If if if ... If Clegg hadn't broken the tapes in the first heat, Birmingham would have won! The fact is, the reserves couln't handle the wet conditions, except Powell, who was excellent. Brilliant ride from Knight, who went from 15 metres to win in one race; and fantastic Heat 13!
Well, I walked out on to the track on Saturday, and was horrified at its state: like a concrete roadway which had been carpet-bombed. The two best Stoke riders lost the match by falling off when in the lead, but they can't be blamed for that ... the track is to blame, and whoever doesn't get it fixed.
Birmingham lost all their assets because the previous EL promotion went bust. The present promotion started from scratch and so has no assets. Eastbourne & Coventry (and Cradley) still have assets.
I know you don't like R/R, Brian, but in the case of Roberts, he was signed in a hurry after Hay retired, so you can't blame Birmingham for not forseeing this ocurrence?