STEVEHOLS54

Me. Hence why I asked. Bearing in mind he could still be running the club if as I expect nobody pays his highly inflated valuation of the club, then to me it is of interest if he can run the club remotely from overseas which undertaking his new venture. It was a harmless question of interest for information if it was partly out in the public domain. Which for some it obviously was. Again thanks to Skidder for the info.

Thanks Skidder My questions was purely out of interest. It peaked when i heard Europe as had some thought maybe he was being asked to maybe stay in the sport in POL with his marketing skills and success with Poole and its sponsors. I say good luck to the guy. Love him or not he has done plenty of good for the sport in UK and especially for Poole. Irrespective of what some Poole haters may say you cannot take away all those League Championships or what he has done in wooing sponsors large and small to the club. But the love affair isnt over yet as can't think many out there who will go anywhere near his rumoured valuation of the club, so we may have him around for longer, and as was muted, he could arguably still run the thing remotely from overseas with all the modern technology available now. Although may be more difficult with other interests. But have a good person/people in house during the season months it could still work and it has to if he does pursue the new venture. Whatever the outcome he has taken the club forward and to the forefront of the sport in very difficult times.

So did I, but it could have been the way the original press release was put out. It was Middlo's comment (just my luck can't find the article) that made me think it was probably Europe and if so what kind of new Biz Venture.

Assuming there is a new Co-promoter as the anticipated news of a new one has still not been announced yet. Although maybe on hold pending AGM outcome ?? I also wonder how things are going for a new Club Sponsor as Volvo Poole ended their 2 year deal. Also does anyone know what this reported new Biz venture Matt eluded to ?? Have seen nothing on Social media sites or the BSF from anyone commenting on what it is. All I saw was a release from Middlo in which he said Matt could still retain the Promoter roll from abroad while doing the new venture, and could if required fly in for meetings like riders do as he won't be so far away ??. That indicated to me maybe based in Europe ?? and doing what I wonder ??

Whatever you think about Gavan, he does supply some sensible debate and yes of course has a habit of winding some Poole Supporters up. Personally I smile about it and just try and concentrate on some of the positive comments/observations he makes about riders/clubs. The guy does plenty of background checking on stats etc to make many of his informed comments. Personally and as a Poole Supporter I think a combination of final choice of riders in the second half of the season - a good chunk of good fortune and the fact the Speedway Gods shone brightly for Poole and a huge slice of bad luck and injuries to KL/Somerset riders paid a big part in the ultimate outcome of the title going to Poole. What IF Holder Jr had not been injured with Kurtz who was not on top of his game (for Poole anyway) - That incredible ride from Harris to take Doyle from the back - The Jakobsen - MPT incident - MPT unlucky injury. NKI's late injury. The Morris/Ellis debate. You can slice and dice it whichever way you want but ultimately - second half of the season rider choice by Poole - injuries and good/bad fortune all paid their part in how things panned out. For sure I doubt if Poole would get away with that again after this season but who knows. I remember 2011 when Poole murdered the League and were so many points clear it was unreal. A combination of poor weather (which Poole could not handle and Coventry did) and not so great performances in the final meant Coventry were champions even though Poole were miles ahead on points in the League. Ultimately you will take any luck/good fortune thrown your way when you know your team is not the best in the actual League. The history only remembers who won the title and not who lost it. That is just the way history is and no different even in Football Finals. Now when do we find out who will and will not be racing in 2019 (Teams wise). Didnt they need to advise on first day of the BSPA AGM if they are racing or not in order to be allowed to attend days 2/3 for the real important stuff ?? Also does anyone know if Matt Ford has found a co promoter or 2019 Main Club Sponsor yet ??

Wasn't day one supposed to be about finalising all 2018 matters, like the BT money divi up etc. Also comments were made that clubs were supposed to announce on this first day I Fthey intended to run in 2019. Bearing in mind the doubts surrounding the possible ongoing participation of clubs such as Redcar/Workington/Lakeside and or Rye House (and maybe others ??), would have thought today was an important day ?? Did not such teams have to say yes (or no) as it would then be those who said no would not be allowed to attend the rest of the BSPA AGM ?? Someone can correct me if i am wrong.

