ragdoll64

Glad to see you're embracing the positives Solidmango........sorry, couldn't resist.......lol Looking forward to this one.........could go either way the way things are poised.

I've been embracing the positives since 1964 Solidmango......but I just feel that this year's decisions re fixtures by the BSPA have not done the sport any good whatsoever. That, on top of our inability to sustain regular racing days, has had an impact on attendance and interest.

Almost 11.30 on the day of a Glasgow v Lakeside clash and no thread on this forum for the meeting. Sadly speaks volumes. In previous years there would have been several pages by now. In my opinion, this year in particular has put a few more nails in the coffin of speedway, mainly due to reduced and inconsistent fixtures. Bad enough for us long term fans but how must it be for newbies? Missing riders is another main factor causing lack of interest. Riders doubling up and being committed to riding abroad and in other competitions is doing speedway no good whatsoever. I do understand the shortage of riders but that is due to the sport becoming "professional" and far too expensive for Joe Bloggs to take part in. I have always kind of poo pooed the people constantly saying our sport is in decline but I can see and feel a big slide this year. It must be totally disheartening for promotions such as Glasgow who have put so much into improving facilities and attracting new supporters.

Have strategically placed sprinkler systems ever been tried?

Well !!!..........what's happened? No input from any of the usual commentators...........and even worse than that, no Edinburgh thread for tonight's meeting. A bit worrying to say the least. Have people lost interest?

OFF........according to SGB site

Names please?.............lol

It's always been the same in the 50 odd years I've been following speedway. I think MattK hit the nail on the head regarding the reason. Gladly, I'm not the norm, as I'm a motorcyclist and enjoy most forms of motorcycle sport........Speedway and MotoGP being my favourites.

Devoted to Glasgow Speedway......What a man......We owe you a great deal Jimmy. Sad news.

Going by that premise, can we now expect to see the rest of British speedway follow suit?..........and then all other UK entertainment businesses doing likewise? Oh, and the bus pass must now be on a shoogly peg. Can't wait............

I apologise.......I see now that it is still there. .......and yes, I agree wholeheartedly with your added comment - "everybody is entitled to their opinions just like you" .......it's just that some are more disrespectful and degrading than others.

I see the discussion about the admission prices has been removed from the Tigers' Facebook page.......??? As a last word from me on the topic, I have been greatly saddened and in some cases disgusted at the viewpoint some fans hold on the older members of the speedway fraternity and on the ageing members of society as a whole. Some of the comments on here, on the Glasgow Tigers' Facebook page and on the Glasgow Tigers' discussion group page have been abominable. God help our future generations.

Agreed Paulco. I have had nothing but admiration for how the club has been transformed by the Facenna's.........but I can't get my head round the fact that they would target this specific group of stalwart supporters in order to address the financial shortfall. There must be fairer options available to them and I would have had no qualms to paying an reasonable increase to the concession price.

.........and therefore, to improve their plot........lol

I think you'll find that most of the people this affects are not on fora or social media and I guess the majority don't even know about it yet. I'm assuming it doesn't affect you and if so, I'm very happy for you.

Aye.......'cause he'll soon be a pensioner tae.........lol

Or conversely........someone is JUST managing on their pension and JUST able to continue to watch the team they have supported for many years........but JUST suddenly no longer can. I, fortunately, still can.......but others may not be so lucky. I still think it is a very wrong, unprecedented and controversial decision for the club to make and nothing will change my view on that.

That means nothing..........it's still too bloody little to live on with any comfort. Do you think this should become a general trend then?

Can't believe no one's brought this subject up on here but Glasgow Speedway have announced that there will no longer be concession prices for over 65s, stating financial loss as a reason. An abominable decision in my opinion, to penalise the very people, the majority of whom will have stuck by the club through thick and thin and during previous times when it was on its knees. WRONG WRONG decision Mr Facenna. I reckon this will come back and bite you on the bum. .......and for all those who back the decision on social media saying it is a small price to pay, I wonder if they would feel the same if that £3.50 had been added to their last year's entry price making it £21 admission? I, for one, will still be attending as speedway is my favourite sport and has been since 1964........but I'm afraid, in protest, I will no longer by buying a programme at £3, a fifty-fifty draw ticket at £1 and food & drink around the value of £5. I know I will be slated on here for taking this decision and will be seen to be damaging the club even more but I feel so strongly about it after supporting, and contributing to, the Tigers for so many years. What other sport or entertainment throughout the country doesn't have concessions for older people? Can't imagine very many. I think Glasgow Speedway should seriously rethink this decision and consider other options. A small increase would have been acceptable......but not this. Im very angry.

Who gloried in it?..........it was just a statement. I think the next bit showed that I was doing anything but glorying in it.

Now that the team is complete, I find it hard to envisage this lot being beaten around Ashfield. I only hope, now that there's no longer tactical rides, that we're not going to see a series of monumental drubbings here on a Friday night. I remember only too well in the sixties some meetings being over in the first half.............not good to watch. Sounds like I'm moaning, but I'm not.........I'm really looking forward to next year and watching this very fresh team.

Like you MD, I'm a bit worried about another 2 point reserve. I thought lessons had been learned. If Sargeant remains fit we should be ok but if out with injury....oh dear. I've seen Claus Vissing have some brilliant rides and I used to rate him highly and thought he was really going places but he kinda levelled out and can run hot and cold. I had hoped for Kyle Newman as he was flying before his injury and made gradual improvement last year after his recovery. If Claus rides consistently to his ability though, we should be very strong......except for the vulnerable reserve part.

Don't know the politics involved.....but I, for one, am disappointed he's not back.

Please God................please.

Yeah, Don was an outstanding announcer.....so professional and clear. He did Glasgow in White City days as well.