Post by speedway_history on Aug 29, 2008 11:03:27 GMT 1
As I like to be topical, I hope you'll enjoy this interview with Nigel Pearson with my thanks to him for taking the time to reply and getting back to me so quickly.
1..First of all, what got you interested in speedway in the first place?
My Dad took me to Hull when I was 6. We lived in Selby (North Yorkshire) and we became regulars for six seasons at the Boulevard, I was hooked immediately. Dad would also take me to Halifax and Sheffield plus, on the occasions we were visiting my grandparents in Cradley Heath we would go to Dudley Wood on a Saturday.
2..How much preparation do you do before commentating on a meeting, and do you have stats and facts available to you, or do you quote from memory?
I'm not a big stats man, we do have stats and biogs prepared for us by Sky but I rarely use them unless there's a new rider making his debut from abroad. Because I'm so intensely involved in the sport, I tend to know plenty about the riders and on a regular basis my colleagues at Sky will ring me for information.
3..You must have travelled to a fair few tracks in different countries for the GPs. What’s your favourite track, and what makes it so special?
I used to love the fast tracks in the UK like Odsal (Bradford) and the old Belle Vue at Hyde Road. Sheffield was always excellent as well and I've loved my involvement with that club over the last 15-years.
Elsewhere, Leszno in Poland is pretty special. And just for a unique angle, what a party they have at Costa Mesa in California! I went there in 94 and had the time of my life!!
4..And if the GP circuit was to expand, which countries would you like to see it go to? Talk has been of Australia hosting a GP; do you think that’s likely?
I love the USA. Can you imagine a Los Angeles GP? I'd also be interested to see how a GP worked out in Paris, where they have have motorsport events, and Brazil.
5..Your career highlights so far on your website are mainly football related. What have been the most memorable speedway meetings for you, and why?
Naturally Chris Harris winning at Cardiff, that was simply stunning. Peterborough's Elite League title win was also something special and made great TV. On a purely selfish note, my first ever meeting behind a microphone in the box at Cradley Heath in March 1990 - I was a bag of nerves!!!
6..And following on from that, what’s been the most disappointing speedway meeting (or moment) you’ve commented on?
The Swedish GP in Gothenburg a few years ago when it had to be abandoned. It was a complete letdown for everyone.
Also, Great Britain's performance in last year's World Cup was a massive disappointment.
7..Some people might say you’re a little overenthusiastic when commentating, and that the racing isn’t always as good as it’s made out to be. What would you say to that?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I'm always happy to discuss it - unless there is a hidden agenda which there quite clearly is with a couple of internet forum users who have been abusive towards me. I won't even enter into dialogue with people like that because they don't even know me as a person and I won't give the time of day to people who use insults via a keyboard. How big of them!
I have the best job in the world, I love it and I love sport, particularly speedway. Yes, sometimes I go over the top but it's all down to my enthusiasm and that of the producer and director in the truck. There are times when I am told to liven up because I'm just doing my normal voice but Sky bosses want you to be upbeat at all times.
Yes, it is OTT at times, but I make absolutely no apology for putting energy and enthusiasm into my work. Some people hate it, but plenty like it - including my bosses at Sky who keep giving me the work!!
8..Again, according to your website you state the biggest low as: “finishing with Clubcall after over 14-years. It was a shambles, one day I will name and shame. I loved my time with them.”
Can you elaborate any more yet?
I was updating Walsall and WBA ClubCall every day and loved it. However, ClubCall was badly managed in my opinion, there were people in the office putting their own headlines on teletext and us 'freelancers' rarely got a look in. They employed people in the office who weren't up to the job, didn't have any journalistic experience but I guess they were cheap. I was down the training ground, mixing the players and managers etc.
I got a letter saying all freelancers were to be dropped by ClubCall - and then, a few months later, everyone was made redundant and it all went belly-up. What a shame.
9..What do you think of the changes to come out of the BSPA’s AGM?
I think the changes are very brave and bold. Like my commentary style, not everyone likes what has been done but something had to happen. I hope the Elite League provides us with a more even contest than last season (when at no time did I say how wonderful the league was despite claims from one bitter and twisted individual) and the play-off race in both legs should provide great interest. I hope so anyway. Only time will tell whether it works out.
10..What do you think we should be doing to encourage new supporters to watch speedway? Do you think the SKY coverage is enough, or would you like to see a national advertising campaign to compliment it?
The Sky coverage obviously helps but the individual club promoters have to promote in every sense of the word and not enough of them do that.
I may sound biased - and I would say this - but without Sky the sport would have disappeared into oblivion by now and we would be nothing more than a part-time sport in this country.