Who would want to invest in THJ who if I remember was not only struggling for points when last in UK but also looked as if he had been eating too many pies ;-). Anyone in UK Speedway with money to burn on this guy should look at some facts. This is an EX SGP rider and Poole first teamer (even if only for a short period but back then he was exciting to watch). His career has been going South for a good few years now. He is so good he can only get a spot this year at Polonia Pila (POL 2nd Div) as nobody wants him in POL EXTR or even in POL Nice 1. In Sweden his team of some years have decided he is not worth more money and by his own admission no other SWE team wants to pay him what he thinks he is worth. (I wonder why ???). Meaning he cannot even invest in the equip he needs in SWE let alone earn any money. So this guy reports in POL Speedway media he will not ride SWE but only POL and UK (if he can convince anyone stupid enough to employ him). Who in the current economic climate in UK is going to fork out money for him to travel each week to UK - Equipment - wages etc when his form in UK was so dire last time he rode here. Also not exactly fit and toned..... If SWED don't think he is worth the investment )and the major POL Leagues) then only a crazy deep pocketed Promoter would be mad enough to take such a risk. I would rather pay out for a young British rider to come through than waste it on this has been.

Can never understand the powers that be who run the sport. Many have said we are at a watershed moment in the sport and this could be one of the most important AGM's in determining which way the sport goes in UK. I find it incredible that the SGB site is only too keen to mention it has doubled its Twitter followers and that its only ??? until the sport returns in March yet NOTHING mentioned about this very important AGM starting today. One would have thought in the very least they should be all over twitter mentioning one of the most important AGM's ever to have taken place in the sport was kicking off today. Also making most of social media to say they would update twitter/facebook immediately news flowed out of the AGM as to whom may be continuing in the sport in 2019 and informing us the poor mushrooms that we would be kept updated as to any news as it happens on any changes to league format/team points limits and anything else that would keep fans regualary checking the site for updates. Maybe it just shows the ignorance of the BSPA that they choose to keep all in the dark even to the degree of not even mentioning arguably the most important AGM in the sports recent history. Like do they think that thousands would be descending upon Chepstow in protest or to try and influence the meeting ?? To me it would make sense to keep fans informed in order that general interest can be kept throughout the 3 day meeting process. Yes we can wait until its all done and dusted and get one big version but that's hardly utilising modern media to its full potential. Incredible to think that POL transfer window closes in 2 days and Sweden almost completed their teams, yet we sit hear with nothing but news about clubs closing or promoters looking to sell up or clubs needing major cash injections if they a re to continue in 2019.

Does anyone know what the situation is with Chris Holder. I read on the forum that he had his place up for sale for about £1.3 mill plus believe he may also have liquidated Chris Holder Racing as a company in UK in June/July 2018 according to a simple google search. Does anyone know if he plans to stay in UK or if his personal situation with the Courts is now resolved, as saw some instagram videos recently of Max at his also with Jack riding mini bikes after months which hopefully indicated a satisfactory conclusion has come about ?? Another reason I ask is because Jack also stayed with him at his (I believe), and Jack in a recent Polish interview has said he wants to stay racing in UK in 2019, but at this stage is not sure which club he will be racing for. Enquiring as I wonder if he is any nearer to knowing if he will be able to race in UK in 2019 ?? be it at Poole or anywhere else.

Difficult one with Harris. Was voted rider of the night in 4 of the last 8 matches plus picked up similar awards for the team since July. Think he is good within a team but going forward it depends on what you compare him to against what is available. Things probably clearer after the BSPA but I would rather have Morris IF he was available and on a lower GSA knowing Morris GSA in 2018 not his true ability. He will also be riding in Nice 1 POL next year so a better league having helped his team get promotion. He arguably has 2 points of improvement in him in a settled team on a track he has ridden well in the past. (Taking his 2017 GSA compared to 2018) That's IF he was available. Other factors are if he is not would Hans Anderson be of more interest than Harris at just under 0.5 points higher GSA in the bigger scheme of things ?? Plenty to ponder on and mid Nov not that far away.

