Post by nobbyclark on Nov 12, 2008 14:34:42 GMT
SWINDON co-promoter Gary Patchett has warned against wholesale changes to the Elite League as bosses prepare to meet for a crunch AGM in Spain this weekend.
Recent meetings of Elite League clubs ended with chairman Pete Toogood suggesting that "drastic measures" could be implemented as the league attempts to survive in amongst the current economic problems.
Last winter's conference was one of the more controversial of recent years, and resulted in the implementation of a 38.85 points limit as the first stage of a three year plan - but some rumours have suggested that limit could be cut further.
Patchett said: "I don’t see how they can do it. We’ll be seen as exactly what we are if we adopt a three-year plan in year one and then kick it into touch in year two.
"Cutting the points limit and saving money are not inexorably linked. All it means is that guys on a 5-6.5 average who might be second strings are then looking at becoming second or third heat leaders - and want a heat leaders’ money."
Patchett has also underlined his view that British promoters must not go down the route of barring Grand Prix riders from their league.
He said: "Look at our skipper Leigh Adams. No one has been a better servant to British speedway than him. A club or two might make a decision to not take GP riders, but we won’t be."
from speedway.tv
Recent meetings of Elite League clubs ended with chairman Pete Toogood suggesting that "drastic measures" could be implemented as the league attempts to survive in amongst the current economic problems.
Last winter's conference was one of the more controversial of recent years, and resulted in the implementation of a 38.85 points limit as the first stage of a three year plan - but some rumours have suggested that limit could be cut further.
Patchett said: "I don’t see how they can do it. We’ll be seen as exactly what we are if we adopt a three-year plan in year one and then kick it into touch in year two.
"Cutting the points limit and saving money are not inexorably linked. All it means is that guys on a 5-6.5 average who might be second strings are then looking at becoming second or third heat leaders - and want a heat leaders’ money."
Patchett has also underlined his view that British promoters must not go down the route of barring Grand Prix riders from their league.
He said: "Look at our skipper Leigh Adams. No one has been a better servant to British speedway than him. A club or two might make a decision to not take GP riders, but we won’t be."
from speedway.tv
