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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2010 15:09:48 GMT
From Lovespeedway.com:
Louis studying all the options Monday, 8 November, 2010
IPSWICH Witches director Chris Louis has issued a following statement on behalf of the club, following last week’s events when a press release about the future of the Witches was withdrawn at the 11th hour.
.. IPSWICH Witches director Chris Louis has issued a following statement on behalf of the club, following last week’s events when a press release about the future of the Witches was withdrawn at the 11th hour.
“Since we pulled our press release at the end of last week, quite understandably there have been many rumours about what it was all about,” Louis said.
“The bottom line is that things are moving apace and our options are numerous, more numerous than they appeared to be even just last week.
“I only want what is best for this club and its fans going forward, and that is why dialogue is continuing with many people. As soon as we are in a position to say more we will do so.”
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Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2010 23:06:40 GMT
So, how do we take this........as a positive ?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2010 20:31:45 GMT
So, how do we take this........as a positive ? Who knows at the moment
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Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2010 10:16:25 GMT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is in the East Anglian Daily Times:
WITCHES DEAL FALLS THROUGH
Ipswich Witches director Chris Louis has admitted an 11th hour deal to bring Elite League speedway to Foxhall stadium in 2011 has fallen through. And although it doesn't mean there won't be EL racing at the Suffolk circuit next year, the breakdown is a massive blow to the club, who were gearing up to announce the perceived good news to their fans this week. And with the British Speedway Promoters' Association AGM taking place in Bournemouth, starting Thursday, Louis is travelling to the south coast knowing the future of the club is very much up in the air. "We thought we had secured a deal with interested parties to secure Elite League racing at Foxhall, but it fell through yesterday" Louis admitted. "It's a big blow, I can't pretend it isn't. But we are not the only Elite League club in this position. So we go to the AGM on Thursday to find out our future. It could be either league, Elite or Premier. I don't want to think it could be no league at all."
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2010 18:18:54 GMT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is in the East Anglian Daily Times: WITCHES DEAL FALLS THROUGH Ipswich Witches director Chris Louis has admitted an 11th hour deal to bring Elite League speedway to Foxhall stadium in 2011 has fallen through. And although it doesn't mean there won't be EL racing at the Suffolk circuit next year, the breakdown is a massive blow to the club, who were gearing up to announce the perceived good news to their fans this week. And with the British Speedway Promoters' Association AGM taking place in Bournemouth, starting Thursday, Louis is travelling to the south coast knowing the future of the club is very much up in the air. "We thought we had secured a deal with interested parties to secure Elite League racing at Foxhall, but it fell through yesterday" Louis admitted. "It's a big blow, I can't pretend it isn't. But we are not the only Elite League club in this position. So we go to the AGM on Thursday to find out our future. It could be either league, Elite or Premier. I don't want to think it could be no league at all." Ah this is devastating news, and not just for the Witches fans. The Elite League cannot afford to lose another team. I fervently hope that this years AGM really does bring about some major change to the structure of speedway in England. I don't mean to hijack the Ippo thread, but Stuart Douglas gave a very interesting interview in the Star this week, stating that he's put over half a million into the Hammers, and that the Elite League cannot continue in its current guise, relying on owners with deep pockets to keep it going. The Louis' clearly can't afford to throw away that kind of money, and neither can any of the promoters - even those who are loaded. As Stuart says, you do reach the point where you think this is a lot of money to spend on my hobby. In his case he doesn't even get to half the meetings because he's working all over the world! I really do think it's time for major change, and I don't think it's one that a lot of speedway fans will like, but I do fear that we will lose speedway at the upper level if the BSPA don't act soon.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2010 19:30:10 GMT
