steve roberts

...I know that John Berry has been quoted as saying that British fans often never saw the best of Kai in that his exploits on the continent often excelled. I did raise this issue with John many years ago having not totally agreed with his assessment which I thought a tad unfair but in hindsight I now know where John was coming from.

Very apt!

...there was always one living in Sandy Lane who was always very anti despite moving there knowing that the stadium was there!

A rider with a great style was Einar Kyllingstad. Never really excelled in Britain but I was at Swindon the afternoon he rode to an immaculate 15 point maximum!

Yes they were both awesome that day. Personally I feel Gordon should have moved to Swindon when White City closed rather than returning to Eastbourne. Ari Kopenen (Kai's bother-in-law) was an enigma throughout his career. Recall him starting at Birmingham and finishing at Swindon if I remember. Could beat the best on his day but could be inconsistent. Veijo Touriniemi was simply awful when he signed for 'The Budgies' but he showed tremendous promise down at Eastbourne.

Good news as it's a travesty the way Cowley Stadium has been allowed to fall into disrepair.

...remember that being played at both Oxford and Cradley when Laurence Rogers was the announcer...got on my nerves too! Recall with fondness when the riders approached the tapes at White City and Ipswich 'William Tell' being played when John Earrey was the presenter at both.

Remember Kai Niemi scoring 19 points at the Abbey whilst riding for Eastbourne. Gordon Kennett scored 21 but Eastbourne still lost!

There was talk that he considered joining 'The Rebels' in 1972 but personally I felt it was a Dave Lanning inspired story!

Remember Matti Olin who rode for 'The Bees' in 1974 and Veijo Touriniemi who appeared to have something when he turned out for 'The Eagles' but lost his way eventually.

Has to be Kai Niemi. Saw his debut meeting at White City (1976) against Wolves and instantly thought he was going to make it. Ila Teromaa must also be considered...first Finn to make a World Final (1978) when despite putting in an average performance he did spoil Gordon Kennett's chance of possibly becoming World Champion by beating him when they met.

...remember it being played at Cowley during the Wagstaff years.

...Kai Niemi.

Ivan Mauger was quoted as saying that any one of the Poles could have won the 1970 World Final in which he claimed his triple crown. They were certainly a different proposition on the East European circuits...often regarded a grave yard for the Brits back then.

The British Final was always a difficult stepping stone back then...especially when the Anzacs took part. Terry Betts was another who only made the one appearance.

...he was one rider I never saw ride.

I remember during Nigel Wagstaff's tenure at Cowley each rider had a tune/song allocated to them and was played prior to the meeting...never really caught on.

...I was fortunate and saw the likes of Reidar Eide, Dag & Ulf Lovass. the late Svein Kaasa, Edgar Stangeland etc etc. ...I guess it's the way public forums develop and conversations drift along. You only need to view some of the EU and/or political stuff to see how the discussion takes some very strange twists!

My thread my rules!

...remember Gary Glitter's 'Rock 'n' Roll' was often played during American Football matches...one team in particular (can't remember who) but was dropped after allegations were made against him.

Mike was offered a place in the Eastbourne side that joined the BL in 1979 after the closure of Wood Lane but declined and was, if I recall, signed by the Cradley Heath promotion and loaned out to their sister team Nottingham and not, to my then annoyance, their other sister team Oxford! Yes certainly great days when the old Second Division/National League produced many great talents.

...all great stuff but I'll pass on Manilow!

...exactly Sid! Mike was the inspiration that season (replacing the injured Paul Gachet) and was often a match winner especially at Hull which would have wound Ian Thomas up (glad to say). Personally I feel Mike doesn't get the full credit he deserves. A very accomplished rider for Barrow, Eastbourne, White City and Nottingham over many years. At least he gets praise from the late Lee Dunton in a recent edition of 'Backtrack' but an interview with Mike would be appreciated...over to you Rob! Incidentally Dag's leathers took part during the 1977 season...worn by Norway's Tom Godal!

...and what a year that was watching 'The Rebels' lift the title!

...never rated Gunnestad. A section of the third bend crowd at Cowley christened him "Lars(t) Again" because he was often trailing having missed the gate.