Gemini

I tend to get that idea from how you come across on here, but I'm sure you are a very nice lady in person. Not really an odd question, but probably used more on Facebook when someone asks 'Who's going?' And I agree that there will probably be more at Leicester than there would at Coventry after the goings on at the last couple of N.L. meetings. I for one wasn't going to Brandon, voluntary for the first time this season, but I am now it's at Beaumont Park. I'm sure there will be a lot of Leicester fans keen to see a bit more speedway and the chance to see The Storm slaughtered. Just one of several directors on the board of Midland Sports Stadiums so he didn't do it personally on his own, but usually gets the blame anyway.

With a reply like that from TMW you should work out that the 'fella' is a woman and usually a stroppy one as well. Anyway, I'm going so that's one. By the way your unedited post was best, not the watered down version.

Unfortunately I think it has worked for a lot of fans. I'm as keen as anyone and have been to all the Bees and Storm matches, apart from when I've been on holiday, but I wasn't going tomorrow as I have been so cheesed off at the last two N.L. meetings.

Is that definitely true? I always thought houses had been built? Perhaps they're not exactly on the land where the stadium stood but no-one would want to buy a house right next door to a stadium anyway so it couldn't stay.

Well, I hate to say it but this really suits me as it's only up the road. The only reason I wasn't going to bother going to Brandon was because the track for last two National League meetings has been diabolical and I resent paying out any more money without knowing it will be any different. So I'll be there cheering on The Storm but unfortunately without Lucy as dogs aren't allowed.

Pity I'm not going as I would have been able to print the perfect programme tonight.

Where was he yesterday then because there was no sign of him. Surely if he was in charge of the track he would have been out there sorting it out.

I think we all accept track grading is necessary every few heats but what is irritating is when it has to take place shortly after the match has just started because the track hasn't been prepared properly beforehand. Unfortunately this has happened too often at Coventry this season and we are standing around watching endless laps of tractor racing rather than what we have paid to see.

What not even a biscuit and cuppa at the interval? I think I'm right in saying Coventry's track staff were allowed free entry but that was a few years ago - it might be different now.

Now I am not a trackman as you have probably gathered but perhaps FTM will see this thread and comment. My guess would be to keep the expenses down. Free entry plus tea and biscuits in the interval for how many - about a dozen people ? whereas the tractor/man is at the track anyway and he can trundle round every 4 heats so just one cup of tea and a couple of custard creams for him. With the exception of Berwick as the last time I went (quite a few years ago) had at least 9 rakers on each bend.

Have a league match once a year at each track and I'm sure the total attendances would more than match the 40,000 at Cardiff.

I wasn't thinking of silencers. You've got a point though which is probably correct.

I think I saw a bit of team riding at Coventry on Friday - Milik and Pawlicki riding side by side for four laps in heat 5, passing and re-passing each other. Great to watch....if only it wasn't just a battle to get 3rd place.

Yes, the only thing missing was Dave Robinson. He would have excluded a few for not being ready.

By the lack of response I think you'll gather most of us have given up trying to suggest things to improve speedway. Since 2010 every season has been worse than the one before - riders missing supposedly injured or ill although still riding everywhere but the U.K., lack of continuity, guests, no matches in the height of Summer then trying to cram everything in during the middle/end of October, badly prepared tracks, riders returning to the pits after a false start, races taking forever to start due to all the gardening and messing about. There's my reply and I fully expect season 2015 to be pretty much the same as this one - crap.

If it was just individual meetings that would be the end of speedway for me after 65 years. Not interested.

I doubt if it's anything we don't know already. Even the long standing fans are getting cheesed off now and yes that does include me.

Even my dog - who is a keen fan at Brandon by the way so understands how speedway works - knows it's going to be Poole so not really a slip up.

I think someone has just spotted me and they're mistaken.

So where was Nicki's lady friend this time who keeps him cool in the pits and looks after his every need? Probably his antics in the last G.P. have scared her off and I don't blame her.

Coventry's does. That's why there have been problems lately as the riders aren't used to a bit of dirt.

Agree. As someone who has been to all The Storm meetings, except the double header, they have often been more enjoyable than watching the Bees. It was just unfortunate that on Friday the track was so difficult (again!) that the majority of the N.L. lads had trouble getting round, with the exception of James Sarjeant who is probably used to it being like a ploughed field now so can adapt.

Yet there are people on Facebook saying 'Another thoroughly entertaining and absorbing meeting, even allowing for the delays and re-runs.' 'Anyone who didn't go missed a great night. Speedway was absorbing and the result not certain until a few heats from the end.' I like to think after all these years I'm pretty unbiased and I just don't see how that can be described as a great night. We weren't the only ones who left before the end and it just makes me feel sad how things are at Coventry now.

That's what is so depressing. Some fans won't attend National League matches because they think it is inferior racing with riders falling off all the time. Last night would prove them right as the majority of riders were struggling with the track and it was not a good advert for speedway. I have been to all the Storm matches, apart from the double header when I was on holiday, but I won't be going back for the final. As for the other half he stopped going to Leicester mid season so I was hoping some exciting racing would encourage him to come with me to Coventry more often. Not a chance after last night.

We all had the same problem but strangely you were the only one who made a derogatory comment once the forum was up and running again. Is it beyond your comprehension to understand why you get the replies you do?