I really do think it's time for major change, and I don't think it's one that a lot of speedway fans will like, but I do fear that we will lose speedway at the upper level if the BSPA don't act soon. I don't pretend to know what changes you hope to see Munners, but surely any change which the majority of fans dislike could, and probably would be the death knell for speedway in this country. Surely any changes should be made with the intention of encouraging more people through the turnstiles, and unpopular changes certainly won't have that effect.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2010 19:56:11 GMT
I really do think it's time for major change, and I don't think it's one that a lot of speedway fans will like, but I do fear that we will lose speedway at the upper level if the BSPA don't act soon. I don't pretend to know what changes you hope to see Munners, but surely any change which the majority of fans dislike could, and probably would be the death knell for speedway in this country. Surely any changes should be made with the intention of encouraging more people through the turnstiles, and unpopular changes certainly won't have that effect. That's a fair point Kev, but it can't continue as it is, so what are they to do? From what I read on the various forums, people still want to see the GP riders back in England, and they want teams full of top name riders. What do you do though when none of the promoters can afford to bank roll that, and some need to go the opposite way and water the league down in order to continue running at all? Seems like either way, there's a chance the sport will die. It's got to be worth taking the risk and diluting it surely?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2010 10:09:00 GMT
After what I`ve heard today re the latest proposals from the BSPA, I really fear for the future of UK speedway, not just Ipswich.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2010 10:34:00 GMT
What have you heard Gavin? I know we say this every year but, this time, I really fear for the sports survival Pip
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2010 15:14:43 GMT
Do you know it's really nice to actually have a discussion, without all of the back biting, one upmanship going on elsewhere....yes this is a thread about our beloved Witches and the serious problems we are having, but it most certainly is a wider concern and is probably going to affect all of the clubs, so discussion on here is good.
Perhaps Gav will enlighten us if he can, however note should be taken of what Stuart has posted and also what Peter Adams spoke of a while ago regarding clubs making losses....and let's not make the mistake that it is only EL in trouble, I fear for the PL too quite frankly.
What has caused it , and how to stop the rot who knows really....not enough fans through the turnstiles appears to be most peoples take on the matter, but let's not forget spiralling costs and a deep recession too, not just affecting the fans.
My thoughts on the 2010 season, our position in the league not relevant (to me anyway!!), a too stop start fixture list, with seemingly too many repeat visits (too close, for some teams the A & B fixtures were almost one week after the other), and the blanket sky coverage of Poole /Coventry mean't that I felt that I was a fan of these teams instead of a Witches supporter, and wasn't fussed if I saw them at my track or not!!!!! I think one week EL and one week PL would be much better quite frankly, and racing on the home club's proper night!!
I truly fear for my club, and have no idea what the outcome of the AGM will be, I only know that the Louis' ARE Ipswich Witches, a sentiment not shared by several Witches fans, and I truly hope they will have a club to be in charge of next season, and that they will be in charge to run in whatever league we can.
My feelings, from sometime ago, was that one or two fat cat promoters would ruin the sport, and my opinion on that hasn't changed.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2010 18:36:17 GMT
Do you know it's really nice to actually have a discussion, without all of the back biting, one upmanship going on elsewhere....yes this is a thread about our beloved Witches and the serious problems we are having, but it most certainly is a wider concern and is probably going to affect all of the clubs, so discussion on here is good. Perhaps Gav will enlighten us if he can, however note should be taken of what Stuart has posted and also what Peter Adams spoke of a while ago regarding clubs making losses....and let's not make the mistake that it is only EL in trouble, I fear for the PL too quite frankly. What has caused it , and how to stop the rot who knows really....not enough fans through the turnstiles appears to be most peoples take on the matter, but let's not forget spiralling costs and a deep recession too, not just affecting the fans. My thoughts on the 2010 season, our position in the league not relevant (to me anyway!!), a too stop start fixture list, with seemingly too many repeat visits (too close, for some teams the A & B fixtures were almost one week after the other), and the blanket sky coverage of Poole /Coventry mean't that I felt that I was a fan of these teams instead of a Witches supporter, and wasn't fussed if I saw them at my track or not!!!!! I think one week EL and one week PL would be much better quite frankly, and racing on the home club's proper night!! I truly fear