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{{Short description|British motorcycle speedway team}}
{{For|the [[football (soccer)|football]] club|Stoke City F.C.}}
{{For|the [[football (soccer)|football]] club|Stoke City F.C.}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
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|clubname = Stoke Potters
|clubname = Stoke Potters
|image = [[File:Stokepotters.jpg|90px|Stoke Potters]]
|image = [[File:Stokepotters.jpg|90px|Stoke Potters]]
|track = [[Loomer Road Stadium]]<br>Newcastle-under-Lyme<br>[[Staffordshire]]<br>ST5 7LB
|track = [[Hanley Greyhound Stadium|Sun Street Stadium]] (1929–1963)<br>[[Loomer Road Stadium]] (1973–2019)
|country = [[England]]
|country = England
|founded = 1929
|founded = 1929
|closed = 2019<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://speedwaygb.co.uk/news.php?extend.37448|title=FINAL CALL FOR POTTERS - British Speedway Official Website|website=speedwaygb.co.uk|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref>
|closed = 2019<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://speedwaygb.co.uk/news.php?extend.37448|title=FINAL CALL FOR POTTERS - British Speedway Official Website|website=speedwaygb.co.uk|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref>
|manager = Adam Isherwood
|manager =
|captain = Tom Perry
|captain =
|league =
|league = [[National League (speedway)|National League]]
|website = {{URL|http://www.stoke-speedway.com/}}
|website =
|colours = Red and White
|colours = Red and White
|tracksize = {{convert|312|m|yd}}
|tracksize = {{convert|312|m|yd}}
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|track record date = 8 August 2009, 26 September 2009
|track record date = 8 August 2009, 26 September 2009
|track record holder = Ty Proctor, Steve Johnston
|track record holder = Ty Proctor, Steve Johnston
|rider1 =
|rider1cma =
|rider2 =
|rider2cma =
|rider3 =
|rider3cma =
|rider4 =
|rider4cma =
|rider5 =
|rider5cma =
|rider6 =
|rider6cma =
|rider7 =
|rider7cma =
|totalcma =
|honour1 = [[1949 Speedway National League Division Three|National League Div 3 Champions]]
|year1 = 1949
|honour2 = [[1949 Speedway National League Division Three#Third Division Qualifying Final|Div 3 National Trophy Winners]]
|year2 = 1949
|honour3 = Northern Cup
|year3 = 1960
|honour4 = [[National League Four-Team Championship|National League Fours Champions]]
|year4 = 1990, 2019
|honour5 = [[British League Division Two Pairs Championship|National League (1975-1994) Pairs]] Champions |year5 = 1984, 1988, 1989
|honour6 = National League Pairs Champions
|year6 = 2011, 2014}}


|honour1 = [[National League Four-Team Championship|National League Fours]] (tier 2)
The '''Stoke Potters''' previously the '''Hanley Potters''' were a British [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] team competing in the [[National League (speedway)|National League]]. As Stoke, the team raced at [[Loomer Road Stadium]] in [[Newcastle-under-Lyme]].<ref>Bamford, R & Jarvis, J.(2001). ''Homes of British Speedway''. {{ISBN|0-7524-2210-3}}</ref> As Hanley Potters they raced from 1929 to 1963.
|year1 = 1990
|honour2 = [[British League Division Two Pairs Championship|National League Pairs]] (tier 2)
|year2 = 1984, 1988, 1989
|honour3 = [[1949 Speedway National League Division Three|National League Div 3]] (tier 3)
|year4 = 1949
|honour5 = [[1949 Speedway National League Division Three#Third Division Qualifying Final|Div 3 National Trophy]] (tier 3)
|year5 = 1949
|honour6 = NDL Fours (tier 3)
|year6 = 2019
|honour7 = National League Pairs (tier 3)
|year7 = 2011, 2014
}}


The '''Stoke Potters''' previously the '''Hanley Potters''' were a British [[Motorcycle speedway|speedway]] team. As Hanley Potters they raced at the [[Hanley Greyhound Stadium|Sun Street Stadium]] from 1929 to 1963 and as Stoke, the team raced at [[Loomer Road Stadium]] in [[Newcastle-under-Lyme]] from 1973 to 2019.<ref>Bamford, R & Jarvis, J.(2001). ''Homes of British Speedway''. {{ISBN|0-7524-2210-3}}</ref>
==History==
Hanley Potters were inaugural members of the [[1929 Speedway English Dirt Track League]] but withdrew during the season and their results were expunged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.speedwaygb.co.uk/history/leaguetables1929-1939|title=BRITISH LEAGUE TABLES - PRE-WAR ERA (1929-1939)|website=Official British Speedway website|access-date=16 August 2021}}</ref> They rode at the [[Hanley Greyhound Stadium|Sun Street Stadium]] in [[Hanley, Staffordshire|Hanley]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defunctspeedway.co.uk/Stoke%20Sun%20Street.htm|title=Stoke Speedway Hanley|website=Defunct Speedway|access-date=18 August 2021}}</ref> In the late 1940s, early 1950s and the early 1960s, the club attracted crowds of over 12,000.