I would like to see increased media exposure in the national press, but the bottom line there is that it's more and more about football in today's society and we're left to fight for the rest of the column inches alongside the likes of Basketball, Ice Hockey and Darts.
And to get more spectators, we need better spectator facilities. This is 2008 and there are certain tracks throughout the country where I wouldn't dream of taking my wife and daughter.
11..The biggest positive talk at the moment is about independence, and a number of promoters seem to be keen on this, though they cite finance and structure as being the main problems. Firstly, do you agree an independent governing body is the way to go, and what would your initial thoughts on how to implement it be?
Tony Steele is the perfect man for this job. I think a Chief Executive of the BSPA is not a bad idea, but whatever he says goes - and no arguing! Tony is one of the most respected men in the sport (he's also a good pal of mine so I would say that!) and he could handle the job no problem. However, when you have your own personal money in a club, it must be a concern to know the destiny of your business can be in someone else's hands.
I have great respect for the promoters who have their own money in clubs, it's harder than ever to make money and I take my hat off to them.
12..Which sporting events are you most looking forward to commentating on in the coming season?
I am loving the Premier League football commentary on TalkSPORT, the nation's biggest commercial radio station. It can be Liverpool one week, Manchester Utd the next - how lucky am I?!
The Premier League Darts starts shortly and I love the involvement there, plus I'm looking forward to the new speedway season on Sky, including the British GP and the World Cup. Another big year ahead for me and I'm really excited about it.
13..Who are your speedway heroes, and why?
Ivan Mauger and Erik Gundersen were favourites when I was a kid because they were winners, points machines. I also loved the more spectacular riders like Sam Ermolenko and Simon Cross.
Today, I'm a big fan of Simon Stead because of his style. I would pay good money to watch him and I think he's in for a great season with Coventry.
I always enjoy watching Tomasz Gollob on his day, when he's in the mood, and Nicki Pedersen is always good box office. He will be missed by the British public and there's a lot said and written about him which isn't true, I can vouch for that.
14..And finally, now the Elite teams are largely in place, who’s your money on, and are there any riders you’ll be paying particular attention to this year?
Coventry will be up there again, the signing of Simon Stead could be the key.
Wolverhampton, a club I have maintained an interest in despite my work taking me elsewhere, could prove successful if Ales Dryml and Nicolai Klindt come good.
And I sincerely hope Belle Vue are strong. I have massive admiration for the management there, Gordon Pairman, David Gordon and Chris Morton, and they deserve a big season.
But right now I am backing Coventry to retain their title.
1..First of all, what got you interested in speedway in the first place?
My Dad took me to Hull when I was 6. We lived in Selby (North Yorkshire) and we became regulars for six seasons at the Boulevard, I was hooked immediately. Dad would also take me to Halifax and Sheffield plus, on the occasions we were visiting my grandparents in Cradley Heath we would go to Dudley Wood on a Saturday.
2..How much preparation do you do before commentating on a meeting, and do you have stats and facts available to you, or do you quote from memory?
I'm not a big stats man, we do have stats and biogs prepared for us by Sky but I rarely use them unless there's a new rider making his debut from abroad. Because I'm so intensely involved in the sport, I tend to know plenty about the riders and on a regular basis my colleagues at Sky will ring me for information.
3..You must have travelled to a fair few tracks in different countries for the GPs. What’s your favourite track, and what makes it so special?
I used to love the fast tracks in the UK like Odsal (Bradford) and the old Belle Vue at Hyde Road. Sheffield was always excellent as well and I've loved my involvement with that club over the last 15-years.
Elsewhere, Leszno in Poland is pretty special. And just for a unique angle, what a party they have at Costa Mesa in California! I went there in 94 and had the time of my life!!
4..And if the GP circuit was to expand, which countries would you like to see it go to? Talk has been of Australia hosting a GP; do you think that’s likely?
I love the USA. Can you imagine a Los Angeles GP? I'd also be interested to see how a GP worked out in Paris, where they have have motorsport events, and Brazil.
5..Your career highlights so far on your website are mainly football related. What have been the most memorable speedway meetings for you, and why?
Naturally Chris Harris winning at Cardiff, that was simply stunning. Peterborough's Elite League title win was also something special and made great TV. On a purely selfish note, my first ever meeting behind a microphone in the box at Cradley Heath in March 1990 - I was a bag of nerves!!!
6..And following on from that, what’s been the most disappointing speedway meeting (or moment) you’ve commented on?
The Swedish GP in Gothenburg a few years ago when it had to be abandoned. It was a complete letdown for everyone.
Also, Great Britain's performance in last year's World Cup was a massive disappointment.