for my club, and have no idea what the outcome of the AGM will be, I only know that the Louis' ARE Ipswich Witches, a sentiment not shared by several Witches fans, and I truly hope they will have a club to be in charge of next season, and that they will be in charge to run in whatever league we can. My feelings, from sometime ago, was that one or two fat cat promoters would ruin the sport, and my opinion on that hasn't changed. I think we should all be saying a few prayers for every team in the Elite, not just Ipswich. If by fat cats ruining it, you mean splashing big money to bring some riders in Badge, then I agree. Conversely though, if those fat cats hadn't been bankrolling the clubs so far, then I fear the EL would have collapsed before now. If Stuart has put in half a mill, then you can pretty much bet that the others have done the same. That hasn't all gone on big name riders, I do know that much. We haven't even had a big name since AJ left in 2007! I think you hit the nail on the head in your early statements - it's down to falling crowds I'm afraid. It's a bit of a catch 22. Some fans - even on our own forum - are saying they won't be back if we don't have a star line up, yet the promoters can't afford to pay the wages and on costs - certainly for the overseas riders. How do you get the people through the door when you can't afford a top line up? I have no answers unfortunately, but I truly am concerned at what the ramifications are for the sport.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2010 23:01:57 GMT
Do you know it's really nice to actually have a discussion, without all of the back biting, one upmanship going on elsewhere....yes this is a thread about our beloved Witches and the serious problems we are having, but it most certainly is a wider concern and is probably going to affect all of the clubs, so discussion on here is good. Perhaps Gav will enlighten us if he can, however note should be taken of what Stuart has posted and also what Peter Adams spoke of a while ago regarding clubs making losses....and let's not make the mistake that it is only EL in trouble, I fear for the PL too quite frankly. What has caused it , and how to stop the rot who knows really....not enough fans through the turnstiles appears to be most peoples take on the matter, but let's not forget spiralling costs and a deep recession too, not just affecting the fans. My thoughts on the 2010 season, our position in the league not relevant (to me anyway!!), a too stop start fixture list, with seemingly too many repeat visits (too close, for some teams the A & B fixtures were almost one week after the other), and the blanket sky coverage of Poole /Coventry mean't that I felt that I was a fan of these teams instead of a Witches supporter, and wasn't fussed if I saw them at my track or not!!!!! I think one week EL and one week PL would be much better quite frankly, and racing on the home club's proper night!! I truly fear for my club, and have no idea what the outcome of the AGM will be, I only know that the Louis' ARE Ipswich Witches, a sentiment not shared by several Witches fans, and I truly hope they will have a club to be in charge of next season, and that they will be in charge to run in whatever league we can. My feelings, from sometime ago, was that one or two fat cat promoters would ruin the sport, and my opinion on that hasn't changed. I think we should all be saying a few prayers for every team in the Elite, not just Ipswich. If by fat cats ruining it, you mean splashing big money to bring some riders in Badge, then I agree. Conversely though, if those fat cats hadn't been bankrolling the clubs so far, then I fear the EL would have collapsed before now. If Stuart has put in half a mill, then you can pretty much bet that the others have done the same. That hasn't all gone on big name riders, I do know that much. We haven't even had a big name since AJ left in 2007! I think you hit the nail on the head in your early statements - it's down to falling crowds I'm afraid. It's a bit of a catch 22. Some fans - even on our own forum - are saying they won't be back if we don't have a star line up, yet the promoters can't afford to pay the wages and on costs - certainly for the overseas riders. How do you get the people through the door when you can't afford a top line up? I have no answers unfortunately, but I truly am concerned at what the ramifications are for the sport. Probably all started with Horton and BSI, buying their places in the Play Off final set the rot in. Stuart has come out and said how much he has invested/lost etc., Rik Frost quoted 100,000 when he paid off Horton's debt's and that's without what he has pumped in since, now what happens when these wealthy men decide that actually they don't want to lose anymore money on speedway, if it is allowed to continue in this vein, we won't have any speedway because there won't be anymore clubs. . What happens to all the riders?? they can't all ride abroad. A vicious circle, without the top men, fans won't go alledgedly, the promoters can't afford the top men without bumper fans coming through the turnstiles hmmmmmm........ catch 22 or what??
