g13webb

If the quality of riders was higher then the averages would become lower as the points would be more difficult to attain... I agree most teams appear to be more closely matched, but the difference between the top and bottom are still too far apart....

Not wishing to insult the posters or person who opened this thread, but looking at averages to equate a team's strength is not compelling enough to access its strength. Individually averages goes up and down and are dependant on the competition of which he races. So to answer the thread title, asking is this the league stronger the answer is a definite NO. To evaluate the strength we need to look at the quality of the riders, and like the years before, this year we have seen a decline of the very top stars that grace our sport. In a sport, governed by personal gain rather than common sense, our league will continue to weaken until the people in charge, starts puts the sport first...

Its unusual for Shovlar and I to have similar ideas. but looking at each's predictions, it seem we may have something in common.. I could've said great minds think alike, buy didn't want to leave myself open to personal abuse.....

All these comparisons between 2 top riders is superficial. For years we have been thinking of ways to induce more quality riders to race here, and now we invent rules to stop them from doing the one thing we have always craved them to do. The fixed race nights would have opened the doors for some them top riders, but the short-sightedness of the BSPA introducing this '1over8' rule has in fact closed any doors that may have been ajar.... Crazy........ Without that '1over8' rule, we could have had more GP ridesr than we have had for years.....

1 , Poole Everything that is wrong with our average system is highlighted in this team. Ford’s astuteness to assemble his team using out of date figures has placed Poole on a pedestal few can match. Out of date figures have always been the wrath of team building but the BSPA do nothing to remedy it. This league victory will be a walk in the park … 2, Leicester One has to appreciate the strides the Lions have made in their quest to assembly a strong Team. Spear-headed by a GP rider, coupled with 3 more heat leader quality riders makes them a formidable team. Pleased that Bates changed his mind that will only add strength lower down. Getting Simon Stead as Team manager was an impressive coup… They should reach the PO without too much trouble. 3 Belle Vue I feel disappointed they haven’t won the league recently. They have been super strong all season only to lose out in the play-offs. Led by strong heat leaders they will score most over their rivals with their young class reserves. Losing KB will be a big loss but no doubt Tungate will step up. A dead cert PO position but I feel they will miss out again. 4, Swindon Losing Doyle could have been a bigger lost than it has been, but Morris is a readymade No1. Adding the selfish Batchelor to the solid team could be a master stroke or a mistake, but either way they will have too much strength not to reach the PO. 5. Wolves This 1 over 8 rule has cost Wolves more than most. Losing Freddie is a massive lost that other members will find hard to cover. When meetings were close it was always Freddie to the rescue. Thorsell, Masters and Rory should hold their own, but it is lower down I feel they will struggle. Although they have an able leader in Adams, I feel victory this year, the league will be too much, even for him. 6. Rye House They have 2 areas of confidence that will really helps them. The first is the massive home advantage gained from their tight track, and secondly the experience from their elder riders. Both these issues make them far stronger then would normally be seen and will provide enough strength to be very competitive. I think the PO will be a step too far. 7. Kings Lynn I rate Niels very highly, equally as important to Michael Lee back in his prime. Mr Reliable himself. To have him back on board is wonderful. I wish I could be more confident with the team we have assembled. For us to have a chance of the PO every rider has to up his game. Lambert and Jorgensen have to become solid heat leaders, and new boys Proctor and Andersen have to hit the ground running. It’s a big ask . I will be there supporting them whatever the outcome. If the track is in first class condition and the racing is good, I’ll be more than happy with that… 8. Summerset Such is the competition this year it will be no disgrace to come bottom. The bottom 4 are all of similar quality and could finish in any order. Doyle is the master when results are close and could be a deciding factor. But like Lynn, Somerset could suffer as most opposition like to come ride on a decent tracks, the home advantage disappears. Hope they do well but I feel the competition is too strong. Conclusions: I fear Poole are way too strong. They have no weak links and will win by a distant. The next 3 teams are all solid and competent enough to make the PO. The bottom 4 again a competitive group that could finish in any of those positions, but I will be very surprised if one manages to jump into another grouping.,.,

