Shale Shaker

The line-up last night included some of the best speedway riders in the world, many of whom we can't get to see live in this country. And still there were thos who switched off after 20mins - it just beggars beleif to me that any speedway fan would do that.

I do watch speedway live, and funnily enough, when I do I don't expect lavish production with fireworks, caviar and peeled grapes fed to me by nubile virgins. It might be a bit contoversial, but I usually go to enjoy the racing.

How would you know what the racing was like, you turned off after 20 mins. My point is, that turning off just because you don't like the presentation, is a bit like turning off because you didn't like the colour of MJJ's kevlars. I think too many moaners here aspire to some unreachable Speedway nirvana and will never be satisfied.

No it's not better to do without. Unless of course you don't really like speedway. Myself, I like speedway.

Ricky Wells would probably have been a better partner for Greg.

It was speedway, there was some good racing, it was on the telly so we could watch it - what's not to like?

I very much doubt that Sheffield City Council employ anyone who is "suitably qualified" to inspect something as specific as a speedway safety fence with any authority.

Not keen on having speedway meetings televised that we would otherwise not get to see?!? I thought it was thoroughly enjoyable. I really do not know what some people want.

Why would the council need to inspect it? Surely it would be an FIM requirement - nothing to do with city council H & S?? Do the council ever inspect the current safety fence?

On the other hand, there would be plenty of time to erect the fence if we ran on Sunday??

I think the title of this thread says something about the problems speedway currently faces, i.e the term "Outsiders". It seems you are either a speedway devotee, or an "outsider". And speedway does seem to cultivate this "cliquey" image a little too much sometimes. The problem being that there just aren't that many casual speedway supporters across the country, vising the odd meeting to boost attendances from time to time.

I haven't heard of any riders complaining that they are out of pocket due to this rule, but I could be wrong. I suspect most clubs will have easily "found a way around this".

A scoreboard wouldn't have to be anything flash or expensive. A simple manual scoreboard would do the job. I think the real reason we don't see them is that Promoters probably think that it would hit program sales. Not the same need to fill in a program if you can see the match scores displayed??

I've always thought that a scoreboard, visible to evryone would be a simple, but welcome addition. Particularly as the PA is usually inaudible at many tracks.

Thanks for the insight flagrag. I think the additions improve the coverage no-end. These innovations make me think that Sky is far from contemplating dropping the Elite League coverage next year.

It's good to see the whole Sheffield 1-7 chipping in and scoring points home and away. I too think that we will surprise a few teams this season. It's good to see that the pessimissm shown by many over the Sheffield team building is proving to be unfounded.

Jump on the tram to Hillsborough, quick pint in the Deep End, cut through Morrisons car park via Macdonalds to line your stomach, then round the corner to the New Barrack Tavern - not really much of a special effort required.

Still hasn't re-canted his original statement though has he?

OK so start the debate - what makes you think Middlo is a good manager for GB? What specifically did you not agree with in SCB's post?

I'm just very tired of the same old statements -"If Hall signs, I'm not going" , "If Sanchez signs, I'm not going", "If Franc signs, I'm not going" It's really a very childish attitude to take in my view. If its how they feel, then these people have alredy made their minds up and there's not a lot to say to pursuade them to go.

Good for you, I'm sure you'll be sorely missed by everyone.

Or maybe he should be trying even harder on the track to maximise his points money. Or maybe he's not smart enough to realise that points = prizes ??

Steady to win the PLRC then? He might also make the GB team for the test match.

Obviously, we only have Ricky's word that he actually lost money last season - no-one actually know the reality. I do know that if I were trying to negotiate a better deal for this year, I would maybe consider making the claim that I lost money on the previous year's deal. It's the oldest trick in the book - ask any used car salesman.

Thanks for that Sparky. A good insight. Some people here need to get in touch with the reality of the situation, deal with it, and get behind the team we have.