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2010 15:02:37 GMT
All true and it seems to be a well oiled wheel of an argument that never goes anywhere In my eyes it was 2006 when things started to go badly wrong, Horton and Postlethwaite both successfully proved that chequebook speedway pays and fuck everyone else. The stupid thing was (and Wacks may well disagree with me as a long term Reading fan) that although the Bulldog thing annoyed me immensely I was absolutely cock-a-hoop to see Hancock, Zagar, Janusz and even Andy Smith in the team. They were all riders that I had great respect for and they were riding for MY team. Needless to say, and we all know, it was disasterous short-termism and the repercussions of Postlethwaites ideal ended with me watching Ht15 of the last match of 2008 in the middle of the centre green at Smallmead with tears in my eyes. I am now back in the East End and, to be honest, can't really be that bothered to go to watch Lakeside. With the money and resources available I think Stuart and Cookie put together a good team, I am a Lee Richardson (marmite) fan and JD is my little link back to the Reading team of 2007 BUT, I went a few times last year and got sick to death of watching riders I'd never heard of being drafted in at the last minute to cover absentees or, worse still, watching MR R/R. I certainly remember watching us against a half-strength Eagles team, a piss poor Peterbro and Swindon without Leigh Adams. Anyway, probably enough doom from me. I don't have the answers and can only optimistically hope that somebody else does. Pip
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2010 19:00:39 GMT
I don't think there is an easy answer to be honest. In this day and age, speedway has to compete with all manner of other attractions for peoples hard earnt cash. Furthermore, there's a growing trend for people to not venture past their front door in search of their entertainment.......HD television, games consoles, internet etc.
So, in order to attract more than the die-hards to visit their local speedway track, speedway has to offer something 'extra'. Anyone on this forum knows only too well that you can't beat speedway at it's best, but Joe Public hasn't even heard of the sport in many cases.
I honestly believe that British Speedway needs to offer a first class product (ie the best riders in the World) and to be run in a professional and unbiased manner. I know of people who no longer watch speedway in the UK, but take a cheap Ryanair flight out to Poland on a Saturday to watch the best league speedway the World has to offer and then return on Sunday night.....this proves to me that people will watch speedway at its best.....what Britain has to do is provide just that.
How that is achieved is open to debate........any suggestions?
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2010 23:22:02 GMT
I'm posting this on here, as we seem to have generated some discussion and it is slightly connected to the Witches: www.potterspower.com/D/news.htmand for those of you who can't be bothered to click the link: Potters withdraw from The Premier League
STOKE Potters have made the dramatic announcement that they have withdrawn from the Premier League and have applied to join the National League for the 2011 season.
Potters promoter Dave Tattum said, “Due to having made substantial losses over the past three seasons, and the current financial climate, we think the only way forward is to take a step back and rebuild the club and our finances.”
“Our aim is to build a team of talented young British riders that will be Stoke assets and help drive our return to the Premier League in a couple of seasons. Through our training schools and training days, along with the amateur meetings that take place at Loomer Road, we will be working tirelessly to achieve that aim. “
“This has been one of the most difficult decisions we have ever taken and certainly wasn’t taken lightly. We have thought long and hard about this since our last meeting in October and we want to do what is right for the club. We believe this is the right way forward.”
“I hope our supporters will understand why we have had to make this decision. It is to build for the future and return the club to the Premier League in a position of financial strength and with a strong crop of British riders.”
“We will be holding a supporters forum after Christmas, so that supporters can come along and ask questions.”
“National League Coordinator, Peter Morrish has welcomed Stoke and hopes they will be a leading light in the league. I’d also like to thank the British Speedway Promoters Association management committee for their help and support in making this decision and especially Angela Price at the Speedway Office.”
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