== History ==
Hanley won the [[Speedway National League Division Three|National League Division Three]] and [[1949 Speedway National League Division Three#Third Division Qualifying Final|Div 3 National Trophy]] in 1949.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.speedwayresearcher.org.uk/yearbyyear.html|title=Year by Year|website=Speedway Researcher|access-date=18 August 2021}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://stoke-speedway.com/briefhistory|title=Official Stoke Potters Speedway: BRIEF HISTORY OF STOKE SPEEDWAY|website=stoke-speedway.com|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.speedwaygb.co.uk/history/leaguetables1946-1964|title=BRITISH LEAGUE TABLES - POST-WAR ERA (1946-1964)|website=Official British Speedway website|access-date=16 August 2021}}</ref> The Sun Street track closed in 1963 after the greyhound stadium owners sold the site to a garage business.<ref>{{cite book|last=Barnes|first=Julia|title=Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File|page =423|year=1988|publisher=Ringpress Books|isbn=0-948955-15-5}}</ref>
=== Origins & 1920s ===
In March 1929, British Speedways Ltd agreed a season lease with Northern Greyhound Racers (Hanley) Ltd (the owners of the recently constructed Sun Street Stadium in [[Hanley, Staffordshire|Hanley]]) for the introduction of speedway during 1929.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dirt Track Racing in Hanley |work=Staffordshire Sentinel |date=18 March 1929 |access-date=7 June 2024|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000525/19290318/152/0008 | via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Hanley were named as inaugural members of the [[1929 Speedway English Dirt Track League]] and hosted their first home league match against Burnley on 18 May.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.speedwayresearcher.org.uk/1929record.pdf |title=1929 results |website=Speedway Researcher |access-date=7 June 2024}}</ref> However, they withdrew before the end of the season and their results were expunged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.speedwaygb.co.uk/history/leaguetables1929-1939|title=BRITISH LEAGUE TABLES - PRE-WAR ERA (1929-1939)|website=Official British Speedway website|access-date=16 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defunctspeedway.co.uk/Stoke%20Sun%20Street.htm|title=Stoke Speedway Hanley|website=Defunct Speedway|access-date=18 August 2021}}</ref>


=== 1930s===
The team returned in 1972 riding at a new venue the [[Loomer Road Stadium]]; they were known for one season as Chesterton Potters.<ref>{{cite book|last=Rogers|first=Martin|title=The Illustrated History of Speedway|year=1978|page=129|publisher=Studio Publications (Ipswich) Ltd|isbn=0-904584-45-3}}</ref> From 1973 to 1995 they competed mainly in the National League.
Ten years after the last appearance of speedway in Stoke, a team re-surfaced at the Sun Street stadium. The Stoke team with the nickname 'Potters' being used for the first time, joined the [[1939 Speedway National League Division Two]], under the promotion of the stadium owners.<ref>{{cite news |title=Potteries Speedway Plans |work=Staffordshire Sentinel |date=2 February 1939 |access-date=7 June 2024|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000525/19390202/267/0010 | via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Unfortunately once again the team failed to end the season, withdrawing in early July 1939.


=== 1940s ===
In 1996, The team rode as the Cradley & Stoke Heathens, after the Cradley Heath team were displaced from their base at Dudley Wood Stadium, Cradley Heath.<ref name=":0" />
Following an eight year absence, the speedway returned on 8 May 1947<ref>{{cite news |title=Hanley Speedway Thrills and Spills |work=Staffordshire Sentinel |date=9 May 1947 |access-date=15 June 2024|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000525/19470509/130/0006 | via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> and the Hanley Potters finally completed a campaign, finishing 6th in the eight team third division.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cybermotorcycle.com/archives/exeter-speedway/leagues-46.htm |title=1946 to 1951 |website=Cyber Morotcycles |access-date=7 June 2024}}</ref> Just two years later in 1949, Hanley won the double of [[Speedway National League Division Three|National League Division Three]] and [[1949 Speedway National League Division Three#Third Division Qualifying Final|Div 3 National Trophy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.speedwayresearcher.org.uk/yearbyyear.html|title=Year by Year|website=Speedway Researcher|access-date=18 August 2021}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://stoke-speedway.com/briefhistory|title=Official Stoke Potters Speedway: BRIEF HISTORY OF STOKE SPEEDWAY|website=stoke-speedway.com|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.speedwaygb.co.uk/history/leaguetables1946-1964|title=BRITISH LEAGUE TABLES - POST-WAR ERA (1946-1964)|website=Official British Speedway website|access-date=16 August 2021}}</ref> The Potters were led by riders such as Vic Pitcher, Les Jenkins and [[Ken Adams (speedway rider)|Ken Adams]] and the club attracted crowds of over 12,000.


