Bomber's own FB page (30th Oct) suggests that it wasn't a straightforward parting of the ways: "I have raced every season in full for British Speedway for the last 26 years and pride myself in giving my absolute all to every club I ride for on and off track, with professionalism. Speedway is a funny old sport at times, I urge fans of any rider or any club to not look through rose tinted glasses especially this time of year, there is always more to a story, I can confirm my story is going to be a good one one day, but only when I hang up my boots - which won’t be any time soon 👊 Bomber 💣"

i think Sam's slump in form came when he went to Leicester, maybe it was too much at that point or his confidence took a massive hit

Fair point, I can see many riders seeing it as an opportunity to show what they can do, a bit like Vinnie did. I always had a sneeking suspicion that someone had said to Max Perry something like "it's OK lad nobody's expecting you to win every heat just go out and express yourself" and he took it a little too literally. 

Not necessarily get dropped though. Just have to do better than other reserve. Guess riders who want a challenge more likely to go for it.

I'd disagree that it was a "no brainer" firstly I'd want Brennan & probably happy to let Rew go, but he's still gonna get better so while he's not stronger than King or Ellis now, he could be by the end of the season? Probably fancy Witches for the title whoever they picked out of King / Ellis / Rew, so best drop the one who's most expensive / has the least air fares etc.

I think the Sheffield team looks "lopsided" with a weak number 6, but they do have one of the better number 7s. Even with his disappointing season at Birmingham, Flint is still one of the best "rising stars" before any improvement he may find? As many people expected more of him (Leon included no doubt) he isn't looked on as a great signing, but I'd want him in the team ahead of most of the other "rising stars". It certainly makes next season interesting to see how the likes of Sheffield & Lynn fare with their team building being completely opposite.