, Kirsty, Isabella, Poppie and everyone close to us during one of the toughest periods we’ve been through. I’ve been asked a lot about whether I’ll race again. After long discussions with my family and medical team, I’ve made the decision to retire from professional speedway. It’s not how I ever wanted things to end, but I have to be realistic about where I’m at. Like every rider, I always thought I’d choose the moment myself, but that choice has been taken out of my hands. Speedway has been a massive part of my life. It’s given me good times, tough times, friendships, and experiences I’ll never forget. I’m proud of what I achieved in the sport and proud to have been part of it. Right now, my focus is simple – keep working on my recovery and be there for my family. Thank you to every club I’ve ridden for, my teammates, sponsors, mechanics, volunteers and the fans who stood by me throughout my career. I’ve never taken any of it for granted. That’s the end of my racing career, and the start of a new chapter. Thank you.

He has said that he has not enjoyed his racing for a while and is stepping away with immediate effect to spend more time with his family. A sad loss to the sport in this country and I am sure many on this forum wish him well in whatever he decides to do.

And all promoters know they will need to use all the "ahhh but what if?', regulations put together, up to, and including, "in the interests of Speedway" at some stage of the season... There will be over 200 guests used this season in tiers one and two, with a large percentage down to fixture clashes, and "illness", and not injuries... A truly incredible way to run what is supposed to be considered (by themselves at least), a professional team sport... Edit. As an ironic footnote to this, I have just read a Speedway Star from a few weeks ago and in the "10 years ago" section if quotes Matt Ford as saying.. "Its only a matter of time when" (a squad system should be introduced), to avoid meetings packed with guests.. "The one absolute certainty I can give you is that it is going to happen, its just when people finally don't feel frightened by it, for want of a better word, and understand how it would work".. "We are limiting and strangling ourselves by sticking to the old format of using the same seven men, it can't continue".. "At no point has it ever been as bad as it is now, and at no point have people being talking so negatively about the sport, the biggest reason for that is the lack of fixtures and continuity"... Remember this was TEN YEARS AGO!... It could have been written today...

Is it a seven or a twenty eight day ban he gets...? It does show how fragile everything is when an experienced DU rider steps away from the sport given two teams now have the difficulty of finding replacements of a "decent" level... Best Wishes to the lad, one of those 100% "triers" who keep you watching the sport...

Craig Cook?

One of the riders who could be considered to be the bedrock of British Speedway. Not a good sign when a rider like Kyle decides he's had enough. Oh dear.

No thinks anybody really cares these days.Its just another 15 hts of speedway.No credibility in results.

Do you think this would have been better for their business? "Well, that's it! After this weekend we clearly have bugger all chance of making the play offs, so it is hardly worth even bothering coming to watch us now"... If so, the BSP could use you... Plymouth are one of the "good news" stories this season and have made loads of positive moves, not least moving from the "graveyard night" for the entertainment sector, (Tuesday), and moving to Saturday's, which is the biggest night for it... They are obviously trying to maintain that positive message, which, in this social media era is absolutely paramount to engage punters to attend... The "truth" is often largely irrelevant these days in communication to those watching, and putting a positive spin in everything you put out into the public domain, is 100% the way to go...

The problem is you didn't want us to win and make all the passes.

Oh dear so sorry we won at home again with a decent crowd, you should try it at Workington, you might get more people turn up!

Thought it was an entertaining meeting with lots of passing and fun races. Berwick were bloody awful but they did gate occasionally so we could pick them off.

Finally got round to listening to Mr Coleman on Chat SGP today, very impressive guy judging by that and not frightened to say it how it is about British speedway. Hopefully he keeps ruffling feathers and gets his ideas across.

I predict a rain off

I dont mean to take a wizz on anyone's parade but Howarths statement suggests he isn't returning anytime soon. Clubs have called it a "break", but Howarth has said hes "Stepping away from the sport with immediate effect". He won't be back anytime soon

The club working very closely with Poland and taking advice on how to improve the track. Reps from Poland due in Uk soon to evaluate what can and can’t be done to improve racing. Finance not an issue.

I don't consider Shielfield Park much better. It can be and had been on my many visits gate and go and all over by the second bend.

Jeppesen would be my choice.of replacement. Hopefully Kyle can make a return in the future.

Yeah Jonas fits, I think he would be a good signing for Leicester.

Wish him well ,always gives100% but obviously not feeling great.

I thought this was a Brandon Update

Rushen is not KLs rising star, so can't benefit from a 25% discount for ceasing to be one.