=== 1950s ===
November 2010 saw a major decision taken by the club's promotion. The team were to withdraw from [[Premier League (speedway)|Premier League]] racing to drop a division and compete in the National League, speedway's third tier.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://speedwaygb.co.uk/news.php?extend.9912|title=POTTERS JOIN NL - British Speedway Official Website|website=speedwaygb.co.uk|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref> The club had been struggling financially for the last couple of seasons and the move was made in order to stabilise finances and hopefully get on a sure footing to make a return to the Premier League later.
Hanley struggled in the second division during 1950 before returning to division 3 in 1951. The team raced as Stoke instead of Hanley during the years 1952 and 1953, which saw a poor run of results.<ref>{{cite book |last=Oakes |first=Peter |title=1981 Speedway Yearbook |year=1981 |publisher=Studio Publications (Ipswich) Ltd |isbn=0-86215-017-5}}</ref> The promoters Miles and Galloway subsequently closed the team down, continuing the trend of the club's history of being unable to compete in league speedway on a regular basis.


=== 1960s ===
2011 saw the club top the National League table by seven points.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://speedwaygb.co.uk/nationalleaguetable11|title=British Speedway Official Website|website=speedwaygb.co.uk|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref> Injuries struck key riders and this affected their final matches in which they were beaten in the play-off semi finals by the [[Mildenhall Fen Tigers]] who also beat them in the final of the National League Knockout Cup. Since the 2011 campaign the Potters have continued to race in the National League with little success and they ended 2015 season's National League table with only [[Kent Kings]] below them.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://speedwaygb.co.uk/nationalleaguetable15|title=British Speedway Official Website|website=speedwaygb.co.uk|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref> On 13 July 2019, Stoke won the National League Fours for the second time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://speedwaygb.co.uk/news.php?extend.36948|title=STOKE CROWNED NL FOURS CHAMPIONS - British Speedway Official Website|website=speedwaygb.co.uk|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref>
With the creation of the [[Provincial League (speedway)|Provincial League]] in 1960, the Potters returned under the promotion of [[Reg Fearman]] and Mike Parker.<ref>{{cite news |title=Speedway |work=Staffordshire Sentinel |date=19 January 1960 |access-date=7 June 2024|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000525/19600119/009/0009 | via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Fearman also rode for the club and Ken Adams returned during a period when Stoke enjoyed a solid four year spell from 1960 to 1963, culminating with the runner-up position behind [[Wolverhampton Wolves]] in 1963. Riders [[Colin Pratt]] and [[Peter Jarman]] starred in 1963.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.speedwayresearcher.org.uk/specialfeaturesrideraverages.pdf |title=Rider averages 1929 to 2009 |website=Speedway Researcher |access-date=7 June 2024}}</ref>


However, the Sun Street track closed in 1963, because the greyhound stadium owners sold the site to a garage business<ref>{{cite book|last=Barnes|first=Julia|title=Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File|page =423|year=1988|publisher=Ringpress Books|isbn=0-948955-15-5}}</ref> and the speedway was shut down for the fourth time in club's history.
==Season summary==

=== 1970s ===
[[File:Stoke Potters.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Stoke in action during 1976]]
In late 1971, Midlands' businessman Russell Bragg applied for and received planning permission from the Newcastle Borough Council for the construction of a new [[Loomer Road Stadium]] in Chesterton, at a cost of £200,000.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wembley of North plan for Chesterton speedway track |work=Staffordshire Sentinel |date=3 January 1972 |access-date=7 June 2024|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000525/19720103/010/0010 | via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Promoters veto Stoke speedway |work=Wolverhampton Express and Star |date=17 January 1972 |access-date=7 June 2024|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000525/19720103/010/0010 | via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Newest short-circuit motor racing track |work=Staffordshire Sentinel |date=10 February 1973 |access-date=7 June 2024|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000525/19730210/007/0007 | via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The first speedway match at the track took place on 11 April 1973 in front of 6,500 supporters.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chesterton aim at an opening win |work=Staffordshire Sentinel |date=11 April 1973 |access-date=7 June 2024|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000525/19730411/022/0022 | via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The team were known as the '''Chesterton Potters''' for the 1973 season.<ref>{{cite book|last=Rogers|first=Martin|title=The Illustrated History of Speedway|year=1978|page=129|publisher=Studio Publications (Ipswich) Ltd|isbn=0-904584-45-3}}</ref>

The club finally experienced continuity and would feature in the National League for a prolonged period. The 1970s saw contrasting fortunes for the Potters and number one riders included [[Mike Broadbank]], [[Alan Molyneux]], [[Les Collins]] and [[Ian Gledhill]], the latter winning the [[British League Division Two Riders Championship|1979 Riders' Championship]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Outlaw's Crash |work=Derby Daily Telegraph |date=1 October 1979 |access-date=20 June 2023 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000521/19791001/021/0021 | via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

