Panthers programme chat!

[Deleted]

Discuss the articles or whatever here if interested.

[Deleted]

Apr 16, 2009 21:58:29 GMT @rigsby said:

This evening's programme intro was worth it's own thread really, certainly a positive message to start the evening:

Negative (neg - uh - tiv) adjective.
" dwelling on the negative simply contributes to its power" - Shirley MacLaine

I simply can't understand why so many speedway supporters and especially the keyboard Internet warriors, appear to be so negative about our sport and our clubs. Apparently our loss against Lakeside was as the result of " a rubbish track". Our win against ipswich was also as the result of " a rubbish track. I'm staggered by the number of track experts we currently have following our club. In reality, most of these so called 'track experts' have never set foot on a track. I am inclined to believe that ourtrack curator, former Panthers and England captain Richard Greer, knows so lightly more than the 'track experts', he certainly knows more than me. Preparing a track for racing is not easy. It is not a ten minute job. It usually takes all day he and some days we cannot spend as long as we like on the track due to other events happening at the Showground. Much has to be taken into consideration, not least the seven differing opinions of our riders on how the track should be prepared. The weather is a key factor. Will it rain? Well if the majority of us don't know the answer to that, then it is as sure as hell, that Richard Greer and his team won't. We also have the additional problem and of the tools that we are working with. Many of them are tired or just not up to the rigours of modern day he track preparation, in short, this area of the club has been neglected for almost a decade. But, we are addressing it. We have just purchased a fantastic piece of kit that will help in our preparation of the track before, during and after the meeting. We have had to order it from Denmark (well the best things seem to come from Denmark after all) and at considerable cost; I hope that the new piece of kit will be making its debut today. How disheartening it must be for Richard and his team to read the Internet warriors telling him that his track is rubbish, not only if we lose, but also now, even if we win. It's easy to tell him when hiding behind keyboard but I have yet to see many takers wanting to tell him to his face. But it's not just the track. It's every aspect of our sport. Always negative from the keyboard warriors. Never positive, never constructive criticism. I once gave them the opportunity to provide me with suggestions on how the sport can be improved. You know what? I never got one sensible reply. It seems to be a trait on the Internet; it's fashionable almost to be negative. I actually think that if people want negative there won't be much to read, to be honest. Tonight we welcome Matt Ford, Middlo and the riders and supporters from Poole Pirates who have made the long trip from Dorset. Not only are the Pirates the reigning Elite League champions, they are in my opinion the business model for other clubs to emulate. We also welcome back to the Showground to make his seasonal debut, Karol Zabik. For the negative Internet warriors, I should point out that Karol will be lining up for the Panthers and not the Pirates tonight. Let's give Karol a big welcome; he has had a tough time recently in his homeland. As a 23 year old, he has had a lot to deal with. Welcome back Karol.

" onces you replaced negative thoughts with a positive ones, you'll start having positive results"
Willie Nelson

Has there been that much negative comment on the track prep ? Or is Mr Bratley merely setting the stage so he can dismiss any criticism as the 'work of the warrior' ?

[Genghis]

What an, ironically, negative piece from Mr. Bratley.

And I don't buy that the internet is merely used to "negative" and there is never "construtive criticism".

A good example would be the match I attended at Weymouth last Friday. The PA wasn't working properly where I was stood, and rather than just moan about it, I pointed out (via the BSF) the exact problem to one of the promoters, exactly what was happening and why it might be happening. Hopefully it can be fixed and the huge crowds there are getting due to free/reduced admission will hopefully have a better PA this week and become regular supporters. If that's not constructive, what is?

The internet is a hugely positive thing. I would point out the huge social network of fans across the country it has created. I'm going up to Paulco's next month for a weekend of Scottish Speedway (including gatecrashing the Berwick v Sheffield match at the cruel, crazy town) and I first met up with him at Swindon as a result of this forum.

[Deleted]

Funny really. Was speaking to a chap from Leicester who has a season ticket at P'boro for his fix of Speedway. He goes as a neutral really, although admits he'd like P'boro to do well - he reckons every meeting so far has been entertaining to watch, if frustating at times for the home fan. Last season he says it was very much one good, one bad.

