I started watching the Glasgow Tigers in 1977, when they moved into Blantyre, and although the Shawfield and Ashfield years have been enjoyable, nothing will ever beat those formative years as a young innocent, in my case 6 year old, growing into your teenage years watching the best sport in the world. I have already had a dream team listed a couple of years back, where I picked my favourite visitors. So I thought I had nothing to lose in picking my favourite Tigers since 1977. Still cant believe the riders I had to leave out.

Janke	Grieves

Steve Lawson
A bit of no brainer is it not? Quite simply the greatest Glasgow Tiger of all-time. I dont need to tell anyone about his scoring exploits, as the record books speak for themselves. It really is no exaggeration to say if it wasn't for Jimmy Beaton senior's dedication and Stevie Lawson's loyality, there would be no Glasgow Tigers today. As one of the very best riders throughout the 1980s NL Steve could so easily have named his price and upped sticks to any club in Britain, but he reamined loyal to the Stripes and for that Glasgow fans will be eternally grateful. Best of all though, is the fact that you will be hard pushed to meet a nicer, more modest down-to-earth genuine man in any walk of life.

Merv Janke
My first speedway hero and still my idol. My first sight of speedway at Blantyre saw wee Merv hit the fance and career onto the centre green, scattering first aiders everywhere. That was me hooked on speedway and Wee Swervin Mervyn Janke.

Shane Parker
Couldn't leave this man out, in all the years I have watched speedway, very few riders have made it look so easy and as effortless as Shane Parker. To watch him stalk then reel in an opponent before passing him with the minimum of fuss really is a joy to behold.

Kenny McKinna
I always remember watching the young Kenny McKinna go from raw Scottish Junior Leaguer to a bonafide heatleader in just a couple of seasons. I remember one spell near the end of the 1982 season when he went for a good few weeks rattling up max after max, there was times when I thought he was lifting at the start just to make races interesting as he sliced through from the back. Then, when the Tigers moved into the plush Shawfield stadium, the icing on the cake was the return of the prodigal son, King Kenny McKinna. He did leave under a cloud after a fall out with Neil McFarlane (who I was a big fan of) but Kenny Mac will always be one of my favourite Tigers.

James Grieves
This was my last choice and the most difficult, but I have plumped for Grievesy. Me and my old man have always liked the battlers and triers and with James you never get anything less than 100%. I love it when he is charging down the straight shoulder to shoulder with another rider, head down, backside up, because you know that he is never going to flinch and shut off. A real racer and if I ever needed one rider to race for my life then I would have no hesitation in choosing a real Glasgow Tiger in James Grieves.

Jason Lyons
I remember his debut at Powderhall, everyone was thinking "what has Sean Courtney landed us with here!?" Didnt take him long to convince the Stripes faithful that he had what it takes to be a superstar though and before the end of his second year as a Tiger he was on the rostrum at the world under 21 final at Coventry, prompting Belle Vue to snap him up, where, as we all know, he became a legend. He will always be one of us though.

Shane Bowes
Good old Bowesie, if ever there was rider who never knew when he was beat, then Shane was your man. He came to us in the inaugural season at Shawfield still a raw young lad after a season at Newcastle and we watched him develop into one of the best riders in the league over the next six years, culminating in leading us to a historic league and cup double. His last gasp swoops around the fourth bend at Shawfield were a sight to behold.

Billy Hughes:

"Great list of riders. I think that Glasgow has had some fantastic riders over the years. Its a pity that we need to pick only 7."

 

 

Comment on this Article | Contact Us | Go Back to Main Menu