=== 1980s ===
[[File:Stoke Potters Speedway Track - geograph.org.uk - 1807297.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Stoke vs Oxford 1981]]
The Potters struggled in the league from 1980 to 1983 but finished 3rd in 1984 after signing Nigel Crabtree and [[Paul Thorp]] to support [[Tom Owen (speedway rider)|Tom Owen]]. Crabtree and Owen went on to win the [[British League Division Two Pairs Championship|National League Pairs]] held at [[Hackney Wick Stadium]] on 30 June.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.speedwayresearcher.org.uk/1984fixtures.pdf |title=1984 fixture list |website=Speedway Researcher |access-date=24 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Stoke stars take title |work=Sunday Sun (Newcastle) |date=1 July 1984 |access-date=24 May 2023 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001723/19840701/04 | via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

The remainder of the decade resulted in much improved seasons, with the Potters competing well. Successes included Paul Thorp winning the 1986 Riders' Championship, [[Graham Jones (speedway rider)|Graham Jones]] and [[Steve Bastable]] winning the 1988 National League Pairs<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.speedwayresearcher.org.uk/1988fixtures.pdf |title=1988 fixtures |website=Speedway Researcher |access-date=25 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Stokespeedway pair triumph |work=Staffordshire Sentinel |date=24 August 1988 |access-date=25 May 2023 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000525/19880824/541/0020 | via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> and Crabtree and [[Eric Monaghan]] winning the 1989 Pairs.<ref>{{cite book |last=Oakes |first=Peter |title=Speedway Yearbook 1990 |year=1990 |page=59 |publisher=Front Page Books |isbn=0-948882-15-8}}</ref>

=== 1990s ===
The 1990s began well with the Potters team of Monaghan, Crabtree, [[Louis Carr]] and Chris Cobby, claiming the [[List of United Kingdom Speedway Fours Champions|Fours championship]] final, held at the [[East of England Showground]] on 22 July.<ref>{{cite news |title=Potters capture fours title for the first time |work=Staffordshire Sentinel |date=6 August 1990 |access-date=8 May 2023 |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000525/19900806/186/0021 | via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

After two more seasons in the second division from 1991 to 1992, the Potters folded after promoter Dave Tattum failed to gain funding for the 1993 season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Speedway rider dies after crash in race |work=Cambridge Daily News |date=5 February 1993 |access-date=7 June 2024|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0003740/19930205/043/0043 | via = [[British Newspaper Archive]]|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The team rejoined the third tier in 1994.

In 1996, the team rode as the Cradley & Stoke Heathens in the merged top division called the [[Premier League (speedway)|Premier League]]. Cradley Heath had been displaced from their base at [[Dudley Wood Stadium]].<ref name=":0" /> From 1997 to 1999, Stoke raced as a single club and returned to the second tier, which retained the Premier League name.

=== 2000s ===
The new millennium started a full decade of Premier League speedway, with the Potters reaching a best position of fourth in 2004. However, the decade was underwhelming with the team failing to achieve any notable success.

=== 2010s ===
In November 2010, a major decision was taken by the club's promotion. The team withdrew from Premier League racing to drop a division and compete in the National League, speedway's third tier.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://speedwaygb.co.uk/news.php?extend.9912|title=POTTERS JOIN NL - British Speedway Official Website|website=speedwaygb.co.uk|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref> The club had been struggling financially for the last couple of seasons and the move was made in order to stabilise finances.

The [[2011 National League speedway season|2011 season]] saw the club top the National League table by seven points<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://speedwaygb.co.uk/nationalleaguetable11|title=British Speedway Official Website|website=speedwaygb.co.uk|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref> but injuries struck key riders and Stoke were beaten in the play-off semi finals. Some consolation was taken when Tim Webster and [[Simon Lambert (speedway rider)|Simon Lambert]] won the [[National League Pairs Championship]]. From 2012 to 2018, the Potters continued to race in the National League<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://speedwaygb.co.uk/nationalleaguetable15|title=British Speedway Official Website|website=speedwaygb.co.uk|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref> and [[Ben Wilson (speedway rider)|Ben Wilson]] and [[Jon Armstrong]] won the 2014 Pairs Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://speedwaygb.co.uk/news.php?extend.36948|title=STOKE CROWNED NL FOURS CHAMPIONS - British Speedway Official Website|website=speedwaygb.co.uk|access-date=2019-12-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.speedwaygbarchive.co.uk/14results/mildenhall_15.06.14_res.pdf |title=National League Pairs |website=British Speedway |access-date=2 July 2023}}</ref>