7..Some people might say you’re a little overenthusiastic when commentating, and that the racing isn’t always as good as it’s made out to be. What would you say to that?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I'm always happy to discuss it - unless there is a hidden agenda which there quite clearly is with a couple of internet forum users who have been abusive towards me. I won't even enter into dialogue with people like that because they don't even know me as a person and I won't give the time of day to people who use insults via a keyboard. How big of them!
I have the best job in the world, I love it and I love sport, particularly speedway. Yes, sometimes I go over the top but it's all down to my enthusiasm and that of the producer and director in the truck. There are times when I am told to liven up because I'm just doing my normal voice but Sky bosses want you to be upbeat at all times.
Yes, it is OTT at times, but I make absolutely no apology for putting energy and enthusiasm into my work. Some people hate it, but plenty like it - including my bosses at Sky who keep giving me the work!!
8..Again, according to your website you state the biggest low as: “finishing with Clubcall after over 14-years. It was a shambles, one day I will name and shame. I loved my time with them.”
Can you elaborate any more yet?
I was updating Walsall and WBA ClubCall every day and loved it. However, ClubCall was badly managed in my opinion, there were people in the office putting their own headlines on teletext and us 'freelancers' rarely got a look in. They employed people in the office who weren't up to the job, didn't have any journalistic experience but I guess they were cheap. I was down the training ground, mixing the players and managers etc.
I got a letter saying all freelancers were to be dropped by ClubCall - and then, a few months later, everyone was made redundant and it all went belly-up. What a shame.
9..What do you think of the changes to come out of the BSPA’s AGM?
I think the changes are very brave and bold. Like my commentary style, not everyone likes what has been done but something had to happen. I hope the Elite League provides us with a more even contest than last season (when at no time did I say how wonderful the league was despite claims from one bitter and twisted individual) and the play-off race in both legs should provide great interest. I hope so anyway. Only time will tell whether it works out.
10..What do you think we should be doing to encourage new supporters to watch speedway? Do you think the SKY coverage is enough, or would you like to see a national advertising campaign to compliment it?
The Sky coverage obviously helps but the individual club promoters have to promote in every sense of the word and not enough of them do that.
I may sound biased - and I would say this - but without Sky the sport would have disappeared into oblivion by now and we would be nothing more than a part-time sport in this country.
I would like to see increased media exposure in the national press, but the bottom line there is that it's more and more about football in today's society and we're left to fight for the rest of the column inches alongside the likes of Basketball, Ice Hockey and Darts.
And to get more spectators, we need better spectator facilities. This is 2008 and there are certain tracks throughout the country where I wouldn't dream of taking my wife and daughter.
11..The biggest positive talk at the moment is about independence, and a number of promoters seem to be keen on this, though they cite finance and structure as being the main problems. Firstly, do you agree an independent governing body is the way to go, and what would your initial thoughts on how to implement it be?
Tony Steele is the perfect man for this job. I think a Chief Executive of the BSPA is not a bad idea, but whatever he says goes - and no arguing! Tony is one of the most respected men in the sport (he's also a good pal of mine so I would say that!) and he could handle the job no problem. However, when you have your own personal money in a club, it must be a concern to know the destiny of your business can be in someone else's hands.
I have great respect for the promoters who have their own money in clubs, it's harder than ever to make money and I take my hat off to them.
12..Which sporting events are you most looking forward to commentating on in the coming season?
I am loving the Premier League football commentary on TalkSPORT, the nation's biggest commercial radio station. It can be Liverpool one week, Manchester Utd the next - how lucky am I?!
The Premier League Darts starts shortly and I love the involvement there, plus I'm looking forward to the new speedway season on Sky, including the British GP and the World Cup. Another big year ahead for me and I'm really excited about it.
13..Who are your speedway heroes, and why?
Ivan Mauger and Erik Gundersen were favourites when I was a kid because they were winners, points machines. I also loved the more spectacular riders like Sam Ermolenko and Simon Cross.
Today, I'm a big fan of Simon Stead because of his style. I would pay good money to watch him and I think he's in for a great season with Coventry.
I always enjoy watching Tomasz Gollob on his day, when he's in the mood, and Nicki Pedersen is always good box office. He will be missed by the British public and there's a lot said and written about him which isn't true, I can vouch for that.
14..And finally, now the Elite teams are largely in place, who’s your money on, and are there any riders you’ll be paying particular attention to this year?
Coventry will be up there again, the signing of Simon Stead could be the key.
Wolverhampton, a club I have maintained an interest in despite my work taking me elsewhere, could prove successful if Ales Dryml and Nicolai Klindt come good.
And I sincerely hope Belle Vue are strong. I have massive admiration for the management there, Gordon Pairman, David Gordon and Chris Morton, and they deserve a big season.
But right now I am backing Coventry to retain their title.