[zonkers]

Apr 17, 2009 12:56:05 GMT @harry said:

Funny really. Was speaking to a chap from Leicester who has a season ticket at P'boro for his fix of Speedway. He goes as a neutral really, although admits he'd like P'boro to do well - he reckons every meeting so far has been entertaining to watch, if frustating at times for the home fan. Last season he says it was very much one good, one bad.

Wasn't Dave (and Sue) by any chance, was it...?

[Deleted]

No idea. I was like the third party in the conversation. He doesn't do any of this keyboard warrior stuff anyways I don't think.

[zonkers]

Apr 17, 2009 14:22:27 GMT @harry said:

No idea. I was like the third party in the conversation. He doesn't do any of this keyboard warrior stuff anyways I don't think.

No, but Sue, his wife, does ! just wondered if it was them as they are from Leicester. Was chatting to them last night actually.

[Deleted]

Apr 17, 2009 10:45:34 GMT @hatcham said:

Has there been that much negative comment on the track prep ? Or is Mr Bratley merely setting the stage so he can dismiss any criticism as the 'work of the warrior' ?

Not too much when one remembers memories of Bratters words:

"I heard him on Radio Cambridgeshire before a speedway match a couple of weeks ago and the similarities were startling.

Especially with his comment about only six people using the Panthers website".

edit to say that the 2 below were quotes of others!

"Track is a shambles, was just a bigger version off Lakeside, its pathetic."

"Please bring back Colin Meredith, the track from the mid point of the night onwards was crap and the racing went down hill fast as there was a blue line one side and no dirt on the outside. It was good tonight but with a decent track after the interval it could have been even better."

As for Zabik, he has a history of unreliabilty but the majority of fans left it alone bearing in mind the reported seriousness of the situation so why rise to a few idiots

[zonkers]

Apr 17, 2009 21:02:48 GMT @rigsby said:

Apr 17, 2009 10:45:34 GMT @hatcham said:

Has there been that much negative comment on the track prep ? Or is Mr Bratley merely setting the stage so he can dismiss any criticism as the 'work of the warrior' ?

Not too much when one remembers memories of Bratters wise words:

"I heard him on Radio Cambridgeshire before a speedway match a couple of weeks ago and the similarities were startling.

Especially with his comment about only six people using the Panthers website" ;D

"Track is a shambles, was just a bigger version off Lakeside, its pathetic."

"Please bring back Colin Meredith, the track from the mid point of the night onwards was crap and the racing went down hill fast as there was a blue line one side and no dirt on the outside. It was good tonight but with a decent track after the interval it could have been even better."

Now, this track is a shambles....... ;D

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI_PjqucTtE&feature=channel_page

(It's our very own Steve Hone ! )

[Deleted]

Apr 17, 2009 11:47:09 GMT Genghis said:

What an, ironically, negative piece from Mr. Bratley.

And I don't buy that the internet is merely used to "negative" and there is never "construtive criticism".

I will be in the minority here but I agree with Mr Bratley.

You only have to look at the BSF mainly, but some other forums too, to see the shite that is posted when teams lose or riders don't do so well. People, and I include riders, team managers and promoters as well as posters (myself included at times), blame tracks far too many times or offer up other excuses when the reality is that team/rider was just not good enough on the day.

It's the same with any new rules. Granted some of the rules introduced are dumb eg the TR but the introduction of the new points system had loads of posters in a state of apoplexy before a wheel was turned.

[Deleted]

Apr 18, 2009 10:27:16 GMT @zonkers said:

Apr 17, 2009 21:02:48 GMT @rigsby said:

Not too much when one remembers memories of Bratters wise words:

"I heard him on Radio Cambridgeshire before a speedway match a couple of weeks ago and the similarities were startling.

Especially with his comment about only six people using the Panthers website" ;D

"Track is a shambles, was just a bigger version off Lakeside, its pathetic."

"Please bring back Colin Meredith, the track from the mid point of the night onwards was crap and the racing went down hill fast as there was a blue line one side and no dirt on the outside. It was good tonight but with a decent track after the interval it could have been even better."

Now, this track is a shambles....... ;D

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI_PjqucTtE&feature=channel_page

(It's our very own Steve Hone ! )

Best track Britain has had since 1963.