The [[2019 National Development League speedway season|2019 season]] ended with the Potters winning the fours championship at Loomer Road<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.speedwaygb.co.uk/news.php?extend.36949|title=Potters' Fours Glory |date=14 July 2019|publisher= Speedway GB}}</ref> but it would be the last speedway season at Loomer Road because the site was sold, the team disbanded after the season and the stadium was demolished during June 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stoke Speedway to close after 90 years following stadium sale |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/local-news/we-go-along-it-stoke-3308276 |website=www.stokesentinel.co.uk |publisher=The Sentinel}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/developers-demolish-abandoned-stoke-speedway-4272235 |title=Developers demolish abandoned Stoke Speedway stadium to leave it looking like this |website=Stoke Sentinel |access-date=7 June 2024}}</ref>

== Season summary ==
{{collapse top}}
{{collapse top}}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
|-
!width=350|Year and league
!width=350|Year and league
Line 117: Line 139:
|align="left"| [[1983 National League season]] || 17th ||
|align="left"| [[1983 National League season]] || 17th ||
|- align=center
|- align=center
|align="left"| [[1984 National League season]] || 3rd ||
|align="left"| [[1984 National League season]] || 3rd || NL Pairs
|- align=center
|- align=center
|align="left"| [[1985 National League season]] ||8th ||
|align="left"| [[1985 National League season]] ||8th ||
Line 125: Line 147:
|align="left"| [[1987 National League season]] || 4th ||
|align="left"| [[1987 National League season]] || 4th ||
|- align=center
|- align=center
|align="left"| [[1988 National League season]] ||7th ||
|align="left"| [[1988 National League season]] ||7th || NL Pairs
|- align=center
|- align=center
|align="left"| [[1989 National League season]] || 10th ||
|align="left"| [[1989 National League season]] || 10th || NL Pairs
|- align=center
|- align=center
|align="left"| [[1990 National League season]] || 8th ||
|align="left"| [[1990 National League season]] || 8th || NL Fours
|- align=center
|- align=center
|align="left"| [[1991 British League Division Two season]] || 10th ||
|align="left"| [[1991 British League Division Two season]] || 10th ||
Line 169: Line 191:
|align="left"| [[2010 Premier League speedway season]] || 12th ||
|align="left"| [[2010 Premier League speedway season]] || 12th ||
|- align=center
|- align=center
|align="left"| [[2011 National League speedway season]] || 1st ||PO semi final
|align="left"| [[2011 National League speedway season]] || 1st ||PO semi final, NL pairs
|- align=center
|- align=center
|align="left"| [[2012 National League speedway season]] || 4th ||
|align="left"| [[2012 National League speedway season]] || 4th ||
Line 175: Line 197:
|align="left"| [[2013 National League speedway season]] || 8th ||
|align="left"| [[2013 National League speedway season]] || 8th ||
|- align=center
|- align=center
|align="left"| [[2014 National League speedway season]] || 6th ||
|align="left"| [[2014 National League speedway season]] || 6th || NL pairs
|- align=center
|- align=center
|align="left"| [[2015 National League speedway season]] || 9th ||
|align="left"| [[2015 National League speedway season]] || 9th ||
Line 189: Line 211:
{{collapse bottom}}
{{collapse bottom}}


==Season summary (juniors)==
== Season summary (juniors) ==
{{collapse top}}
{{collapse top}}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|-
|-
!width=350|Year and league
!width=350|Year and league
Line 208: Line 229:
{{collapse bottom}}
{{collapse bottom}}


==Previous seasons (riders)==
== Notable riders ==
{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|
*{{player||ENG|[[Ken Adams (speedway rider)|Ken Adams]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Steve Bastable]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Mike Broadbank]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Nigel Crabtree]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Reg Fearman]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[John Fitzpatrick (speedway rider)|John Fitzpatrick]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Ian Gledhill]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Ray Harris (speedway rider)|Ray Harris]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Peter Jarman]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Graham Jones (speedway rider)|Graham Jones]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Alan Mogridge]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Eric Monaghan]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Paul Pickering (speedway rider)|Paul Pickering]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Colin Pratt]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Paul Thorp]]}}
*{{player||DEN|[[Jan Staechmann]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Fred Strecker]]}}
}}

