Farewell & Testimonial meetings?

[Hodgy]

Just a thought. Do ‘Farewell Meetings’ actually mean anything? There have been several riders that have had a farewell meeting but then make a return. For an example Rory Schlein - a big farewell meeting and a move back to Oz. One year later he’s back (understand his family didn’t settle). Surely they make money from these meetings and riders only request expenses? Should they be reimbursed? Not to mention the paying public that attended.

In addition, testimonials. Back in the day, a testimonial was a reward for 10 years service to one club. What has changed?

[admin]

Dec 19, 2022 17:26:20 GMT Hodgy said:

Just a thought. Do ‘Farewell Meetings’ actually mean anything? There have been several riders that have had a farewell meeting but then make a return. For an example Rory Schlein - a big farewell meeting and a move back to Oz. One year later he’s back (understand his family didn’t settle). Surely they make money from these meetings and riders only request expenses? Should they be reimbursed? Not to mention the paying public that attended.

In addition, testimonials. Back in the day, a testimonial was a reward for 10 years service to one club. What has changed?

Schlein struck a cord with me as well. It doesn't sit right does it?

Reality hits home as Rory Schlein retires

Wolves skipper Rory Schlein says the reality of retirement is starting to sink in ahead of his farewell meeting at Monmore tonight (Oct 18, 2021 at 7.30pm).

Aussie ace Schlein is set to retire back to his home country with his young family after a 20-year career in British racing – the last four of which have been with Wolves.

He’s assembled an impressive field of 16 riders for his meeting which sees 20 heats and a final.

There will also be some flying laps with a cash prize for the rider with the fastest lap.

“It definitely sunk in after the loss against Peterborough,” Schlein said. “It really hit me when I shook Pete’s (Adams – Wolverhampton team manager) hand if I’m being honest.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Chris and Pete, we’ve had a great working relationship and that was probably the first moment where I really heard the clock kind of counting down.

“I was one of the last ones in the changing room and I was trying to take it all in.

“Knowing that that was it, that I’d never race for Wolves again, never ride in the top-flight again, I was choked up inside.

“I drove home with a bit of a lump in my throat knowing that it was almost that for everything.

“So it is sinking in mentally - but also my body is reminding me that I am making the right call too.

“This season has been difficult physically with my back and my knees and my shoulder as well.

“Not many people know but I’m actually due a shoulder op because I’ve only got one tendon in there.

“So it’s been difficult this season, especially with how busy we’ve been in such a short space of time.”

As this event is a benefit meeting fans are reminded Wolverhampton season tickets and complimentary passes are not valid.

For fans unable to attend but still wish to support the event, a special 48-page souvenir programme has been produced with an in-depth and emotional interview with Schlein along with features with Chris Harris, Jason Crump and Scott Nicholls.

Club owner Chris Van Straaten has also penned a column with an interesting angle. It has a gloss cover and is a fine souvenir to keep of Schlein’s career. It’s available from curtis-sport.com and is £4.

Line-up: Rory Schlein, Ryan Douglas, Dan Bewley, Scott Nicholls, Adam Ellis, Nick Morris, Danny King, Drew Kemp, Jason Doyle, Tom Brennan, Jason Crump, Chris Harris, Sam Masters, Luke Becker, Anders Rowe, Kyle Howarth.

expressandstar/speedway/2021/10/18/reality-hits-home-as-rory-schlein-retires.

[Hodgy]

Dec 19, 2022 17:46:24 GMT admin said:

Dec 19, 2022 17:26:20 GMT Hodgy said:

Just a thought. Do ‘Farewell Meetings’ actually mean anything? There have been several riders that have had a farewell meeting but then make a return. For an example Rory Schlein - a big farewell meeting and a move back to Oz. One year later he’s back (understand his family didn’t settle). Surely they make money from these meetings and riders only request expenses? Should they be reimbursed? Not to mention the paying public that attended.

In addition, testimonials. Back in the day, a testimonial was a reward for 10 years service to one club. What has changed?

Schlein struck a cord with me as well. It doesn't sit right does it?

Reality hits home as Rory Schlein retires

Wolves skipper Rory Schlein says the reality of retirement is starting to sink in ahead of his farewell meeting at Monmore tonight (Oct 18, 2021 at 7.30pm).

Aussie ace Schlein is set to retire back to his home country with his young family after a 20-year career in British racing – the last four of which have been with Wolves.

He’s assembled an impressive field of 16 riders for his meeting which sees 20 heats and a final.

There will also be some flying laps with a cash prize for the rider with the fastest lap.

“It definitely sunk in after the loss against Peterborough,” Schlein said. “It really hit me when I shook Pete’s (Adams – Wolverhampton team manager) hand if I’m being honest.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Chris and Pete, we’ve had a great working relationship and that was probably the first moment where I really heard the clock kind of counting down.

“I was one of the last ones in the changing room and I was trying to take it all in.

“Knowing that that was it, that I’d never race for Wolves again, never ride in the top-flight again, I was choked up inside.

“I drove home with a bit of a lump in my throat knowing that it was almost that for everything.

“So it is sinking in mentally - but also my body is reminding me that I am making the right call too.

“This season has been difficult physically with my back and my knees and my shoulder as well.

“Not many people know but I’m actually due a shoulder op because I’ve only got one tendon in there.