Looks like Poole and Wolves could be after the same 2 riders. Can imagine many outside Poole would like to see Poole retain most if not all the riders that finished. Me personally no. I think Poole maybe need a couple of changes as they really did get away with one in 2019 and I can't see that happening again and have my doubts about Harris retaining the ability he showed in flashes in 2018. Considering they only won 2 away matches at the bottom club and in the second half some of their away form wasn't great I doubt they could do it again with this team (in my opinion). The Speedway gods were kind to them over the play offs for various reasons which we don't need to drag out again. I can't see them pulling it off again next year. I would like to see a couple of changes with young riers such as Morris and Becker coming in (remember Morris still only 24). I also think Morris is on a bargain GSA below Harris and bearing in mind he finished 2017 on nearer 9 than 8 he has proved he can score the points and for me has more scope moving forward than Harris. Plus we know he can ride Poole and did well on our track especially in 2017 even turning over Brady when Brady was establishing his 2017 8 point GSA. Much of course will depend on the outcome of the BSPA AGM in next couple of weeks on points limit/league structure. Also interesting that as per SGB news today seems Rye/Lakeside probably won't be racing next year which means Morris may not (at present) have a double up option currently for 2019 ?? I am sure Matt will be doing some decent promoting work with him on the all expenses paid trip he is taking him on to Abu Dhabi with rest of the team ;-)

Would not surprise me if he has already signed for a UK Club. Any diligent Promoter would have already done his homework with the SCB to clarify what GSA he would get for 2019 IMO and IF one was to assume he is say a 4 pointer with no track record in UK and only very limited few meetings in POL/SWE. Matt may already have him sorted but then again suppose could also be Wolves. His connection to Greg/Magic and being part of Hancock's team Haj plus staying with Magic and the Monster connection, knowing Matt/Middlo always seem to offer these young riders guaranteed accomodation at one or the other, then I can see a strong case for Poole. Suppose we all have to be patient and await the BSPA league set up and points limits before we find out. Could be a similar case to a young Woryna who came over to Poole and wanted to join before points limits scuppered the original plan. Got him eventually though. I think Greg seems convinced Becker will b the next big American rider on the scene. Showed encouraging signs in POL and is well versed on tightersmaller tracks in USA so won't be totally out of his depth in our League IMO.

You should know Steve that the usual mob will always keep poking at Poole and nothing we can do about it. Gavan does raise sensible points in his last post about teams hit or ravaged by injury and how unlucky were all the top of the League guys over all 3 leagues. Looks like it has destroyed Jolly at Mildenhall to the degree he wants out and can't even find a team for tonight which I think may be more financial with nothing left to play for. You can make arguments in Prem for Somerset/KL/BV being unlucky. But additionally Poole also didnt have a proven heat leader all season and yes maybe the Speedway Gods did shine upon them in the play offs but sometimes you need some luck and fortune. Thats the way it is. One could argue forever what IF Ellis had ridden for Poole and Morris for KL. Ultimately it was 12 points Morris and 9 points Ellis but MAYBE had they ridden the other way around who knows what both would have scored. Would be nice though if we could get back to what this Forum Topic is all about i.e Poole 2019. Unfortunately those who enjoy having a pop at Poole seem willing to chase all over whatever Poole topic is currently in vogue. Roll on the BSPA meeting in 3 weeks so we can seriously start debating what this topic is i.e Poole 2019 ;-)

Does he not live in Norfolk with his partner and child/children. If that's the case then can't help thinking its partly to do with giving him a chance to be home with family in UK and KL being local it also helps pay his travelling expenses to get to and from UK with the added sponsorship he also gets. Maybe also contributes to some of his other travelling expenses between UK/SWE/DK & Poland. If we assume the big bucks comes from POL and then Swe in that order then what he earns in UK probably pays for various travelling costs around Europe, and DK he rides in as it allows him to qualify for the DK Championships which helps him to qualify for the SGP qualifiers which helped him get into the SGP for next year. DK will always have a priority as without DK his route into the SGP would not happen as doubt he would get a wild card as the years roll on. If it wasnt for his family being here chances are he wouldnt ride here. When you think about it makes sense, plus if you are riding in the more financially lucrative POL/SWE leagues and DK meets the criteria for possible SGP qualification, would you bust a gut in your twilight years looking at the amount of injuries that have been incurred on poorly prepared/quality UK tracks. Look at the amount of injuries this year alone in UK and what happened in the play offs & finals as well as the KO Cup. No wonder he doesn't maybe go all in as he perhaps would in POL/SWE.

