Halifaxtiger

I am a Bridger fan so its very good news that he is finally riding in the second tier of British Speedway. I am a little surprised its Berwick, though. He's spent most of his career on the smaller, more technical tracks and he's not a gater (which helps an awful lot at Shielfield). Providing he stays fired up, he could still easily be the big hitter that they need.

I heard Buster Chapman played a major part, too. I heard that the new Belle Vue owners wanted the stadium as well as the Aces, so maybe it is they who are subletting to the American Football team. So much for those who said the NSS couldn't attract anything else. Quite. I'll believe it when I see it.

I think you might well be right. I can't help but think that they'd be more credible if they were more in bed with the fans (ie those that read the Star) than the management.

I have heard he has been trouble elsewhere but if hasn't at Eastbourne he'd definitely be in for me.

Cupitt should be a shoe in. Of those signed, Wilson dropped a point off his average last season but there's a world of difference between riding for Isle of Wight and riding for Stoke (getting paid for a start) so there's every chance of him going back up. I am not a big fan of Cockle - gives up far too easily if he doesn't gate - but he's hugely popular there. Widman is a good signing and could well improve. I'd be looking closely at Hopwood, too. I know he loves riding on the Island and on that average he's a bargain. I'd also like to see Dugard get another go. Twice the rider he was at Eastbourne, again because of how things are at Smallbrook. Stoneman is a gamble on 7.00 - a big one. Smashed Coventry apart but never got near Smith & Parkinson-Blackburn (who have similar averages). Tyler Govier was a little unlucky but I can see him going to Plymouth.

Quite simply, its better to have an editorial that highlights abuses than not have one at all(and hence seem to be complicit in or turn a blind eye to those abuses). As to why it should be you, you have been in speedway for at least 50 years and have been around the top teams, promoters and stars during that time whichgives you a wealth of experience that few of us can match. I can't think of many who are better placed. It really doesn't matter what the BSPA think. The Star is a magazine for the fans of the sport, not those that run it. Fair observation of decisions, actions etc by anyone within the sport - promoters, riders etc - gives it, in my view at least, all the more credibility and such editorials need not be just for the purpose of being critical but can also give the credit to those that deserve it. If there was some uncertainty about the stadium its little wonder that the big events have gone elsewhere. It shouldn't have a monopoly, but................its a fantastic stadium with an equally fantastic track. Others in this country may match one or the other, but none come anywhere near both. Secondly, its centrally located. Its the same distance away from Glasgow as it is from Somerset.

Personally, I'd say its not unreasonable for anyone performing a service to state a price and a completion date and stick to both and that 'timely delivery' should pretty much be a given (I certainly don't believe that the timetable here was optimistic). Cheap is OK, but not if its crap - I am sure that both of us would quickly dump any form of contractor if they were consistently late, even if they did cost less than others. He certainly won't get any abuse from me, sarcastic or otherwise. Personally, I'd say this forum is improved by having the opinions of a man who has been involved in speedway for 50 years and is the managing editor of pretty much the only weekly magazine that covers the sport and, for what its worth, I greatly value them - whether I agree with him or not. I have found that I agree with the majority of Phil's opinions of what has happened at Belle Vue and indeed what is to happen in the future. Well said, Humph. My problem with the Star is the lack of criticism - although, as you say, there are limits. The problem is I rarely see any abuse or rule bending subject to editorial comment when they most certainly should be. In not doing so, at best the Star can be accused of turning a blind eye, at worst utter condonement.

I think he has a point too, Steve. I also think its not unreasonable to expect that a building project will be completed on time and, if it isn't, that there will be a hefty penalty clause for any delay. Going on ISG's response, the council apparently didn't really care that it was late and it seems that there has been no question of legal action or compensation between the two.

I went to Hever Castle recently and they were advertising weddings there. I am sure many would agree that having your big day in a 15th century castle (modernised in the early 20th century) with acres of landscaped gardens and grounds and 5 star overnight accommodation thrown in would be just about ideal. The same number also couldn't afford it. As such, its a question of pricing and a recognition that there is significant competition in Manchester. NSS has the basic facilities to hold social functions, so there is no reason why they can't do that. Somerset do, and while they have less competition they also have significantly less population density. Isle of Wight have made attempts to ensure that Smallbrook is used for events other than speedway, and have attracted some including one that has always been held elsewhere on the Island. Again, no reason why Belle Vue can't do the same. I am certain that whoever takes over Belle Vue will be aware of the potential uses of the stadium as a whole. Indeed, my suspicion is that they will be keen to take over the stadium and get the Aces as part of the deal rather than the other way around.