[Deleted]

Apr 18, 2009 12:46:13 GMT @midnightlady said:

I will be in the minority here but I agree with Mr Bratley.

If that needs to be said then fine but not as an introduction to the evening in the programme. Tone it down and put it inside somewhere.

The piece finishes with " once you've replaced negative thoughts with a positive ones, you'll start having positive results" - Willie Nelson!

An introduction welcoming fans to Peterborough Speedway as a strong Panthers side takes to the track including the welcome return of the exciting Karol Zabik was surely the positive message for the evening.

A mutual acquaintance (not a speedway fan) had a chuckle at the article and said that if definitions/quotes were to be included then in that context 'Poacher turned gamekeeper'

Someone who gets a legitimate job which is the opposite of their previous one. E.G a computer hacker who then helps to catch other hackers or an ex-bank robber who then advises banks on security.

should have been included, I know not why, I've only known Bratters for a couple of years.

[zonkers]

Apr 18, 2009 13:13:21 GMT @hatcham said:

Apr 18, 2009 10:27:16 GMT @zonkers said:

Now, this track is a shambles....... ;D

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI_PjqucTtE&feature=channel_page

(It's our very own Steve Hone ! )

Best track Britain has had since 1963.

So Steve tells me !!

[nobbyclark]

but who gives a fuck what Shirley MacLaine and Willie Nelson think or say about anything?

Not me that's for sure!!

[zonkers]

Apr 28, 2009 7:10:46 GMT @rigsby said:

Well Mr. Frost got the gig last night (Top Talk - The Frost Report)

I read Mick Bratley is article in last week's programme and in general I agree with him reference " keyboard warriors". I look at our website regularly and whilst I understand that this is a useful and easy media for you to exchange news and views and is also meant meant to be fun, I would certainly like to see some serious feedback from you all as well. For instance it would be a great help to me and my management team if you could let us know your ideas or views on what we can do to improve your club. What you do and don't like etc. We are here to turn this into a great speedway club for all of you and this is one way to get your voice heard and your opinions expressed. Likewise concentrate your thoughts and comments on the positive rather than negative regarding the our team - win or lose. Negative words, actions and thoughts will always end with negative results. Whilst we have not had a good start to the season, not helped by injury and absence, we are coming through that and things are on the up we have seen tremendous individual performances from many of our riders through this difficult time and team spirit is high. Not once have they complained even though they well knew the task that they faced with a weakened team was a huge burden to carry. We have recently been posted by the welcome return of Karol Zabik and shortly Claus Vissing will be back as well. Then you will see some results! So please give them your full support at all times, whether it's here at the Showground, on our website, wherever you are. Talking about Karol Zabik, you will all be pleased to know that he is now a full asset of the club. Karol is an exciting rider to watch; you never know where he is coming from or what he will try next. He seems to find gaps, or ways past other riders, that don't appear to be there. His ability and commitment is there for all to see and he is only 22 years of age; he's a further potential is immeasurable as he continues his career. His loyalty to the club and his team mates is 100 per cent, which is so important in what is after all a team sport. As most of you probably know already, I will not entertain riders at Peterborough who are not fully committed to the club and their team mates. One of the most important things at the club is track preparation. We must be able to prepare a track that is both a consistent and as our riders want it to gain maximum home advantage. To this end we have started to replace and update the equipment which I inherited when I brought the club, which was in poor condition and badly in need of servicing or replacement. We are expecting delivery of a new grading blade from Denmark that will ensure the easy and precise movement of material from/to wherever it is needed and can also act as a scarifier at the same time. The Wonder Wheel has been refurbished and another bar grader and new chain harrows added to our equipment inventory. All we needed then was the right man in charge of this work and of course we have that person in the shape of Richard Greer. A Peterborough legend himself he'll know and understand just what the riders want or ask of him and now he will have the equipment to do it. That's all for now so let's look forward to welcoming.......... And wish all the riders a safe evening's racing.

Spot on, I say. I think he's a great guy, and just what we need.

Does he mean "forum" when he says website....? We are always posting what we like and don't like, and putting suggestions forward, so not sure what he's on about there... Your parade suggestions always seem to fall on deaf ears Riggers.....

Think you need to post this on the Panthers forum too......