Of course not his fault but the fact remains that IF he had not had one and maybe scored at least a point in his final ride then it probably would have been Rybnik who would have been promoted. Yes there were some dodgy decisions but home sides normally get some in their favour. I think Lebedev knew Rybniks game was up when he looked and saw Woryna was not behind him as he was absolutely furious having won the race thinking maybe they were on for a 5-1. They were no doubt unlucky what also with injury to their decent junior in the junior finals on Friday, and Spaniak proving yet again what a poor season he has had. To much is put on Woryna who we have to remember even though he dropped a league is in his first season as a senior and number one where he is always pitched against still some decent riders rather than when he was in the EXTR League last season as still a junior. Personally feel gutted for him as I am sure they knew after that puncture that it was near enough impossible. Even if the aggr scores had been equal then Lublin went thru due to having finished above Rybnik in the league. All NOT lost though as they now meet Fabulaz over 2 legs. Maybe their loss of Dudek for rest of the season may weaken them ?? Lambert must be happy. Got away with one today and now will be POL EXL next season irrespective of if he stays or if one of the big guns come knocking which maybe a possibility ??

Oh Dear Woryna has just cost his team promotion to POL EXL. On a 5-1 in clear second when he had a puncture on lap 3 of Ht 13. A stone last in ht 15 was the final nail in the coffin. His loss of points in effect cost his team the move up to the big league. Even lost out to Jonsson in top of points av for Nice 1 due to those 2 rides. Mind you one can add the useless efforts of Spaniak who again proved he was a one season wonder in 2017. You remember the guy who was top of the POL Nice 1 points av in 2017. How the mighty have fallen huh ?? Lets hope Kacper's luck changes for Poole.

Could it be he is now in the clear to get a visa - subject to signing for a team in UK ?? Am only guessing as have no idea, but even that would sound better than the no visa possibility that seemed to prevail prior to this seasons start.

Yes the personal stuff was the more serious situation that many still don't know too much about, but it was a serious but difficult situation. Let's hope that all the Court visits and eventual ruling/s come to an ammicable agreement/arrangement that both sides can live with, so that both sides can move on and allow Chris to continue his racing career and also give him a better quality of life on a personal front. I am sure some stability and security also with his club in Poland hopefully sorted, I would hope that he can rediscover the form we know he is capable of even if he doesn't quite make it back to the very top again. On his day he still looks one of the best riders around as evidenced by some of his rides in the last GP. If his visa situ is sorted as well as his POL Club then it's now all about the conclusion of the case. Get that sorted before year end and he indeed can be more relaxed. Be interesting if Matt Ford is keeping in close contact with him and advising him where he can. He was being supportive earlier this year so let's hope so. Also noticed Matt was getting close up with Jack in a photo just before this years UK GP and if their was the alleged tension last season, then that photo sure didn't reflect it. Let's hope differences have been sorted as I feel having both Holder's at Poole and both happy would be good as no doubt both live at Chris's house near Poole.

Welcome back to Steve S. You have been missed. Interesting news posted on POL Speedway news last night. https://sportowefakty.wp.pl/zuzel/778390/chris-holder-ma-zostac-w-toruniu-nowy-kontrakt-uzgodniony Torun Media site saying Chris Holder is being offered a new contract for 2019 which surprised me for one as most news filtering out on POL media was that he would be asked to move on. Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel on his personal court case situ and in respect of his future in UK ???. Let's hope so as its obviously taken it's toll on the guy. Would not surprise me if he has offered to ride for less at Torun as he loves the club so much. Also with Jack riding I am sure they will travel out together and enjoy similar crew team etc. Will also maybe help Chris with his Monster sponsorship along with Jack. Will be one big load off knowing he has his main income stream sorted for 2019. If he can get a successful resolution to the legal case going on that works for all parties and get his visa situ sorted, then I think a calmer Chris with none of this hanging over him could be a shrewd signing for 2019 especially with his improving young Bro Jack. I would still like to see both in a Poole side but that is just my opinion. Get those 2 alongside Brady Kurtz/Woryna/Jackobsen. The remaining 2 to be determined by what the new league set up is - what points limit there is and also if it will be 6 men teams or 6 plus a young N/L Junior which personally would be my idea going forward. For me much as winning the league is important so is a team with plenty of youth and some experience with exciting riders developing. One would hope that Holder Jr/Kurtz/Woryna and Jackobsen are riders going forward with decent careers developing. Chris with no baggage and a sorted personal life could still be a bonus on 7.16 and would also be good to help the younger guys coming along. Much as the role that was supposed to have happened in Torun this year before the personal family issues kind of overtook events.

