steve roberts

...Ian Thomas was a past master in manipulating the rules to his advantage. Been saying for years that speedway should be run by an independant organisation but of course that will never happen. The main criticism levelled at this argument is that an independant body wouldn't have any financial input within the sport whereas those running the clubs (promoters) do. However, correct me if I'm wrong, but other sports are run independantly with success?

Middlesborough "Smoggies"

Barrow "Boys"

I followed "The Rebels" to White City (although still following Oxford in the NL) but because they only ran for three years I guess it was too short to build up any sort of rivalry between Hackney and Wimbledon although London based "Rebels" may have felt different? Being an "out of towny" removed me from any direct link and/or close connection with the area so therefore didn't get the buzz.

...funny I had similar experiences with Wolves fans. There were a group of Cradley fans who used to visit Cowley and were quite frankly looking for trouble! Most fans mixed quite happily and, as you say, had rows but would often end civilly. Great days!

Buxton "Buccaneers".

Have to disagree. Try telling that to fans of "The Cheetahs", The Reading "Berks" and "The Budgies"...Oxford's and Swindon's rivalry went back to 1949 and matches between the two were always keenly anticipated with plenty of controversy mixed in down the years! Add in Reading (much later) and there was always a good mix at the various stadia and the fans from all three tracks were keen to get one over another!

Do Weymouth now run a "representative" team since their stadium closed?

Oxford and Swindon took some beating.

Weymouth "Warriers", Wombwell "Wombats", Harringay "Harriers".

With all the negative posts/comments regarding PC I think that it's worth mentioning that in an article printed in the last edition of "Backtrack" he got to hear of the plight of King's Lynn fan Keith Burman leaving him a voice mail and forwarded signed memorabilia to Keith who was terminally ill with cancer.

...Tony Mac confirmed in an earlier post on this thread and was also raised in PC's book.

...the point I'm making is that riders gaining "freebies" has created an emotive discussion/difference of opinion whereby referees gaining same doesn't appear to have raised the same strong emotion generally. I get what you are saying and understand your personal postion on the subject some of which I endorse.

..."Is there a doctor in the house?"

...and yet just shows the irregularity and inconsistances as regards "freebies" and some people's perceptions.

...and yet ex-referees are apparently able to gain free access to any track?

....yes but what's your views on all ex-ACU Referees getting free passes to all tracks?

Again...very reasonable observations and/or comments.

Well I said my bit some time back now...I'll probably get rebuked!

Although we have disagreed over some aspects commented upon in the book (and elsewhere) ie "free" admission to ex-riders I think that some observations in your above post are to be congratulated.

All very sad that PC has undone his massive reputation and all that he achieved.

John Thaw apparently use to go to Belle Vue speedway as mentioned in the book written by his wife Sheila Hancock.

Martin Peters mentions in his book that he used to go to the London tracks in his youth.

I called in to have a look on my visit to Ashby Ville many years ago...astonished to think that speedway once ran there!

Great image!