The H Man

from latest statement Bill Glass, Operations Director at Stadia UK added: “We are employing the latest building techniques which dramatically reduce the construction time and have ensured that our greyhound and speedway racetracks are built to the highest standards of design, drainage and surfacing. “Uniquely, the new stadium racecourse has been designed for ease and quality of media coverage, from the specification of lighting to multi camera facilities.” When open, the new Swindon track will be the latest Stadia UK Greyhound and Speedway racing facility to be built in the country, following their last new facility which opened in Poole in 1997. When have these tossers ever built anything? - Poole 1997. Where has that come from? The bull that Glass and his boss Osborn came up with at Reading was embarrassing - they promised in December 2007 that a new Stadium would be ready for the Racers by June 2008, still waiting 7 years later! Did the exact same thing to Milton Keynes as well remember.

I fear that Shawn is spot on! We had 6 years of GI / Stadia UK bull after they bought Reading Stadium from Allied. The council even provided them with a piece of land for a new build after Smallmead land was sold to developers (don't start me on that one) The fact they told a pack of lies to Reading and before that Milton Keynes fans, I have absolutely zero faith in them to do what they are saying at Blunsdon. I hope I am wrong I really do!

Delighted for my old mate Big O. Lovely guy, always gives 100% and just gets on with it, doesn't whinge about track conditions.

The land close to the old Smallmead site which was earmarked for the new speedway stadium in 2008, was approved for the development of Warehouse & Industrial units last night by Reading Council. Which ends the tiny glimmer of hope for the sport being bought back to the town anytime soon. Even more frustrating is that the old Smallmead site remains barren land 7 years after Smallmead was closed!

Best wishes to Bob in his battle ahead, he seems very positive which is a good sign. I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Bob at Smallmead and he was a great source for advice & guidance in my early times on the mic.

Well you can't be in the know when it comes to dancing ability! The expert judges at Pontins were obviously impressed when Morris won their prestigious competition which lead to him appearing in all sorts of music n dance shows. #boyozone

Covatti is a superb signing, an absolute steal on that average. Birmingham messing him about last year, left him frustrated and well out of pocket, I think that affected his performances for Sheffield without doubt. Now he is fully prepared for a whole campaign, he will be a real asset. I know Armando Castagna really rates him and he showed in the SWC what he is capable of.

Absolutely delighted for Phil. Many congratulations to him on securing such a prestigious role in the sport.

They can revoke a promoters licence!

Had the BSPA acted at the end of 2013 when they were warned by trustworthy people that Brummies under Phillips was heading for financial meltdown then a Phoenix would have risen out of the flames and in all likelihood a Brummies team would be functioning today. Had they heeded similar warnings about Mallett at Newport 2 years before there still could have been speedway in South Wales! The sport is on its knees and it's self governed body is allowing people who aren't fit for purpose to drive more nails into an already well worn coffin! Where's next?

3% from track sales as a former SS / SM salesman for the legendary Alf Weedon in the mid 80s at Reading that's sad to hear it's fallen so low. My 10p per copy sold used to earn me almost as much as my YTS cash in those days!

I subscribed to the star for 12 years got the usual letter in post saying 4 copies left in September 2013 forgot to re-subscribe, didn't really miss it and no one from the mag bothered to chase me by email, phone or snail mail and haven't bothered to buy a copy since. Thing is had they'd called me I would have re-subscribed for sure out of habit/loyalty alone! Wonder how many others you've lost Phil in same way?

Thank you

Hi Can anyone help out by providing me with the postal address of Glasgow Speedway? Not sure if they use the stadium or have different postal address elsewhere in the City Thanks Paul;

Fabulous turn out for Doug today. With lots of former Reading officials, riders and staff including Armando Castagna who flew in from Italy. Wonderful send off to a lovely guy who spent countless hours doing track work at Reading.

Yes, Doug was a smashing fella, who was popular with officials and riders alike. Loved his ciggies, loved his speedway and loved his Smallmead. RIP Doug.

I've subscribed to the SS for over 10 years, on a yearly basis, got my usual renewal form back in September, popped it in the drawer and forgot all about it. When the Star didn't arrive a few weeks later thought I must renew my subscription now where did I put the renewal form for whatever reason didn't bother to find and now a couple of months later still haven't bothered and not really missing it if I am honest. My point is though had at anytime around the end of my subscription someone from the Star called me and gave me the chance to renew by taking my card details on the phone or via an email, I'd have renewed there and then! Customer retention is key in any business Mr Rising, may I suggest each time a subscriber doesn't renew, a simple call, email or a reminder letter may retain that business.

I've said before and I'll say it again Nigel is obviously held in highest regard by sky, Eurosport and talk sport, his commentary style delivers perfectly what they (and other broadcasters) want from their commentators, passion and excitement. The guy has worked tirelessly to promote our sport at every opportunity - yet he gets knocked all the time, whatever the future holds for speedway on sky, you can bet your bottom dollar he won't be short of work as a broadcaster.

Sad news - condolences to his family & friends! I'm sure he'll be calling many "fast & furious" battles in the sky

1. EK was 100% Middlo's pick 2. Phil Morris named as Manager as Middlo didn't attend FIM Accreditation

Chatting with Phil Morris this morning who was on route to Stanstead via Hotel H man, knows how tough it is going to be, but all four of our lads have shown a great desire to be part of the team and it will be a fantastic experience and help them with their progression in the sport. Lets hope they can spring a surprise and progress through.

Just do like Wrestling Promoters do over here say they are American stars even if they've only seen Dallas on TV! Looks like a big crowd building at the stadium. Hope it all goes well for those who've put in all the hard getting the club launched.

Pretty much the final nail in the coffin for the sport in Reading! and like 25 year fan says, the old stadium site lays barren and will continue to do so for years to come!

When I was an avid fan I used to get both delivered. I remember the controversy of the Mail printing pictures of Erik Gundersen crash at Bradford when Star elected not too. My fave bit in Mail was the Fastbenders stories which included the legendary Bernie Collier if I remember rightly.

Nice idea in principal but even if the likes of Cook, Worrall and any other developing British talent wanted to do that, would a Poland or Swedish team snap them up? I doubt it, as they seem content developing their own rather the British promoter who seems intent on signing a developing Swede, Pole, Aussie or Dane rather than investing in the development of home grown riders.