DT: I was born at Hartshill, lived in Bucknall as a youngster and then
moved to Hanley and later to Werrington.
HJ: Fourteen years as Stoke Potters promoter - did
you ever think when you took on the role during the winter of 1990-1991
that you would be here in 2009?
DT: No never.
HJ: What made you take on the role as promoter
back in 1991?
DT: Well it goes back further than that really.
It would be around 1986, just after John Dews left and Eric Stead took
over that l got involved in running the training schools at Loomer Road.
I’d spoke to Eric well before he passed away and following that spoke
to Trevor Stead and the family and things quickly moved on from there.
Having had 3-4 years at Loomer Road l sort of knew the ropes really and
l guess making the step up to promoter was right for me then and right
for Stoke then too!
HJ: You had an early partnership with Paul Gray.
How did that come about?
DT: Well Paul had been in with the Stead’s but at the time wasn’t too
involved as l recall and l had got to know him while l was running the
schools. It was sort of natural that we got together and that’s how it
proved.
HJ: Your early speedway recollections. I
guess you grew up watching at Sun Street did you?
DT: I did but l don’t remember too much about Sun Street, other than l
do remember as a young lad l was taken to the speedway by a near
neighbour Mr and Mrs Wylde and their son Derek. I still see Derek
occasionally to this day - we were good friends.
I can remember the sounds of the speedway there and walking with the
crowds down Broad Street - it was all very exciting as l recall.
HJ: Who were your Stoke favourites back then?
DT: I was more interested in riding than watching really, but l can
remember watching Colin Pratt, and to some extent Peter Jarman, who l
later got to know quite well.
HJ: The loss of Sun Street in 1963 l guess that
must have been a sad time was it?
DT: To be honest it wasn’t really. I don’t think l knew then what it
must have meant to everyone at that time. I was more interested when
speedway opened up at Crewe.
I wasn’t at their first meeting in 1969 but l didn’t miss many meetings
there.
You could say l was more of a Crewe Kings fan than a Stoke Potters fan,
especially when the two clubs ran side by side for a few seasons.
I got to know Dave Parry quite well and helped him on Saturdays prepare
the track for Mondays at Earle Street.
HJ: When did you first go to Loomer Road to watch
the racing?
Were you there on opening night April 12 1973 vs.
Birmingham?
DT: No l wasn’t and l’m not too sure when l did first go to Stoke. It
may well have been to watch Crewe, l don’t know.
I did go a few times to watch the dogs at Stoke though.
HJ: Back to your time as promoter.
Who are the riders you are glad you brought to
Stoke?
DT: My first year was 1991 and l was glad to inherit the likes of Nigel
(Crabtree) and Eric (Monaghan).
They were good times, fun times and we always helped one another out.
I guess in later years the one rider which stands out for me bringing
to Stoke is Jan Staechmann.
I think at the time Stoke were regarded as a bit of a, well l wouldn’t
say joke but Staechmann’s arrival gave us a completely new profile and
professionalism.
He was a good rider too of course and l think that helped.
HJ: Any regrets?
A: Well it’s not fair to name names but l have to say that back in ‘91 l
was very disappointed in Dean Standing’s time with us.
He came to us with quite a reputation and we did everything to get him
going.
Sadly he never really cut it with us and in my first few weeks as a
promoter l know that was a huge disappointment to me. I still think
about it even now!
HJ: Highlights of your time as promoter here?
DT: I guess the Crabtrees, Monaghan’s the Thorp’s and the Mogridge’s
and Jan of course.
All good riders and all different characters in their way.
HJ: I guess the loss of Stoke in 1993 hit you
hard.
Tell us about that?
DT: Yes it did. I don’t think certain people in high places really
helped me looking back on it now.
At the time we were going through a recession even then and times were
hard
- very hard.
HJ: What made you come back in 1998?
DT: Well it’s funny really, l remember one afternoon Crabby calling me
and telling me he was riding at Stoke that night.
l guess it must have been during the Cradley regime there for Hull in
‘96 and he wanted me with him.
I said no chance and forgot about it.
Next l knew Crabby was knocking on the door and saying l was going no
matter what, so l did. And pretty glad l was too, because that one
visit rekindled something in me and l
was interested once again you might say, so much so that when the chance
came along about two years later l was keen to come back to take over
again.
HJ: So what does the future hold for Stoke
Speedway - could we ever see a meeting on SKY TV being held here?
DT: Well l’d like to think so. I guess everyone is talking about how
good Scunthorpe was the other week and l have to admit it made for good
TV.
As for Stoke, well yes l guess l would be keen to have the camera’s
here.
I think SKY do a great job in promoting the sport, although l’m glad we
don’t run on a Monday and l have to say l feel for those tracks which
do.
Mind you we do run against the Grand Prix meetings but l have to say
that in these modern times of videos and SKY PLUS l guess most fans can
tape etc and still get to Stoke.
I’m glad they do!
But in answer to your question, yes l would like SKY here. Perhaps the
fact they they haven’t is really down to me. Perhaps we’ll try to sort
that for a later date.
I’m sure they would be good for Stoke. We have a great little race
track here with lots of exciting racing and l’m sure that’s all SKY want
to see, so yes maybe we should.
HJ: What’s your wish for the Potters in 2009?
DT: That all seven riders ride to their potential - we have often been
accused in the past of not making changes when things don’t quite go
right. Not any more.
If we have to make a change we will - believe me!
HJ: What’s your relationship with John Woolridge
and Nigel Crabtree - you always appear to get on well together?
DT: Very good.
John takes a huge work load off my shoulders and l often ask for his
opinion on things, same with Nigel who helps me with the track on race
days.
He’s in here early on Saturday’s watering and grading and that’s a big
help as l can get on with the other things that need doing.
HJ: Will you be around for another 14 seasons at
Stoke?
