I think this move might be the death-knell for Stoke speedway. As a huge Potters fan, I am gutted that this has happened because this is such a huge step backwards for the club. I mean absolutely no disrespect towards NL clubs and their fans when I write this but I will be amazed if the attendances at Loomer Road ever reach the levels the current promotion seem to think they will. The racing at Stoke is always second-to-none for entertainment and some great riders have appeared for the team since I have followed them over the past 5 or 6 seasons. This decision, though, shows what an absolute shambles the current promotion is, especially with their clear lack of desire to be positive. They spent most of last season tracking a team of reserves/second strings (a group of riders that cannot be faulted for their eforts in what was clearly an under-strength 1-7) and the reason for their failure to show any ambition and bring in a proper heat leader has now become clear - a lack of money or willingness to spend or raise it. The facilities for supporters at the stadium are atrocious and I doubt that ticket prices will drop sufficiently to fall in line with the quality of the product on offer. It's nothing to do with people realising that some speedway is better than none. Stoke fans have supported their team with great passion through thick and thin (largely thin) since I have been attending and this is in spite of the people who run the club. This move will be worse than having no team at all and is a complete insult to every single Potters fan. I only hope by some miracle that this will not lead to result in what I expect it to.
