EC Rides Again

I don't think that finding 7-10 new suitable riders from among National Leaguers and/or foreigners would be too much of a stretch. This idea from Cockney Rebel has a lot going for it but as others have said it would probably only work using six man teams. However, probably half of the fixtures this year had R/R down to ride for one or both of the teams, so would we notice the difference ?

And he does this by constantly undermining his opposition in any way he can think of/get away with.

Heard most of the interview and Tai did well and gave a positive advert for the sport. If he can get Murray and his colleagues to Cardiff then I'm sure that it will do speedway's PR a world of good. Pretty obvious that the guys in the studio didn't know much but at least Murray had done some homework. Tai has made a real effort to showcase both himself and speedway as a sport so kudos to him.That said it's amusing to listen to Tai but hear Nigel Pearson's phrases coming out, the media training is going well.

There is a new media age around the corner and being beholden to Sky for coverage of a sport is no longer a given. There are lots of potential alternatives for rights holders to get their product to customers via TV streaming rather than broadcasting in the traditional sense. The question is does anyone within speedway have the vision to grasp the opportunity ?

Congratulations to the Rebels. Pleased for them after coming so close last year. The ending was a bit of a mirror image of the climax of the 2012 season when Scunthorpe just edged them out almost a year a go to the day. The Somerset camp showed a lot of class that night at the EWR. Chin up Monarchs fans, maybe you'll keep the run going and go one step better in 2014.

The TV companies will wait to see how the land lies after the BSPA AGM before they would even think about some sort of deal. Interesting times in the sports media rights world. It's been mentioned that empty terraces are a turn-off for the TV companies but on BT Sport 2 right now is the Kidderminster v. Aldershot Conference match that's being played out in front of the proverbial one man and his dog. Despite this they have thrown the kitchen sink at the coverage with seemingly more presenters than there are spectators !

Looks like I might have been right to be cautious about team building until we know the league structure the Scorpions will find themselves in next year. Interesting times ahead.

Afraid the weather will mean neither !

I'd love a twenty strong league. Nineteen proper home league fixtures, yes please. The main issue is the level of riders that would ride in the league as existing PL clubs cannot afford the likes of Zagar/Lindgren/Holder/Ward/Iversen et al. However a cursory glance at the Speedway Stars Top 20 Averages for the Elite League this year (yes, I know they are not "official") and you find a few Double Uppers such as Doyle and Cook. Add in Bomber/Nicholls/Danny King as out and out Number Ones and I think that a competitive League structure is possible with 18 to 20 teams. Remember that King's Lynn, Birmingham, Swindon and Lakeside were all in the PL in recent memory.

Bah, humbug !! Only joking. Glad to see Ryan back for a second season, mad to let him go now.

Far too early for this thread. Will there be a Premier League as we know it now ?

I think we are heading for a level of competition on a par with Germany/Russia/Czech Republic, i.e. handful of tracks, semi-pro/amateur/youth lower league structure, 4, 5 or 6 teams in a professional league with no more than half a dozen home fixtures. Won't be next season, but will happen within 5 or 6 years.

Back in the 70's I seem to remember the second half would start with a "junior" race for "second-halfers". The top two would join the fourteen team riders in four qualifying heats with each winner going forward to the grand final. The final could be worth a few quid if it was sponsored. (While we meander along memory lane, does anyone remember the "coloured ping pong balls in a box" that was shaken up to decide gate positions? ...........I'll get me coat.)

Glad to hear it . Best of luck to you David and get well soon'

Tai is super consistent - and that wins you the World Championship in this day and age. I think that only an injury can stop Scunthorpe's finest now !

Jenson, Bech and Kurtz were all good value. Bech was very quick but made a right pig's ear of his Black and White ride and that was that for the match. R/R for Howe makes Scunny stronger although it is sad to say as much. David has been a great servant to Scunthorpe but is his time up as a force in sport?

Became apparent very quickly that it was a very bad crash. The meeting was quickly abandoned and Rob Godfrey's announcement left us in no doubt that Ricky was in a bad way. My fingers and everything else are crossed that he pulls through. It's nights like tonight that remind you what a fine line the riders walk in order to ride for our entertainment. Horrible feeling driving back home tonight.

Another one point win for the Scorpions........ phew ! Maybe the last heat deciders will end soon as Ashley Birks was a big miss but will be back soon and Nicolai Klindt looked good after taking two heats to get used to the track. Also,why didn't Wilko push home for a point ?

Quite right Shaddders, just a pity there wasn't anyone filming last night's meeting.

Possibly the most remarkable four laps I've seen at the EWR, and there are plenty of examples to choose from.

Must feel like you've just been mugged if you're a Rockets fan. Klindt for MPT ? It's gotta be an improvement.

I thought that the article was "statin' the bleedin' obvious" really. No concrete proposals offered in order to turn the tide.

Don't forget the versatile singer/songwriter John Shuttleworth ("from Sheffield, South Yorkshire")

Unable to attend tonight so I miss the biggest win in yonks. Was it Scunny riding for continued employment or Sheffield trying to lower their averages ?

It's not where you start from it's how you finish. Congratulations to Jarek on the victory. Nice interview with Tai and some Polish to boot !