Very cynical but even if you are right I am still not unhappy about it.

If the school needs 'every penny they can get it' will be surprising if they refuse to allow speedway at the stadium although clearly there will need to be some negotiation as to the actual amount. Landlords have to be realistic and will surely realise that a reasonable amount is better than nothing, the latter of course being a very real possibility. As to the BSPA, it would be very wrong to judge a new promotion on the standards and performances of the past ones. I suspect there maybe an issue simply because of the geographical location - in the NL, the nearest track must be 100 miles or more away, in the PL more like 200 with the majority over 300 - but that will not prevent Plymouth being accepted. If they are prepared to allow you to buy and run the track, then they will be prepared to allow others to do the same.

That's pretty much what I got told. Some pay was received but the rider in question was owed a huge amount. The £50 brick payments were honoured because the bricks are in the main entry lobby. No-one can say they were cheated where that is concerned and I am glad I did it.

Jenkins is better. Brennan is very good at Arlington but hardly scored a point elsewhere, while a major factor in Eastbourne beating Cradley in the KOC cup was Jenkins remarkable performance at Monmore.

Had a message today that the club has been sold and, pending BSPA approval and conclusion of a lease for the track,Plymouth will be in the NL in 2017. Hopefully, there won't be any problems with either of the latter. This is fantastic news. SBA is one of my favourite tracks and their fans are some of the best in the sport.

The extraordinary Dan Bewley aside, best novice I saw last season.

I think you are absolutely right. Even if speedway could survive on its own, it would be foolish not to use the stadium to its maximum potential.

My understanding is that full use of the stadium was a stipulation of those coming in. It could be the case, then, that they got the Aces with the stadium rather than the other way around.

Might not be quite so bad. I have been told that a new promotion will be announced shortly.

I think you are dead right here. Kurtz didn't want to be at Plymouth and with the possible exception of the NL fours did them very little good at all. I think Harris will be wanting big terms and hope he gets a wake up call. He's not as good as he thinks he is. I can only assume that Garrity not returning is something to do with off track escapades. At times last season, he was brilliant.

I think you're right, Adz. Stoneman would have been a steal on a 3.00 but on a 7.00 he's a gamble. The one rider you can't leave out is Coles. Started badly, got a mouthful and rode excellently for the rest of the season. He's a point better than his average without taking into account any improvement.

I am told 'good news, soon'.

Completely agree Never heard a bad word about Armstrong and have a great number of good ones. In particular, the fact that he is still riding and how he is able to give far more assistance and advice simply because he is still out on the track rather than in the pits.

I do for one, and I know others who agree. First priority if you ask me. Get JPB in or someone else will. He's been good all season, but in the KOC at Eastbourne he was just brilliant.

Won't they ? This is taken from the Oak Tree Arena website (the facility is, of course, within the stadium at Somerset and is indeed right next to the track). http://www.oaktreearena.com/weddings.html According to Phil the Ace, they have indeed held pop concerts (of a kind) there. Isle of Wight have marketed training days, a pop concert, a firework display and (if memory serves me correctly) a motorbike show. No reason why Belle Vue can't do the same, and Isle of Wight don't have a brand new sports pitch right in the middle. I'd be the first to admit that Gorton isn't exactly the most salubrious place I have ever been. But, if truth were told, nor is Wembley.

As I have said, I think they are all happy. Manchester is just over 200 miles from Glasgow and just under 200 from Rye House or Somerset. For the speedway fan, its the most centrally located in the country. When's the last time they had a 4,000 crowd at Brandon ? The toilets are Brandon aren't exactly the last word - at least Belle Vue's are new. You also don't risk fracturing something on the broken and cracked terracing. The simple truth is for speedway the track is equally as important as the stadium. If the track is crap, you might as well have it in a field - ask anyone who has been to Leicester about that one.