That just about sums up your mentality. You come on here rubbishing posters who dare to offer an opinion, that contravenes yours. You call people names , and bludgeon them with your shallow vision. I went to the meeting last night, as I regularly do , and take on board that was said. I wont bother you with my feelings, either the good ones nor the bad. I spoke with Buster and he had no problems with some of the points I aired.. He actually agreed with one or 2 things and said he valued input from people who can see beyond the obvious. There are seasoned posters here this morning who see things different than you, Because they can see, both good and bad of situations , their opinion are far more valuable than those who only see one way. I suggest you get off that box , stop judging people and see them for who they are. Our team may not be good enough to win the league, but there's nothing more off putting than being dictated to, by menials

Many times I am of the impression I have to justify my comments, because fellow posters don't like my opinions. Its not the case pf picking holes with anybody, merely having a different view, and not afraid to post it. When a person agrees with everything, their opinion loses its value. An opinion can only be one person's view There are posters on here who agree with everything the Stars do and say, they will not hear a word said about them.. The same can be said about certain riders, I'm pleased I am not one of those people. I support the team every year, through thick and thin, I will still be there most meetings. I believe my support deserves an opinion. Just because I voice a dissatisfaction, only highlights my strong feelings. .......... I don't apologise for voicing how I feel, If it didn't bother me, that would be the time to be concerned....

I have a terrific relationship with our 13 yr old grandson, who likes nothing more than to share time with his dotting granddad. He's a real dialled-in young man, obviously been spoilt, but he embraces many pastimes. His first love would be snowboarding, The point I'm trying to make here, he has been fortunate going to various events, MotoX Grass Track, MotoGP; Cardiff GP plus Lynn speedway , but speedway at Lynn would come bottom of his list. He says the racing is poor, the noise is too quite and the night goes on too long. Last year, he said Would I mind if he didn't go , cause not son...... so I reluctantly went alone.. . If the speedway is that poor, a 13yr loses interest , there has to be something drastically wrong with sport.

Surely you know the score by now. One meeting in June; 2 in July ; probably 6 in August and remaining 10 the first week in Sept.

Is that really important to you ?? It appears you have difficulty in separating opinions to actually moaning. On another thread of this forum where posters are making predictions the majority are saying Lynn are weak.. , but don't let that worry you. My philosophy has always been, speak as you find, and if that offends you, that's unfortunate.., But I don't hunt in packs.......

Any thoughts of competing in the Premier League without a proper No 1 would be madness . Running the usual program, a top rider is essential come the last few heats of the match, coupled with decent reserves in the protected races. Most people think our team is weak as it is, without Niels or similar we would be cannon fodder. If Buster was thinking along them lines, then we should have gone in the 2nd Division. ......

If a club is relying on away support to make ends met they are on the road to disaster.. We have travelled to most venues, and on those occasions the supporter who bothers stand out like a sore thumb. We're talking very small numbers... It is because of this I suggested a scheme where away fans should go free. Any promotion that creates interest and gets fans through the door should be considered... A club would always benefit from away fans by the extras they would buy... Having a free entry could make the difference of whether they go or not.... Having a meeting in a full stadium is far better than one half empty.... It would be a win-win situation......

Probably, there might be a extra few,. The point is, only speedway supporters know of speedway riders, whereas in football players are more widely known. If our team was destined to lose the appeal is much less, then one who stands a chance, regardless of who they are riding against....

Trying to compare football to speedway is beyond belief. they are a world apart. Even comparisons between the same sports, say between the Premier league and the old 4th division is difficult where they are run on entirely different structures and costs. You say the bottom teams attendances benefit when playing top teams, but this is more to do with top players rather than the actual team. No way does Speedway riders hold the same appeal, Most supporters want to see their team , hoping for competitive racing and in with a chance of winning. If anything, riding against a super strong team, and not a hope of success would be a bigger turn-off than anything....