Not sure Kemp did! 👀🙈

The literally closest racing was between Morris and Kemp, lovely move? well I thought so.

Sleep tight

I heard tonight Zach is not there on Saturday, Jason Edwards guesting, Lewi will be happy 😂

Probably because Poole win every meeting… Can guarantee if a poor team was put together (unlikely with the money Poole have) not many people would want to watch speedway every week on that track.

Well i dont buy the Berwick one so that evens that out lol. Funny how Poole gets the most fans through the gate though. 👀 Tbf first half the meeting was a bit of close racing esp between Morris and Masters. Jenkins also had few close battles. Most overtaking was done by Kennett and Newman, so i would say more passing then usual. Although watching Kennett is like watching a young rider going full throttle. 150% every race, fair play to him. Backs off when he has to though!

Can I wake up now is the meeting finished 😜

I’m not really sure you can change too much re the surface because of the clay content and the stocks? The conditions Dan was talking about was due to them buggering about with the track because of Dicksons demands despite him being told by those that actually know about track prep, that it would make things much worse. Perhaps they’ll look again at uprooting the drains and lowering the inside to create artificial banking that Louis was going to do before he shelved the idea due to costs involved. Who knows. They need to try something because for whatever reason, the track has gotten worse this year and the entertainment almost non existent. It’s never been the NSS, but it’s been better than this.

A true British racer who always entertains and will be sadly missed. Hope he comes back refreshed in 2027. All the best to him for now.

Bit of an odd one to see Howarth step away. I wish him well. The original hard charger who always gives his best. Hopefully it’s a temporary personal issue rather than being disillusioned with the sport which would be a worry. all the best Kyle.

All interesting stuff assuming top league stays at six teams they must be confident of getting additional investment in to put the points limit up and of attracting riders over here if it is Poland and one other league lets hope it bears fruit at least Colman seems to be trying which is more than can be said of Harry and his Tory mate.

Putin's war with the West must be really ramping up if he's sending the bots in to meddle with us 30 old duffers and are multiple identities.

Not for me, would rather have Cookie or Villads

Obviously nothing been taken on board by them in charge over the last 10 years. But we do have a squad system these days, guest / A N Other is in all teams 😜

Stranger things have happened at sea

Only this season though.

Adam Ellis?

Home av 6.20, away 5.74 (all official exc bonus) He just likes riding against Ipswich 3 matches 19 rides 38 pts +3 bonus

It does say in Glasgow s statement that he won't be back in 2026

Hopefully it is nothing too bad sadly he like few others are reaching the stage where injury and age is catching up with them .

I’ve never mentioned Lawson and I thought I’d made it quite clear I’d hold the same opinion regardless of team. Narcissism seems to be creeping in to this match thread. Not everyone is out to get Poole.

What abuse have you seen? These individuals have destroyed a 90 year old stadium with no planning permission. Some peoples emotions are going to be highly charged. Some comments are bound to be a bit fruity and you're very naive if you think that's abuse. No council or planning inspector will take notice of any social media post. This will be decided on evidence in regards to planning laws. You're an absolute hypocrite as well. How about I come and build a padel court in your back garden with no planning permission? Far more benefits for the community. Wally.

Calling yourself an idiot 😂😂 Beyond belief 💦💦

Riders dictating the Sport.soon the will have find work outside the Sport.!

That’s why there should be no guests in these situations.Clubs do not give a jot regarding fans.Expected to turn up and watch anybody ride for the Team.Thats not credible .IMO crowd levels won’t increase with that attitude.

What a farce and unacceptable. If Lawson has signed for his Danish club before us then there’s nothing to be done but considering he has ridden for Poole in previous seasons, it has to be said it stinks. Not acceptable and my guess would be it’s his final season in the skull and crossbones.

Another one who can’t understand a response to a previous Post.

Moderation on this forum ? Yes please, it would see the back of you with all of your aliases with any luck. I live in hope.

While there is life, there is hope. Apparently there are investors prepared to put their money in to Coventry Speedway. This has been mentioned before on here. If this is true, then the Supporters of Coventry Speedway and those with the interest in this Sport of Speedway nationally should support 'Bees' Supporters efforts 100% and that is what I am trying to do. Remember, the Northampton 'Foxes' started from a much lower base than Coventry will, as I believe that there is still a hard core of Coventry Supporters that would support the Club. Northampton started with next to nothing as far as support is concerned. Up The 'Bees' !!!