The White Knight

It is very cold then............................... :unsure:

All I will say is that there were 8,000 people at the penultimate Meeting. I was there. Remember, we only had 9 Home Meetings before they shut us down. Hardly a fair run to accurately judge support levels I think. Bridgett particularly needed our Riders as Wolves were near the bottom of the League - they eventually finished third, with a number of ex Sunderland Riders in the Team, if my memory serves me right. Meanwhile Newcastle got Sharples who was instrumental in them winning the League that year. So it was definitely about Riders and nothing to do with attendances. I spoke to a Wolves Supporter who agreed with my analysis of the situation. Granted the weather was not great over that period. But we never had a Meeting rained off and the Summer was on the way. We were shafted by the Promoters in my opinion. I have held that opinion for over 50 years and still feel that way today.

Sunderland was closed by Mike Parker and Bill Bridgett so that they could take our (Sunderland) Riders and put them in to the Newcastle and Wolverhampton Teams in order to improve them. That is the only reason that Sunderland closed. All is laid out here. See below: http://www.sunderlandspeedway.co.uk/stats/1964/1964_Season.html

Do you not think it is already too late?

That makes sense.

I couldn't agree more steve. I admired him too. Very forward thinking for his time, he could see things in Speedway that others couldn't. Had he been listened to by 'the powers that be' all of those years ago - Speedway would probably be in a much healthier state than it is now.

I don't normally quote myself - but - I forgot to mention Bill Bridgett, Parkers partner in crime when it came to Sunderland. My comments apply to both.

Can you expand on that satatement The Dean Machine? I will totally understand if you can't.

I find this really concerning.......... You are definitely right about the state of things if that is the case. How can Supporters get a habit of going to the Speedway regularly if there is only Meetings something like once a month?

I wish Cradley Supporters all the luck in the World. You have certainly fought long and hard for it to happen.

I never met him - but I didn't like him. Why? For what he did to the Sunderland 'Saints' back in 1964. I have a lot of respect for Len Silver.

if there's no riding - doesn't seem much point to me. :D

Rider Control?

Ooops. That's my fault leander. I should have stated: Post 266 by waytogo28 In the Bt Coverage Thread under Speedway News & Discussions. Sorry about that leander and Dandelion.

It was far, far easier to recognise Riders by the personal style of riding, sitting on the Bike and Race Jackets than it is these days. The Riders all look the bloody same, both on the Bike and off it. The Bikes look all the same. There is no room for a bit of individuality any more unfortunately. Yet more reasons why Speedway is suffering, in my opinion.

Sounds great to me. If there is cost involved I can't see it happenng though. I used to enjoy International Meeting years ago too. I suppose the Promoters would have to ask themselves whether or not folk would turn out to watch Internationals, when lots of Tracks are having trouble getting people to turn out for their Home Club Meetings. If they think they won't turn up well they are probably right not to run them. A great shame though.

Hi Dandelion. Regarding Manzares - I would just draw your attention to Post Number: 266 by waytogo28 on the subject. Just thought you may be interested.

Fair comment Gemini. I just wish we could hear some good news for a change. Allowing Travellers to settle at Brandon can only bring further destruction to the Stadium on top of that already committed by others.

You couldn't make it any clearer than what you stated above jenga. As Speedway is possibly in it's last chance saloon regarding Television coverage - it was rather a stupid thing to say. I have replied to his original Post NW42.

Well I'm still hoping so.

George is indeed a true Gentleman in the real sense of the word. I have been privileged, over the years, to have been friends with George. When he came to Sunderland in 1971 he immediately became involved with Supporters of Sunderland 'Stars'. He is a friendly person who also always seems to have time for everyone. George and Linda were almost totally responsible for the raising of the money required to get the National Speedway Museum up and running. I believe he and Linda visited every Track in the Country to raise the Cash. He has travelled many times to Sunderland to attend our Reunions over the years.It is always a genuine pleasure to see him. Thank you for this Thread gustix.

He would be mine too. Oooops!!! We have both just upset Dandelion.

Well at least he would know what he is talking about - he would probably be entertaining too.

If this is being allowed by the Police etc. than this must be the end for Brandon. So very, very sad.

Peter Collins, Michael Lee?