Just saw the highlights of Gorzow v Leszno - Speedway as it should be. Point of the post is Brady Kurtz who scored 4 plus 2 from his 5 rides. To be honest other than one ride in which he scored 2 plus 1 he didnt look that good. Rarely made starts and did nothing from the back. The way he is riding the second half of this season I can see him being a weak link in the play off. Hate to say it as I have always thought he would be one of the World's top riders. Maybe one day he will but haven't seen much recently to suggest so. To me Leszno's 2 young reserves look more promising than him currently. Take a look at the last race last night in Gorzow to see exciting 23 year olds Piotr Pawliki and Zmarzlik showing how it should be done. Zmarzlik didnt quite get there but so reminded me of Darcy's all action style on the bike. The camera's also did great action shots of the battle between the two. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7xEe1pbI4I

Perhaps he is awaiting the outcome of the BSPA AGM in Nov to decide whether to move on. If he doesn't like the outcome of what is decided and if they decide to water down/weaken and push out World or potentially World class talent for a lower level product, he may decide it really is time to go. I believe Matt is the kind of guy who may prefer to let teams sign their own talent similar to what POL/Swe do with no points limits and maybe a 1/2 young home grown rider to compliment similar to the way they do in POL. With so many rumours flying around on what may happen in 2019, I wonder if as a promoter he already has a heads up on what is planned, and maybe he doesn't like the way its going. Can't believe internal meetings have not already taken place among promoters and the powers that be as to what may be in store for 2019. Rumours and comments are already starting to slip out so maybe a draft has already been proposed ahead of the AGM. Having said that we all know Matt is a master of utilising the local media to put a positive spin on the club and his own position. He is hardly going to undersell the asset, but most of us know ultimately its a question of how potential interests view the viability of the sport going forward. Even if is a solvent business, Speedway is not the sport it was 10 or even 5 year ago with many teetering on the brink with little sign of an upward turn in fortunes going forward. Would anyone be willing to purchase a club under those circumstances ?? - Even someone with deep pockets. I have big doubts on that score.

Having witnessed what Spaniak and even Woryna have done plenty of times this season I would definitely echo that. But UK smaller tracks do give you that extra experience for rider development even if some of them are questionably prepared condition wise. I am sure that Hancock is a better rider for his experience in UK and maybe why he may be eager for Luke Becker to get fixed up here as well as in SWE/POL ongoing. Seems his POL team sorted (same as Greg's and good chance will be promoted POL Nice 1 next season. Sweden assume same if he stays with or near Hancock next season and sneaks into a SWE Prem team (said he already has a Swe 2nd Div team). Interesting that in the Poole podcast even Richie Worrall commented on rumours that maybe one big League next season. Unless he is an avid supporter of the BSF and looks in most days you can't help thinking that the rumour about it may be gathering momentum ?? A funny old season though in POL with Milik's form falling off a cliff a lot like Zagar's did in the first 2/3rds of last season before he got his equip sorted. A lot of good riders have had too many up and down meetings between POL/Swe and even in the GP's/SEC's. Maybe it is a case that so many riders incl all the good young Pole's coming through have set the bar higher, so consistency at the very top is becoming more difficult. Even Tai is blowing very hot and cold. Hopefully he won't blow it over the 2 last GP's. But Zmarzlik is surely a champion in waiting and his all action style so reminds me of perhaps what Darcy Ward might have achieved had he not been banned for a year and then so cruelly injured after he came back which ended his career.