== Previous seasons (riders) ==
{{collapse top}}
{{collapse top}}
'''2010 team'''
'''2010 team'''
Line 214: Line 256:
*{{player||DEN|[[Klaus Jakobsen]]}}
*{{player||DEN|[[Klaus Jakobsen]]}}
*{{player||POL|[[Michał Rajkowski]]}}
*{{player||POL|[[Michał Rajkowski]]}}
*{{player||CZE|[[Hynek Štichauer]]}}
*{{player||CZE|Hynek Štichauer}}
*{{player||USA|[[Ricky Wells]]}}
*{{player||USA|[[Ricky Wells]]}}
* {{player||AUS|[[James Holder]]}}
* {{player||AUS|[[James Holder]]}}
Line 261: Line 303:
*{{player||GER|[[Robbie Kessler]]}}
*{{player||GER|[[Robbie Kessler]]}}
*{{player||AUS|[[Mark Lemon (speedway rider)|Mark Lemon]]}}
*{{player||AUS|[[Mark Lemon (speedway rider)|Mark Lemon]]}}
*{{player||AUS|[[Trent Leverington]]}}
*{{player||AUS|Trent Leverington}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Alan Mogridge]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Alan Mogridge]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Barrie Evans]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Barrie Evans]]}}
Line 269: Line 311:
{{collapse bottom}}
{{collapse bottom}}


==Notable riders==
== References ==
[[File:Stoke Potters.jpg|thumb|Riders 1976]]

*{{player||ENG|[[Ken Adams]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Mike Broadbank]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Nigel Crabtree]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[John Fitzpatrick (speedway rider)|John Fitzpatrick]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Ray Harris (speedway rider)|Ray Harris]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Peter Jarman]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Les Jenkins]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Alan Mogridge]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Eric Monaghan]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Paul Pickering (speedway rider)|Paul Pickering]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Colin Pratt]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Paul Thorp]]}}
*{{player||DEN|[[Jan Staechmann]]}}
*{{player||ENG|[[Fred Strecker]]}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Speedway Premier League}}
{{Speedway National League}}
{{Speedway National League}}
{{Stoke-on-Trent}}
{{Stoke-on-Trent}}

Latest revision as of 21:54, 21 August 2024

For the football club, see Stoke City F.C.

Stoke Potters
Stoke Potters
Club information
Track addressSun Street Stadium (1929–1963)
Loomer Road Stadium (1973–2019)
CountryEngland
Founded1929
Closed2019[1]
Club facts
ColoursRed and White
Track size312 metres (341 yd)
Track record time60.5s
Track record date8 August 2009, 26 September 2009
Track record holderTy Proctor, Steve Johnston
Major team honours
National League Fours (tier 2)1990
National League Pairs (tier 2)1984, 1988, 1989
National League Div 3 (tier 3)
Div 3 National Trophy (tier 3)1949
NDL Fours (tier 3)2019
National League Pairs (tier 3)2011, 2014

The Stoke Potters previously the Hanley Potters were a British speedway team. As Hanley Potters they raced at the Sun Street Stadium from 1929 to 1963 and as Stoke, the team raced at Loomer Road Stadium in Newcastle-under-Lyme from 1973 to 2019.[2]

History

[edit]

Origins & 1920s

[edit]

In March 1929, British Speedways Ltd agreed a season lease with Northern Greyhound Racers (Hanley) Ltd (the owners of the recently constructed Sun Street Stadium in Hanley) for the introduction of speedway during 1929.[3] Hanley were named as inaugural members of the 1929 Speedway English Dirt Track League and hosted their first home league match against Burnley on 18 May.[4] However, they withdrew before the end of the season and their results were expunged.[5][6]

1930s

[edit]

Ten years after the last appearance of speedway in Stoke, a team re-surfaced at the Sun Street stadium. The Stoke team with the nickname 'Potters' being used for the first time, joined the 1939 Speedway National League Division Two, under the promotion of the stadium owners.[7] Unfortunately once again the team failed to end the season, withdrawing in early July 1939.

1940s

[edit]

Following an eight year absence, the speedway returned on 8 May 1947[8] and the Hanley Potters finally completed a campaign, finishing 6th in the eight team third division.[9] Just two years later in 1949, Hanley won the double of National League Division Three and Div 3 National Trophy.[10][11][12] The Potters were led by riders such as Vic Pitcher, Les Jenkins and Ken Adams and the club attracted crowds of over 12,000.

1950s

[edit]

Hanley struggled in the second division during 1950 before returning to division 3 in 1951. The team raced as Stoke instead of Hanley during the years 1952 and 1953, which saw a poor run of results.[13] The promoters Miles and Galloway subsequently closed the team down, continuing the trend of the club's history of being unable to compete in league speedway on a regular basis.

1960s

[edit]

With the creation of the Provincial League in 1960, the Potters returned under the promotion of Reg Fearman and Mike Parker.[14] Fearman also rode for the club and Ken Adams returned during a period when Stoke enjoyed a solid four year spell from 1960 to 1963, culminating with the runner-up position behind Wolverhampton Wolves in 1963. Riders Colin Pratt and Peter Jarman starred in 1963.[15]

However, the Sun Street track closed in 1963, because the greyhound stadium owners sold the site to a garage business[16] and the speedway was shut down for the fourth time in club's history.