“So it’s been difficult this season, especially with how busy we’ve been in such a short space of time.”

As this event is a benefit meeting fans are reminded Wolverhampton season tickets and complimentary passes are not valid.

For fans unable to attend but still wish to support the event, a special 48-page souvenir programme has been produced with an in-depth and emotional interview with Schlein along with features with Chris Harris, Jason Crump and Scott Nicholls.

Club owner Chris Van Straaten has also penned a column with an interesting angle. It has a gloss cover and is a fine souvenir to keep of Schlein’s career. It’s available from curtis-sport.com and is £4.

Line-up: Rory Schlein, Ryan Douglas, Dan Bewley, Scott Nicholls, Adam Ellis, Nick Morris, Danny King, Drew Kemp, Jason Doyle, Tom Brennan, Jason Crump, Chris Harris, Sam Masters, Luke Becker, Anders Rowe, Kyle Howarth.

expressandstar/speedway/2021/10/18/reality-hits-home-as-rory-schlein-retires.

Thank you. Thought I was missing something. Despite the financial disrespect, I think it’s a bad decision on his part. Too many injuries and I fear more. He’s one of those riders that find it difficult to avoid injury.

[admin]

Dec 19, 2022 19:44:33 GMT Hodgy said:

Thank you. Thought I was missing something. Despite the financial disrespect, I think it’s a bad decision on his part. Too many injuries and I fear more. He’s one of those riders that find it difficult to avoid injury.

My mate dropped a couple of Stars through the door yesterday and I see that on one the front cover and main story focusses on Schlein which was timely. Was your post inspired by that or just something off the cuff that you thought of? It'll be an interesting read to see his/their view.

[Hodgy]

Dec 20, 2022 10:35:54 GMT admin said:

Dec 19, 2022 19:44:33 GMT Hodgy said:

Thank you. Thought I was missing something. Despite the financial disrespect, I think it’s a bad decision on his part. Too many injuries and I fear more. He’s one of those riders that find it difficult to avoid injury.

My mate dropped a couple of Stars through the door yesterday and I see that on one the front cover and main story focusses on Schlein which was timely. Was your post inspired by that or just something off the cuff that you thought of? It'll be an interesting read to see his/their view.

No, it’s been a thought I’ve had since seeing it was announced he is returning to British Speedway after 1 year of being retired. There was so much made of his last season (originally planned a year earlier if not for Covid). I was surprised that there was little mentioned about him having had a farewell meeting. Then I read Steve Worrall is having a testimonial next season, he’s had more than 10 clubs since 2010. I’m sure it used to be something you were rewarded after 10 years at the same club.

[Bigcatdiary]

Dec 20, 2022 11:46:48 GMT Hodgy said:

Dec 20, 2022 10:35:54 GMT admin said:

My mate dropped a couple of Stars through the door yesterday and I see that on one the front cover and main story focusses on Schlein which was timely. Was your post inspired by that or just something off the cuff that you thought of? It'll be an interesting read to see his/their view.

No, it’s been a thought I’ve had since seeing it was announced he is returning to British Speedway after 1 year of being retired. There was so much made of his last season (originally planned a year earlier if not for Covid). I was surprised that there was little mentioned about him having had a farewell meeting. Then I read Steve Worrall is having a testimonial next season, he’s had more than 10 clubs since 2010. I’m sure it used to be something you were rewarded after 10 years at the same club.

I think the criteria has changed several times over the last decade or so and after the Schlein backtrack I can see it happening again.

I think good service should be rewarded and undoubtedly that’s the main criteria today but as you say it used to be 10 years at the same club, in todays speedway world that’s practically unheard of.

[rodders]

Dec 20, 2022 11:54:19 GMT Bigcatdiary said:

Dec 20, 2022 11:46:48 GMT Hodgy said:

No, it’s been a thought I’ve had since seeing it was announced he is returning to British Speedway after 1 year of being retired. There was so much made of his last season (originally planned a year earlier if not for Covid). I was surprised that there was little mentioned about him having had a farewell meeting. Then I read Steve Worrall is having a testimonial next season, he’s had more than 10 clubs since 2010. I’m sure it used to be something you were rewarded after 10 years at the same club.

I think the criteria has changed several times over the last decade or so and after the Schlein backtrack I can see it happening again.

I think good service should be rewarded and undoubtedly that’s the main criteria today but as you say it used to be 10 years at the same club, in todays speedway world that’s practically unheard of.

Doubt there are many if any today that send 10 years with same club, however if a rider has served British Speedway for a period Testimonial seems acceptable . Cleary there should only be one per person

[Hodgy]

Dec 20, 2022 12:02:58 GMT rodders said:

Dec 20, 2022 11:54:19 GMT Bigcatdiary said:

I think the criteria has changed several times over the last decade or so and after the Schlein backtrack I can see it happening again.

I think good service should be rewarded and undoubtedly that’s the main criteria today but as you say it used to be 10 years at the same club, in todays speedway world that’s practically unheard of.

Doubt there are many if any today that send 10 years with same club, however if a rider has served British Speedway for a period Testimonial seems acceptable . Cleary there should only be one per person

In my opinion a testimonial should be as was, after 10 years service at the same club. Agree with BCD, it’s very unlikely in today’s Speedway world. A farewell meeting is much more understandable.