Middlo Quits a team GB manager

[Deleted]

schumi said:

You know who you sound like, don't you?

Good God, I'll go and hang myself now.

schumi said:

It's clear the BSPA are aware of the problems and have been trying to do something about them

To be honest, I think they'd just reached a crisis point where practically every BEL track was losing money, and they simply couldn't cobble together sides any more.

schumi said:

Tony Steele has been mentioned, for good or for bad, and I'm sure some of the mature ex riders would be able to do the job.

I won't specifically comment on Tony Steele because I don't know him, but I honestly don't think referees and ex-competitors are the best people to run a sport. In fact, ex-riders will generally be too close to the 'employees' to be make the necessary difficult decisions.

It really needs someone who's a bit of visionary, marketing person, fund raiser, and lawyer all rolled into one. There are very few such people around, although I suppose these tasks could be divided-up between different individuals if there was some overall vision.

schumi said:

could be used for a scholarship fund

To be honest, I have my doubts about the success of providing funding to young talent, and speedway doesn't have the money to throw at something that might be doomed to failure. I think the best thing that could be done is to provide plenty of opportunities in each speedway area for upcoming riders to get track time (e.g. through second halves), along with some coaching from current or ex-riders.

80cc speedway has also proven quite successful in Denmark and Sweden, and some tracks could conceivably build such tracks on their centre greens. Perhaps tracks could provide some bikes for youngsters to have a go, and possibly get into the sport that way.

The real problem doesn't seem to be getting riders into the sport though, but developing them to the point where they can ride in the BEL. In the past, some riders were good enough to go straight into a BL side, but now it seems to take years for them to reach that point.

[schumi]

wibblemuis said:

To be honest, I have my doubts about the success of providing funding to young talent, and speedway doesn't have to money to throw at something that might be doomed to failure. I think the best thing that could be done is to provide plenty of opportunities in each speedway area for upcoming riders to get track time (e.g. through second halves), along with some coaching from current or ex-riders.

First, let me just say it's nice to be able to have a sensible discussion. We might have differing views, but that doesn't matter.

My idea of a scholarship fund would be the next step from what you've suggested, and would be available to a select few who show they have the necessary talent, ability, promise and drive.

The Conference League is supposed to be the opportunity for youngsters to get into the sport (although we're seeing a few foreigners taking up spaces now, I believe) but then, when the talent is discovered it needs nurturing and funding, and I think a scholarship could help with that.

[Genghis]

For starters, the BSPA should read pages 12 to 16 of the latest issue of Backtrack.

[Deleted]

Which brings us back to my original suggestion of Erik Gundersen.

[Genghis]

kevh said:

Which brings us back to my original suggestion of Erik Gundersen.

It does. Unfortunately, I don't think Erik would come over to do it, he's too busy doing the same thing in Denmark.

Other worthy suggestions such as Ivan Mauger and Hans Nielsen are also likely to be too tied up elsewhere.

Unfortunately, I don't think there is a British rider with the same clout. The only one would be Peter Collins, and didn't he move abroad some years ago?

I'm racking my brains to think of a suitable ex-rider would could head such a scheme in Britain. Maybe Sam Ermolenko?

[jimblanchard]

As I understand it; Erik does not like traveling outside his native country more than ever these days, and even during his racing career he detested air travel. Would that not be a further handicap for him? Plus of course, would he care for managing a team of Brits?

I think if they offered Ivan it, it would be a consideration for him for but is there any monetary remuneration on offer other than simply expenses? Not that I am saying Ivan would base his decision simply on financial gain of course.

Peter Collins would be in my opinion a good choice and I am confident he would seriously consider it if he was made the offer. He bought a house in Australia a couple of years ago, but he seems to spend more time here still than in OZ even now. If it was worthwhile for him I would like to think he would jump at it. He still loves speedway, would love to be involved at the highest level. My choice for sure.

Sam, I personally like him and he has good motivational skills but again, not sure he would take on a Brit team with the same inspiration as a team from the USA.

It seems, in spite of some opinions of British speedway fans most foreign nationals that are actively involved in speedway within the UK, would prefer to assist and encourage developing their own national teams given the opportunity, as opposed to ours as strange as it seems to some.

[Genghis]

You know, it's such a pity Simon Wigg was taken away from us. He'd be fucking brilliant in this job.

[jimblanchard]

Why would he?

[Genghis]

jimblanchard said:

Why would he?

Jim - Because he had a very sharp mind, he was an excellent motivator, and he was very proud to be British.

[admin]

jimblanchard said:

Why would he?

He's ex-Oxford, obviously.

[jimblanchard]

And he is dead.

So are we going to put forward Peter Craven, Tommy Jansson?

[Genghis]

admin said:

jimblanchard said:

Why would he?

He's ex-Oxford, obviously.

And several other tracks, as well. He was involved in successful teams at Weymouth, Cradley, Oxford and Bradford. King's Lynn had a good year when he went there in 1997, as well. Wiggy was an inspirational character.

[Genghis]

jimblanchard said:

And he is dead.

So are we going to put forward Peter Craven, Tommy Jansson?

Jim - my mind was going through ex-British riders from the 1980s, who would now be suitable to do the manager's job. And unfortunately the only one I could think of is now dead.

[admin]

genghis said:

Wiggy was an inspirational character.

But so was Waggy, for a while.
Nigel Wagstaff to replace Middlo, that's what I say.

[Deleted]

genghis said:

Maybe Sam Ermolenko?

Oh my God no!!!!

Don't you remember 'that' team talk he gave live on Sky while he was milking Reading?