1970s

[edit]
Stoke in action during 1976

In late 1971, Midlands' businessman Russell Bragg applied for and received planning permission from the Newcastle Borough Council for the construction of a new Loomer Road Stadium in Chesterton, at a cost of £200,000.[17][18][19] The first speedway match at the track took place on 11 April 1973 in front of 6,500 supporters.[20] The team were known as the Chesterton Potters for the 1973 season.[21]

The club finally experienced continuity and would feature in the National League for a prolonged period. The 1970s saw contrasting fortunes for the Potters and number one riders included Mike Broadbank, Alan Molyneux, Les Collins and Ian Gledhill, the latter winning the 1979 Riders' Championship.[22]

1980s

[edit]
Stoke vs Oxford 1981

The Potters struggled in the league from 1980 to 1983 but finished 3rd in 1984 after signing Nigel Crabtree and Paul Thorp to support Tom Owen. Crabtree and Owen went on to win the National League Pairs held at Hackney Wick Stadium on 30 June.[23][24]

The remainder of the decade resulted in much improved seasons, with the Potters competing well. Successes included Paul Thorp winning the 1986 Riders' Championship, Graham Jones and Steve Bastable winning the 1988 National League Pairs[25][26] and Crabtree and Eric Monaghan winning the 1989 Pairs.[27]

1990s

[edit]

The 1990s began well with the Potters team of Monaghan, Crabtree, Louis Carr and Chris Cobby, claiming the Fours championship final, held at the East of England Showground on 22 July.[28]

After two more seasons in the second division from 1991 to 1992, the Potters folded after promoter Dave Tattum failed to gain funding for the 1993 season.[29] The team rejoined the third tier in 1994.

In 1996, the team rode as the Cradley & Stoke Heathens in the merged top division called the Premier League. Cradley Heath had been displaced from their base at Dudley Wood Stadium.[11] From 1997 to 1999, Stoke raced as a single club and returned to the second tier, which retained the Premier League name.

2000s

[edit]

The new millennium started a full decade of Premier League speedway, with the Potters reaching a best position of fourth in 2004. However, the decade was underwhelming with the team failing to achieve any notable success.

2010s

[edit]

In November 2010, a major decision was taken by the club's promotion. The team withdrew from Premier League racing to drop a division and compete in the National League, speedway's third tier.[30] The club had been struggling financially for the last couple of seasons and the move was made in order to stabilise finances.

The 2011 season saw the club top the National League table by seven points[31] but injuries struck key riders and Stoke were beaten in the play-off semi finals. Some consolation was taken when Tim Webster and Simon Lambert won the National League Pairs Championship. From 2012 to 2018, the Potters continued to race in the National League[32] and Ben Wilson and Jon Armstrong won the 2014 Pairs Championship.[33][34]

The 2019 season ended with the Potters winning the fours championship at Loomer Road[35] but it would be the last speedway season at Loomer Road because the site was sold, the team disbanded after the season and the stadium was demolished during June 2022.[36][37]

Season summary

[edit]
Extended content
Year and league Position Notes
1929 Speedway English Dirt Track League N/A withdrew, results expunged
1939 Speedway National League 6th withdrew, fixtures taken over by Belle Vue Aces reserves
1947 Speedway National League Division Three 6th
1948 Speedway National League Division Three 5th
1949 Speedway National League Division Three 1st champions and National Trophy winners (div 3)
1950 Speedway National League Division Two 14th
1951 Speedway National League Division Two 9th
1952 Speedway National League Division Two 10th
1953 Speedway National League Division Two 9th
1960 Provincial Speedway League 5th
1961 Provincial Speedway League 3rd
1962 Provincial Speedway League 4th
1963 Provincial Speedway League 2nd
1973 British League Division Two season 13th rode as Chesterton Potters
1974 British League Division Two season 13th
1975 New National League season 3rd
1976 National League season 11th
1977 National League season 19th
1978 National League season 8th
1979 National League season 13th
1980 National League season 16th
1981 National League season 15th
1982 National League season 18th
1983 National League season 17th
1984 National League season 3rd NL Pairs
1985 National League season 8th
1986 National League season 5th
1987 National League season 4th
1988 National League season 7th NL Pairs
1989 National League season 10th NL Pairs
1990 National League season 8th NL Fours
1991 British League Division Two season 10th
1992 British League Division Two season 8th
1994 British League Division Three 3rd
1995 Academy League 2nd
1996 Premier League speedway season 5th rode as Cradley & Stoke Heathens
1997 Premier League speedway season 12th
1998 Premier League speedway season 13th
1999 Premier League speedway season 10th
2000 Premier League speedway season 7th
2001 Premier League speedway season 11th
2002 Premier League speedway season 7th
2003 Premier League speedway season 15th
2004 Premier League speedway season 4th
2005 Premier League speedway season 14th
2006 Premier League speedway season 10th
2007 Premier League speedway season 11th
2008 Premier League speedway season 13th
2009 Premier League speedway season 11th
2010 Premier League speedway season 12th
2011 National League speedway season 1st PO semi final, NL pairs
2012 National League speedway season 4th
2013 National League speedway season 8th
2014 National League speedway season 6th NL pairs
2015 National League speedway season 9th
2016 National League speedway season 11th
2017 National League speedway season 9th
2018 National League speedway season 9th
2019 National Development League speedway season 7th

