NeilWatson

I’ve always posted under my own name since I joined the forum some 16 years and around 1800 posts ago.

I can’t say, because I have never been given a reason. Following the 2018 AGM I was asked to continue as a Promoter under Mr Chapman’s ownership. In January 2019 for various reasons I decided I would not apply for a licence for the 2019 season and advised Mr Chapman accordingly, and handed all the Club admin I held over to the new owners in good order (and have been publicly thanked for doing so). It’s usual for former Promoters to be welcome as guests at their Club (I’ve been Promoter at Peterborough on three different occasions of course) but that was denied me, as was the ability to pay at the turnstiles.

My post on February 19th read: ‘I had a discussion with one of the management team from Peterborough Speedway today. I have been advised that there will be no change to the new arrangements outlined in the Club press release of 28th January (http://www.peterborough-speedway.com/news.php?extend.3747). Thank you to all who signed...’ I don't see how that could be any clearer. If the Club press release is 'neither clear or has good reasoning' that's something to take up with them, not me. You are missing nothing, I am still dissatisfied with the situation but as it was made clear that the decision would not be changed, despite the management being fully aware of the petition's existence and the 180+ signatures, the petition was closed. I assume you meant me rather than NKI..... The new arrangements would affect me greatly if I were permitted to attend meetings at the Showground and I know of a good number of others that will be prevented from attending by the change. My approach to the issue didn't demand the new policy be dropped, but simply asked for alternative arrangements to be put in place to recognise the particular needs of disabled fans and Blue Badge holders. Despite the numbers that supported the petition, and the very personal and moving statements made by a number of fans, it seems that won't be the case. I would add that I don't believe that the Club would be so unprofessional as to condone 'Speedster15' posting on here ostensibly on their behalf, and wonder if they in fact know that it is going on.

No idea, and he’s made no attempt to contact me privately.

Nothing of the sort. I made it quite clear at the time why I closed the petition.

PETERBOROUGH Speedway have been forced to put their 50th anniversary meeting on hold – and it’s nothing to do with the Coronavirus. Panthers bosses have been advised the main grandstand at the East of England Arena is temporarily unavailable for spectators due to some important repair work. Club owner Keith Chapman is, however, confident the Supporters’ Cup tie with King’s Lynn will go ahead next Thursday, March 19, as the new opening meeting date. The situation with press and practice will be clarified very soon. A statement from the East of England Arena reads as follows: “Due to a remedial repair requirement with the Grandstand at The East of England Arena the venue and the organisers have jointly agreed to cancel this weekend’s (March 15) Speedway meeting in advance of further inspections. “The venue are arranging suitable repairs to the structure which will take place as soon as possible however the structure will be reviewed for possible part usage during the repair period and more information will be available prior to the meeting of March 19. “Our apologies to all the Speedway fans however safety has to be at the centre of all our planning and we should be able to update with more positive news soon.” Chapman has also confirmed the club will look to rearrange their anniversary meeting later in the year. PETERBOROUGH SPEEDWAY would like to thank Crendon Timber as main team sponsors and City Auction Group as club sponsors for their support. ENDS

Club asset, fans’ favourite, attractive average - not that odd.....

This post is a response from Julie Reading (Sheffield Promoter) to concerns voiced on this forum about disabled viewing at Sheffield.

That’s correct, apologies.

I'm sure he would, but on a 3.15 average is there a 7-pointer to go with him?

Clashes with the Ben Fund meeting

Peterborough Panthers recorded ‘Aces of the Track’ in the 70s, (with the Graham Walker Showband I believe). I remember the discs arrived unlabelled and I sat in the speedway office licking and sticking the round red labels on the vinyl!

Maybe not but my point still stands, the overall cost increase would not be excessive, particularly if the extra rides are replacing a 1-5 rider and not the other reserve.

But if Hans is getting seven rides at reserve and scoring big points someone else won't be scoring (injury, poor form etc) so the overall additional cost isn't excessive

5.49 - from 2018

The BSPA press release specifically mentioned Rye House, Oxford and Coventry - but no mention of Bradford which may suggest the chances of reopening are not high.

BRADLEY Wilson-Dean has been ruled out of Peterborough’s team ahead of the new season. Kiwi ace Wilson-Dean has had more surgery on his shoulder after riding through the pain barrier in his home country and the surgeon has told him not to race for six months. It means the Crendon Panthers are now two riders short of a full team for the new campaign – but co-promoter Carl Johnson insists they have options. “The first thing we have to do is wish Brad all the very best for a full recovery,” he said. “It’s a decision he has made in the best interests of his health going forward and naturally we support and fully understand that. “We have irons in the fire in terms of the final two team members now and we’ll get there. We know what we have left to play with in terms of the points limit for team building regulations. “There’s a real feel good factor around the place right now and we’re all looking forward to the opening meeting on Sunday March 15 and our 50th anniversary meeting.” Wilson-Dean admits he is disappointed but has taken the decision to reduce the risk of permanent damage long term. “It’s been tough for me physically and mentally but I’ve decided to listen to the surgeon,” he said. “I’d like to thank Peterborough for being so understanding and I want to thank everyone who supports me for their care and understanding. “I have no doubt in my mind that when I’m back I’ll be fitter and stronger.” PETERBOROUGH SPEEDWAY are delighted to be supported by Crendon Timber as main team sponsors and City Auction Group as club sponsors.

There is nothing to add - the arrangements are not going to change so the petition is of no further use.

I don't believe Scott Nicholls and Richie Worrall would fit :

I was told that the arrangements were not going to change - so I decided that the petition had run its course. I was disappointed by the outcome of course.

I’ve certainly not been told to withdraw the petition.

I had a discussion with one of the management team from Peterborough Speedway today. I have been advised that there will be no change to the new arrangements outlined in the Club press release of 28th January (http://www.peterborough-speedway.com/news.php?extend.3747). Thank you to all who signed the petition. I will be arranging for the petition to be removed from change.org shortly.

As Carl Johnson now has a ‘wider role in Club affairs’ perhaps resolving the disabled parking problem will be on his ‘to do’ list.

My wife and I sponsored both Kings Lynn Young Stars and Mildenhall as ‘Art and Stitch’.

Pretty much every track staff job at Peterborough over the years, main team sponsor of two Clubs while not promoting, Promoter in all three leagues, at three (four if you count the Bees and Storm separately) different Clubs, three times at Peterborough with three different co-promoters, and a stint as a reserve member of the Management Committee - I’d say my achievements in the sport are considerably better than yours.....