Fourentee

Currently Workington asset.

Hear, hear! A big turnout indeed -- 80-plus standing and probably more sitting -- and some lovely tributes paid. Lots of food back at Rushall Olympic FC afterwards which would have gladdened Ratty's heart!

Just a reminder, for those interested in attending, that Dave's funeral is tomorrow afternoon (Friday). Details in Phil The Ace's post above.

Thanks for the details, much appreciated. Curiously my last decent chat with Dave was at a cricket match — he turned up at all sorts of sports and of course his devotion to football has been remarked upon here. Dave would always nip round the corner from the shop at Wolves for a chat with our group, and inevitably would be eating something (frequently ice cream, pretty much whatever the weather)! Just a great, lovely guy and a huge miss from the scene.

Steve! Steve! Speak to me, Steve! He was fine, honest, but Col said something, I turned round and there he was spark out on the floor...

Excellent summary, to the best of my recollection. Thought Ty's reaction to his News & Star rider of the year award -- (imagine strident Aussie whinge) "Well, it's about time!" was superb.

Mason confirmed that he has a visa for next year.

Ah, poacher turned gamekeeper!

Tell me about it. Had the odd nightmare during my subbing days...

OK, thanks. Seemed something of an anomaly.

Don't answer this if there are reasons not to, but the overwhelming majority of Speedway Star's output is bylined. Any particular reason why this should not be the case here?

True as far as it goes, but a big difference even in these days between top tier and a (broadly) third tier event.

The relevance of which, true or not, would be what?

Steady on!

Ah, come on Dean, you can't possibly bait the hook and not discuss the catch!

This is a tricky one for me. On one hand, I don't like the artificial nature of double-point moves but on the other quite accept that the old tac sub was just as artificial in its way. The former tactical ride off 15m at least gave a balance of risk (that the chosen one would score poorly, not physical risk before anyone starts!) and reward. To further confuse my outlook, I'm all for a set-up which enhances the challenge to, and influence of, a team manager. Way back when I can remember a Workington/Ellesmere Port match where the move and counter-move of TMs Ron Bagley and Joe Shaw was almost as interesting as the track action. So I'm pretty confused, basically!

Results below. The Mauger lots start at No.139, I believe. http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24131/?category=results#/m0=0&aa0=1&MR0_length=90&aj0=lot_number_asc&w0=results

Congratulations to Belle Vue who have been so close to success in the last few years. A great effort by Wolves, IMHO, to take it to the deciding race in both play-off and KO Cup finals. Best wishes to all injured riders.

Not sure what options Workington had when a rider calls in sick at 2.30pm on the day of a meeting in Glasgow. Quite agree that Belle Vue have suffered damage in the fallout from something not of their making.

That would be a tough break if Bjerre is out or carrying a knock. This fixture appears cursed. Edit: Bjerre mentions the meeting on his Twitter account but doesn't record any problems, so hopefully all good.

I rather liked the Ribena one, hadn't heard that before (poor Nic!). Graham Jones, the butt of the American psychic joke, took it well; good for him! Must have been on the wrong end of a few from Adams down the years...

Indeed he did. Some good gags; Pete clearly misses Nicolai Klindt as the main target of his wit.

No, though he did make a point of thanking other staff for their help and support, particularly at the meetings he was unable to attend.

I wouldn't argue with much of that, though I don't necessarily agree that tracks are set up from the basic premise of home advantage. There is a distinct danger (of which you're doubtless aware) of coming across as just a tiny bit patronising. The NSS is, by its very title, almost morally obliged to provide the best possible racing experience and by all accounts has done so. We (by which I mean British speedway supporters) are very lucky indeed to have it. The issue, of course, is that most British top-flight clubs don't have the blank sheet of paper to start with; they have dog tracks to work within or other parameters that restrict their efforts. While the premise is laudable, what one might term the reality is not always quite as straightforward. I'm trusting that you take this post as the broadly (if not wholly) supportive stance for which I'm aiming and would be interested in your response.

You surprise me, Steve. Judging by some of your efforts down the years, I wasn't aware you did irony...