Season summary (juniors)

[edit]
Extended content
Year and league Position Notes
2004 Speedway Conference League 9th Spitfires
2005 Speedway Conference League 7th Spitfires
2006 Speedway Conference League 4th Spitfires
2007 Speedway Conference League 8th Spitfires

Notable riders

[edit]

Previous seasons (riders)

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "FINAL CALL FOR POTTERS - British Speedway Official Website". speedwaygb.co.uk. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  2. ^ Bamford, R & Jarvis, J.(2001). Homes of British Speedway. ISBN 0-7524-2210-3
  3. ^ "Dirt Track Racing in Hanley". Staffordshire Sentinel. 18 March 1929. Retrieved 7 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  4. ^ "1929 results" (PDF). Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  5. ^ "BRITISH LEAGUE TABLES - PRE-WAR ERA (1929-1939)". Official British Speedway website. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  6. ^ "Stoke Speedway Hanley". Defunct Speedway. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  7. ^ "Potteries Speedway Plans". Staffordshire Sentinel. 2 February 1939. Retrieved 7 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  8. ^ "Hanley Speedway Thrills and Spills". Staffordshire Sentinel. 9 May 1947. Retrieved 15 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  9. ^ "1946 to 1951". Cyber Morotcycles. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  10. ^ "Year by Year". Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  11. ^ a b "Official Stoke Potters Speedway: BRIEF HISTORY OF STOKE SPEEDWAY". stoke-speedway.com. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  12. ^ "BRITISH LEAGUE TABLES - POST-WAR ERA (1946-1964)". Official British Speedway website. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
  13. ^ Oakes, Peter (1981). 1981 Speedway Yearbook. Studio Publications (Ipswich) Ltd. ISBN 0-86215-017-5.
  14. ^ "Speedway". Staffordshire Sentinel. 19 January 1960. Retrieved 7 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  15. ^ "Rider averages 1929 to 2009" (PDF). Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
  16. ^ Barnes, Julia (1988). Daily Mirror Greyhound Fact File. Ringpress Books. p. 423. ISBN 0-948955-15-5.
  17. ^ "Wembley of North plan for Chesterton speedway track". Staffordshire Sentinel. 3 January 1972. Retrieved 7 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  18. ^ "Promoters veto Stoke speedway". Wolverhampton Express and Star. 17 January 1972. Retrieved 7 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  19. ^ "Newest short-circuit motor racing track". Staffordshire Sentinel. 10 February 1973. Retrieved 7 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  20. ^ "Chesterton aim at an opening win". Staffordshire Sentinel. 11 April 1973. Retrieved 7 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  21. ^ Rogers, Martin (1978). The Illustrated History of Speedway. Studio Publications (Ipswich) Ltd. p. 129. ISBN 0-904584-45-3.
  22. ^ "Outlaw's Crash". Derby Daily Telegraph. 1 October 1979. Retrieved 20 June 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  23. ^ "1984 fixture list" (PDF). Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 24 May 2023.
  24. ^ "Stoke stars take title". Sunday Sun (Newcastle). 1 July 1984. Retrieved 24 May 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  25. ^ "1988 fixtures" (PDF). Speedway Researcher. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  26. ^ "Stokespeedway pair triumph". Staffordshire Sentinel. 24 August 1988. Retrieved 25 May 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  27. ^ Oakes, Peter (1990). Speedway Yearbook 1990. Front Page Books. p. 59. ISBN 0-948882-15-8.
  28. ^ "Potters capture fours title for the first time". Staffordshire Sentinel. 6 August 1990. Retrieved 8 May 2023 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  29. ^ "Speedway rider dies after crash in race". Cambridge Daily News. 5 February 1993. Retrieved 7 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  30. ^ "POTTERS JOIN NL - British Speedway Official Website". speedwaygb.co.uk. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  31. ^ "British Speedway Official Website". speedwaygb.co.uk. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  32. ^ "British Speedway Official Website". speedwaygb.co.uk. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  33. ^ "STOKE CROWNED NL FOURS CHAMPIONS - British Speedway Official Website". speedwaygb.co.uk. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  34. ^ "National League Pairs" (PDF). British Speedway. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  35. ^ "Potters' Fours Glory". Speedway GB. 14 July 2019.
  36. ^ "Stoke Speedway to close after 90 years following stadium sale". www.stokesentinel.co.uk. The Sentinel.
  37. ^ "Developers demolish abandoned Stoke Speedway stadium to leave it looking like this". Stoke Sentinel. Retrieved 7 June 2024.
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