I for one think both Poles are quality riders, with previous knowledge of most tracks they will ride. I do not see any of the risk you talk of, and will forecast both will attain averages nearer to 7's than 6's . For this reason alone, I see this years league battle as a walk in the park for the strong Pirates side...

I find it very difficult to discuss speedway matters with Poole supporters, as most are blinded to the spirit of the sport and are only concerned about Poole Pirates. I hope you are not in that bracket. My concern was not directed as a battle between Buster and Matt Ford, but for the state of the sport in general.. I admire your admiration towards your boss Ford, but for you to think he is the only one putting in hours of work would be senseless. Once the sport was fought out on the track, when winning or losing was everything, but not anymore. Teams are not equal and result are predicable. That may be good for some teams, but for the sport in general its a big turnoff. The rules on assessment and out of date averages is the biggest problem of all. They appear to be altered to suit. I cannot believe there is a worse run organisation than British speedway. I have long advocated for the rules to be set in stone, illuminating these senseless yearly changes. but since when do the BSPA do anything constructive,,

Whilst I admire the ruthlessness of Matt Ford, I cant help but think he has some form of leverage over the other promoters. They must be so gullible to allow him to use so many loop holes in the rules and do nothing about it. When Ford signed Woryna, I immediately thought this was a good buy, but thought he would never be allowed to use him on an average so out of date, but it appears Matt Ford can do whatever he wants. I wait with laughter, at the average he will acquire Sundstrom on. Bearing in mind he hasn't rode here for 5yrs, he'll probably get him on something ridiculous like a 5 It's always been my belief the disparity of team strength has been the biggest turnoff in our sport for years. Talking with many old supporters who packed up going, this was the reason most used when asked about their dwindling interest. I'm sure the BSPA will acknowledge this, but appear nonchalant to do anything about it... I'm alright Jack !!!!!!

Probably I should've said his averages are too good to be fitted in at reserve

This is what is so wrong with the Rules and Bosses of our sport. Auty was given a chance to ride last year in our weakened league and performed well. Now he is classed as too good, but saying that, he is a long way from the class of Woryna or Sch-panick , who are benefitting for not riding here recently and have been given out of date averages.

Depends which world you live in. Rather then controlling the costs and concentrated on the sustainability of this sport, the bosses felt it right to pay the extravagant fees required by the top riders, even to the point of self destruction.... This has driven up admission fees, and by getting rid of the second half's , it cuts down on VFM once enjoyed by the fans... Looking at the majority of Stadiums , most are in a poor state of repair, this is also caused by the lack of funds. It appears to me the riders has all but bleed this sport dry and now turning their backs when their fees are questioned... Sometimes I wished, I never lived in the real world

Hi Sydney, 'So where did it all go wrong? ' such a simple question with so many answers, all from ones opinions, coupled with facts . I have often asked myself , had it not been for my upbringing of motorbikes, would I find today's speedway as appealing as i first experienced going to the Firs at Norwich all them years ago. acknowledging that time sometimes distorts the facts, but I can vividly recall those special nights... Living some 60 mls from Norwich meant an early departure, sometimes missing tea. The journey was log and tiresome, travelling in an old A35 along a narrow and bendy A47 always seemed a long way. The place was always heaving with car parking a premium . We usually arrived plenty early. As the start time got near so the shouting got louder, orchestrated by the man in the middle. " 1-4; 2-4; who the hell are we 4.;; N O R WI C H " everyone appeared to join in. The atmosphere was electric , even when the racing had stopped the buzz from the crowd was still evident... Everybody was happy and chatting away and each with a smile on the face. Strange part of all this, I can easily recall the occasions, but the actual racing becomes blurred with time. The vision I have, is everything was dark, the Leathers, the shale, the stadium , even the fans were dressed in dark coats and hats. even the token floodlights added to the atmosphere with everyone trying to get a better vantage point. Being part of it was all that mattered.... That smell would linger for days.. It was like we were the privileged ones to experience something so special... For 3 yrs we never missed a home meeting , each day was counted down until we went again. We had a good team Ove Fundin, Aub Lawson Billy Bales even a very young Terry Betts. Mostly we won but the competition was always tight. Results were not decided until those final heats meaning nobody left early. The journey home was just as tiresome, and it was gone midnight before we got to bed. Thankfully we always recovered with that Sunday morning lay-in. Jumping now to modern times, I can leave home with 20 mins to start time, and be back in by 10pm Car parking is not a problem, the place is usually empty and we have a choice where to stand, Light is plentiful and colours are so evident. The racing is ... ... faster and competition more spaced out. usually results are predicable, but not always.. What I miss most is the lack of connections, both with riders and the club, its as though we don't matter and are taken for granted. The biggest gripe I have is that the BSPA have concentrated all their efforts to keep the top riders here at the expense of everything else.... Excitement, and entertainment are in short supply. VFM is questionable and affordability borders on the line of madness. But they still never listen to the fans......... So to answer my original question, would the sport appeal to me like it did in them early days, I'm' afraid the answer would be a definite no...

