george.m

It has everything to do with his judgement, and he uses this in his position as Team GB manager.

... and the correct spelling of "criticising" is? Seriously though, he broke four laws including doing a runner from the police. He's a danger to himself and other human beings. It's hard not to surmise he's a bit thick.

Every town in the UK has a High Street ..... Named after Antonio Lindback

Not at all. I'm with you on this.

Now, now Scotland 1314, don't put yourself down!

Agree 100%. I'm sure there's a good reason for the move. However, if it's to improve spectator viewing I prefer the first bend bunching option to start/finish. First bend excitement every race, close finishes less so.

And one is a bike.

Aye, you can't keep a good Dick down!

I'd be interested to know.

Defending Glasgow promotions ability to spot talent. Not eligibility.

Exactly! Nick Morris being a case in point!

I see a few mentions of the BSPA being unable to fund an independent MC. I'd make two suggestions to change the current set up based on the fact that the individuals involved are making decisions on the interpretation of a rule book. 1. The current PL, EL and NL MCs swap places in matters such as this. Or... 2. Use a body of former promoters or better still, referees to make decisions on rider eligibility. Considering the low frequency of necessary meetings, the cost wouldn't be prohibitive. This would reduce the paranoia. Though I do accept some promoters could potentially have an interest in another league.

I can't help but think that the rationale behind the constant failure to put in print the reasons for BSPA MC decisions is they don't want to set precedents that can be used in the future. In other words, past, current and future decisions are not made solely on the basis of the rulebook - human judgement comes into it. When human judgement comes into it, so does the potential for bias - real or perceived.......... and that leads to supporter disillusionment and/or dissatisfaction.

Paulco, you could well be right about the paranoia but it would be easy to put it to an end, or better still prevent it before it starts. Quite simply the BSPA MC could show respect to the paying public and give a full explanation to them when decisions are made. What puts doubts in my mind about the integrity and ability of the MC is the fact that Harley's appeal was successful. FFS what did the MC miss first time?

Potential and actual sales increases from sponsorship are economically not worth calculating accurately. The most tangible benefits to measure are business relationship orientated. Sales increases tend to be anecdotal based.

Bandit's new sponsors announced: Berwick Psychiatrists. The company announced at the launch today they felt, just on this forum alone, there was a significant new business opportunity. In particular they are keen to target the Bandit pessimists on BSF.

As you suggest, transparency of decisions will negate the conspiracy theories. Simples.

Would it necessarily be speedway related? What about alternative forms of entertainment? Speedway's hardcore support won't have decreased as much as the rest which would be easier drawn away. Colour TV in the early '70s (depends when you think the decline started) Sky TV - Especially live Premier football games

That reminds me. We're booking our summer holiday tomorrow. Does anyone know when the sun-offs are planned for?

Wall of death on 3 and 4 perhaps?

And so you should be a great looking team and should produce some very entertaining nights. Just hope the crowds do turn up after the financial backing so many have made. Scottish speedway needs a shot in the arm!

Doomed. We're all doomed!

Could be a mis-count if done through beer goggles.

There are fixed costs that need to be covered and these are independent of the team make up. Add to that the need for an attractive team otherwise attendances will fall (speculate to accumulate). As DW says begging bowl not produced. They are being transparent and putting words into action - "it's the fans club", etc. Personally I think it's a good move to know the breakeven point. I wouldn't be surprised if more people are making a mental note of the attendance at meetings now and this might lead to some of the promotion's requests to bring more people to meetings coming to fruition.

Think the newsletter is a first class idea. I hope the directors keep it going and it doesn't peter out. So refreshing to know what is going on at the club I support. And how much better to know that we need 745 to break even, than go through the usual mid-season "we need more through the door or we're closing". We all know where we stand now.