singy13

......hic

The first meeting of a speedway era has many 'newbies' attend to see what goes on in this sport...it's a novelty factor that sees a good crowd then dwindle to those who remain addicted. It's happened twice at Workington in my time. My earliest personal fix came in 1970.......5,000+ to see Comets v Bandits....that season crowds were about 3,000 and the Comets hero was Bob Valentine...when he didn't reappear for 1971 many followers were lost too....Lou Sansom was a star too...but sadly the crowds dwindled, many promoters tried revivals...but no one recaptured the publics attention enough to continue, so by 1981 it was a lost cause.. then came 1999 and the wonderful Stoney....he was just great and the fans came in good numbers again......now I have been optimistic of such a revival happening at DP again..lots of keyboard Comets seem to disagree tho.......but will remain hopeful that the 'star' can yet again shine for Comets and bring the floaters out there back????

What people do for the love of this wonderful sport, or as in Ian's case -did- is/was often above and beyond the call of duty. And it must be (have been) soul destroying to try and keep their speedway input going....... a far cry from Football/Golf/Tennis/RU and other wealthier sports....easy life for those non-minority outfits eh?

Guess I'm being selfish, though it's realistic, because you are right when it's gone can't see it coming back quickly.....though craic going around of new input re promoter for 2019 ? And the original title of this stream was when I sort of panicked at hearing Derwent Park...my good old venue of thrills, spills and tears, is going soon....... so speedway is not going to be long term whatever. Re the late great, tho contradictory at times, Ian Thomas......wasn't he just the 'front man' for Tony(moneybags)Mole?

Hope 'the word' does influence larger crowds - somehow it needs shouted from the proverbial rooftops ??? ....like I said there's only the diehards on here. Regarding £75k............that was the figure a renowned local 'sports person' told me the night of the Diamonds match (mis-match actually).. I still recall the Workington guru Ian Thomas telling us - approx 10 yrs ago- that "the honeymoon isn't over yet"..given that Comets were still attracting 1,200 folk to Derwent Park. And the blind optimist in me still thinks that the sport is capable of another honeymoon at Workington...maybe the upcoming re-structuring during the winter can be the saviour? Meanwhile let's all Comets fans on here get behind the best team in blue and white, Workington style, for years.

Good reading material on here right now...fans that care for the Comets obviously....but here, sadly, we surely only preach to the converted ? It's not gonna be read by many who could be swayed to re-appear at Derwent Park....although fingers crossed it does help. I was reliably informed that it costs £75,000 a season to run the Comets.....the informant didn't add the proviso the I kept this info to myself..(this was prior to Diamonds fixture) And that certainly set the mindset alarm bells for speedway at Workington.......although to be honest they have been ringing for a while now...hopefully I will still be showing the same concern as the bikes still roar at DP in 2019???????????

We were talking about the impending loss of Derwent Park stadium.... which hosts both speedway and RL......if you don't like it don't read it. Thanks

Yeah still can't fathom why Walshy left after being so successful at Derwent Park ?...home sick maybe?

Hmmm all very mysterious wasn't it ?...you are right about the Paris St Germain situation....The RFL wanted the small town guys 'out' and the big city outfit ' in' for sure...tho they went down the next season.. ha,ha..and yes I do recall us in the top division...but thought you meant SL only...sorry marra......Up The Town and Comets...

Town only played one season in Superleague...which was SL1...and were relegated, never to return - yet - after finishing bottom of the table.

Well said Taylorj.......think GMM and Tsunami are on stronger vino than me...hic

Brilliant post.

Workington Town RLFC are close to my heart marra......I watch both RL matches and Comets at DP...the RL crowds are bigger of the two at present. And re Superleague...Town featured in SL1 in 1996...and it almost ruined the club....no population to attract the crowds required to compete at such a high level. So we make do with 1st Division, or if successful in upcoming play off - The Championship...it's probably similar to why the Comets are always in the second tier of speedway....it's just a small outpost of sports loving people.

Blimey...make your mind up marra

Yep you are right...what on earth drives some people 'in the know' to input negative drivel on here........??? It's just childish stuff.....get behind the Comets 100% in a positive way pls. As for the sad geordies.....well that's what they are...

Do like Blackadder..................but not.....

No........very bitter Comet fan..

See you like squash....I'll take you on,,,,,as long as I drive the steamroller.

Chuckle Brothers re-united.......on yer bikes..

Lets see it in the Newcastle programme please.......... btw....hope George enjoyed his Cheeseburger on Friday. Don't forget earlier in this season Laura's bit in Speedway Star re Comets riders dosh....and the lads have done so well since....so keep it going guys..it's great. GMM ...do you get some form of strange satisfaction by adding your 'behind the scenes' negativity ???

Obviously the overseas/foreign Town players are 'resident' for the season......Town have finished a very creditable fourth in their division...therefore making the upcoming play-offs, sounds familiar eh ???..Town crowds have averaged 700 plus this season.

Eh ? ....I'm also not hoping we don't run next year too...just like you thanks pal !! But as for Newcastle.....ha ha.

No speedway for you now so resorting to other avenues of fun......very sad sh&t stirrer indeed....

Maybe tsunami can copy the relevant programme page onto here to confirm his comments about a Workington official ???

Yeah got the style, gating better each week...it will all be fine soon as you say.