What a rude person you are. I'm sorry if my opinion differs to yours, but that is no reason to start calling people names.... That says far more about you than it does me. For fifty odd years i have witnessed these assembled teams, so I feel I am qualified to voice an opinion. Realistic to the end, i always try to be positive, but in this instance you would have to your head buried not to see what's been put in front of you. Of all the teams and names announced so far, ours must rank amongst the worse. Take Niels out, and we wouldn't be good enough to win the 2nd division. Disappointed, you bet.... At least, in them good ole days we were in with a shout,.

As with all teams in their respective sports , I try to evaluate the riders / players with other teams . Which other top teams are clamouring for their services. In this case I look at the possibility of each of our signings , riding for say Poole , or Wolves, Belle Vue and more recently Swindon. Would they believe that each of them riders are the best about on their average, and/or capable of scoring more than. I doubt it.... The history book of the STARS winning something, is not good reading, so taking a leaf from other teams that are successful, ought be the first step forward... ...... Probably Lambert would the only rider that EVERY club would want to sign.. ... Potentially and Capability he is up there with the best of them. No doubt, some would want Niels depending how their team is made up. There might be one or two offers for team Lewis and Jorgensen, but not one club or promoter has mentioned Proctor. That in itself speaks volumes. I remember him from years back, his bad meetings out numbered his good ones. When we are expecting to incorporate a new Danish rider at reserve, we need to be solid in them other positions. They say this new boy Andersen comes with pedigree, but they said that about, Porsing, and Huckenbeck, and other new riders..., and they all found it hard to consistently score well. Riding on new tracks of various shapes and sizes, I cant imagine he will find it easy.... This has to be a signing for the future... I wish I could be more positive, but all I see is yet another season making up the numbers..... But that won't stop me going and shouting from the rooftops..... My wife has often called my devotion to speedway mad, I'm beginning to think she maybe right ...

You cant knock other teams like Poole just because we name a suspect team. I'm not a lover of Matt Ford's idealism, nor his perpetual rule bending, but you cant argue about the teams he put together. Every year they are in the mix with a chance of winning. Probably if we followed their philosophy, 'The Stars' would appeal to more supporters then we do at present and recreate those exciting night we use to enjoy. I haven't seen anything yet that suggest 2018 will be any different then us making the numbers up.

After our poor showings in recent years, I was optimistic that 2018 would see a change, giving us plenty to shout about. No wonder these plans have been kept secret, amply assisted by slow meticulous planning, again we have been taken as mugs. The team assembled is disappointing, Initially, I was pleased Niels was back, but if that is the reason for the remaining cheaper options, then probably it would have been better to have forgot Niels and look for newer talent. This team could quite easily become a one hit wonder, and when them meetings come and Niels is unavailable, what happens then. As good as Niels is, he alone wont be enough to keep getting the fans through them doors... For more years than I care to remember, I've attended the supporters meeting for the announcement of the team. I have lost count of the times I come away thinking this was going to be our year. We were always allowed those few weeks preseason, when we thought we had a chance....... They have even taken that away now, only a fool would fancy our chances with that team..........