It's his inconsistency that's his biggest problem currently. Just like in UK and SWE as well as POL he can have 1/2 brilliant rides and beat the World's best and then he can have 2/3 bad ones which have dragged his scores down. He has shown he has what it takes hence why Leszno and his Swe side signed him. He may even get a Gold medal with Leszno who are now in the play off final after their win tonight. I think having an Aussie Summer back home may do him some good and come out fighting for next year after he has that initial Europe Globe trotting season out of the way. Needs to get his mental strength sorted as on the bike he has the ability. Also on a different note, there were some comments incl mine re Luke Becker after his flying visit to Poole (as mentioned by Steve S) the other day, decked out in Monster gear who for sure will sponsor him as a Hancock protege now part of the Hancock Haj team along with Holder Sr/Milik/Hancock and Smektala. I mentioned that probable promotion favs (at least now in play off Final) Stal Rzeszow had signed him early season, no doubt after some impressive practices and friendlies while he was in Europe for 6 weeks or so. Also no doubt being promoted by Hancock who also rides for same team. Interesting that he was put in the team today and scored 12 +1 from his 5 rides which is impressive by any means even if it is Pol 2nd Div. Considering the likes of Lawson/Wright and even his own team mate Morris scored a lot less you have to say it was an impressive performance from the inexperienced 19 year old. Ok chances are he was on Hancock well prepared equip, just like Jack Holder was in those last few meetings at Torun last season which in effect cemented a place in the Torun squad for this season and 99% certain he will be in there team next year. Maybe that little tour around Poole the other night could pave the way maybe for a full team slot at reserve for Poole in 2019 ??. I am always up for giving youngsters a go who have potential and when I saw him on You Tube the other day, it looked to me like Hancock may well have been giving him some advice during the close season in sunny Costa Mesa as his gating was sharp (like Gregs)and seemed very quick and assured on the bike. Him and Jackobsen at reserve would be an exciting young pair to see develop. I'm sure that Matt or Neil would also sort his accommodation. That's IF..... he can get a work permit.

Well if he had something to do with having his key riders drop their GSA's for 2019 but at the same time make it into the play offs, then he has done a good job imo. Also considering that at one stage many of us were saying we wouldn't make the play offs. As a duo Matt and Middlo have done a good job over the years. Always on the face of it a good team (ok yes some have under performed last 2/3 seasons). But the reason Poole have always been so well supported is for the very reason they have worked as a successful partnership as Promoter/Team Manager. Those at the top will always be the first to be shot at when you have not scaled the giddy heights of 2013/14/15 and earlier years. We did make the play offs in 2016/17 but fell a bit short. Despite the problems of 2018 they are again in the play offs (and still in with a chance) so pretty good overall.

Yes but after all the negativity of 2018. Loss of Rye in Prem and Lakeside having to step in to Rye thus losing Lakeside, many promotions losing their backsides with falling crowds etc, most believe that judgement day has kind of arrived or we spiral down into the abyss. Maybe we are ultimately on borrowed time anyway in the long run, but something a bit radical has to happen/change. What that change ends up as God only knows, but there has been plenty of air vented about possible League amalgamation with maybe also part of the Champ and N/L becoming a second League. The permutation possibilities are many but of course until we know what these thought provoking changes might be, all we can do is guess and importantly for this season hope that Poole can salvage something from what on the face of it has been a pretty bad season with the rain offs - heavy outlay for the doomed 70th Anniv meeting and the expensive function and costs to fly in (and put up) all those top riders etc. ( I am talking from Matt Ford's perspective). Add to that the incredible under and inconsistent performance by near enough all the team many times this season. Matt said this season has cost him well into 6 figures (which he said he won't get back), which may be one of the reasons he felt like getting out with all those losses and the sport in general facing maybe long term financial issues unless between them they can come up with something to reignite supporter interest. Let's hope that commonsense prevails finally in the sports time of need. We need something as no real TV money coming in (I mean decent money) - Big stars no longer interested in the main in coming - Attendances falling at many tracks - Promoters losing money. No doubt we shall see come November. Before then we have plenty of racing still to look forward to.