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What the same Ty Proctor who averaged more than Thomas Jorgensen (in the same team) who was pretty much our rider of the season? The same Ty Procter who averaged more than Heeps, Auty, Palm-Toft, Kerr, Rose, Bates & Robson amongst others. Think people are doing him a disservice. He'll know most of the Premiership tracks, seems to be a good team man and ridden very well at Lynn previously. it might work, it might not but I'm at least going to give him a chance before writing him off.

Signing riders on an average achieved a number of years ago, when they were learning their trade and have clearly now improved is unfair and illogical and works against those riders who have progressed and improved during the same period but continued to ride in the UK. It is a problem which is easily avoidable. All riders should be assessed on their most recent performance. If they have not ridden in the UK the previous season a formula can easily be calculated to convert their Polish, Swedish or any other league average to a UK average. It would be transparent and fair to all, so why isn't it done?

Is it just me who finds people who hold grudges several years later irritating? Also please let me know which second division teams that Tungate, Fricke, Vaculik, Pieszczek, Andersen, Iversen, Doyle, Batchelor, Thorsell, Kasprzak, Kurtz, Woryna, Szczepaniak, Holder, Jeppersen, Andersen, Lambert, Cook, Bellego, Masters and Musielak are riding for this year as I think I must have missed it

This is not a new argument and it's not an anti Poole thing. I and others have raised it previously and it has been discussed on many occasions. The idea of team building points limits is to create a level playing field and the skill should be in selecting riders who are likely to improve their real average not identifying riders who have not ridden here for a few seasons and have an out of date unrealistically low average. To be a level playing field all riders, wherever they have ridden, have to be available on an average that reflects their current ability. It was wrong that Musielak was signed on his old average and it would be totally wrong if Drozdz achieves a 4.50 average for Belle Vue this year, becomes an asset and then in 4 years time, when he is a top rider in Poland, we bring him back on that average. It destroys the credibility of team building point limits when some of those points are realistic recently achieved averages and some are plainly not.

So now we've established Poole are going to win the league at a canter... I'm wondered whether people think Brady Kurtz is better than Nick Morris?

Really makes me think a points limit is nonsense. Teams should build to whatever they wish, as long as they have three British riders in the team. Reserves must be British u21. Teams with 42.5 are still not equal so allow teams to build to whatever they wish.

COVENTRY Speedway are delighted to welcome Martyn Macdonald as their new team manager for the 2018 season. Martyn will take charge of the Bees for their National League campaign with home matches taking place at Leicester’s Beaumont Park Stadium. Although this is his first appointment as a manager, Martyn will be a familiar face to many, as he has been involved in the sport for nearly 30 years – several of them spent at Coventry. He was a regular in the Brandon pits working with a number of riders – including former World Champion Greg Hancock, Stuart and Scott Robson, Martin Smolinski and more recently Kacper Woryna. Martyn was also a member of Steve Worrall’s pit crew when the Belle Vue rider appeared as a track reserve in the 2016 British Grand Prix at Cardiff. His active involvement dates back to 1991 when he was a member of the track staff at Middlesbrough’s former Cleveland Park venue, leading to him helping riders such as Jonathan Swales, Stuart Swales and Shane Parker. Martyn, who lists Martin Dixon and Kenny Carter as his favourite riders of all-time, is qualified in general and aeronautical engineering and has been working in NHS mental health since 1999. And he says he’s keen to establish a strong rapport between the riders as they look to make a success of the season. He said: “It will be different from my point of view because I’ll have to get to know people a lot more, rather than in the past it just being the ones I helped. “But quite often team management is something that people in the pits area decide they want to progress to. “That was what I thought myself, I felt I’d really like to do it, and the opportunity is there to see what I can do. “I’m looking forward to trying to bond the seven riders together to make a successful team out of it, and being more in charge of an overall outcome than an individual one. “We’re going to have a pre-season get-together to get to know people, and also hopefully have a few practice sessions at Leicester to get the winter cobwebs out of the system. “I’m also looking forward to working with Jon (Armstrong) as captain, and he’s been really helpful to both myself and Mick (Horton) with building the team, because he knows these lads first-hand. “The aim is for everyone to help each other, and there will be a briefing before and after each meeting, because if you have any issues the worst thing that can happen is you drive home with them - so hopefully we can get things resolved on the night, and all push on together for a good season.” ENDS

WOULD personally place Peter Collins ahead of Mark Loram, great though he was, in every respect. Too easy to forget just how supremely talented PC was.

Its an impossible argument. One did it, the other might have. Its not like comparing two 7 times world champs in a sport from different eras, which is hard enough. Worth watching the documentary on youtube about Mauger.

Like you I cant see where he done anything wrong. the language used by Mr Rogers was perfectly acceptable and he made no accusations as far as I can see. Basically he asked for clarification. Nothing to see here!

Strangely enough, before Tony came to Britain his name was always spelt Richardsson in the foreign results section of the Speedway Star; So Sidney may have something there! For me, Rickardsson will always be the guv'nor. 6 wins from 9 gp's including 4 in a row, in 2005 was phenomenal.

Majority did not want you, unprofessional spouting off, amateurish, wind your neck in!!!! But you have my full backing. Very confusing and contradicting post. Everyone should be free to respond directly to personal damning accusations.

But no information was given. Only a request for clarification. As for the bit I have highlighted I have to refute that statement. All it means is that I have a different opinion to you.

I bow to your superior knowledge and being, I disagree can't see a problem. Each to there own view

Certainly take your point and in hindsight I'd agree with you but I'd imagine very few people foresaw how good Musielak was going to be last year for Swindon. Of course your two Poles may not live up to expectations but their achievements abroad suggest they will make a mockery of their starting averages. The point is they are far better riders than when they last rode here. And to quote you lot anyone could have signed Musielak

over time yep

Belle Vue Wolves Swindon Leicester Somerset Rye House Kings Lynn Poole My table based on integrity (the worst sins being signing ringers, voting for one over eight & not signing one over eight)

Shovler always hypes up Poole every year so will wait to see what they do in April and May.

Take your point and don't necessarily disagree but the reason Poole are head and shoulders above the rest is the failure to reassess riders accurately. Things would be much more even had that been done.

Just one meeting? Have you forgotten qualifying rounds plus those what you call ‘just one meeting’ we’re like pressure cookers...go give your head a wobble

Nurse!

Well I don't think the budget would stretch to the likes of the Lambert deal. I think both Kennet and Scott have berths in the Premier, but that won't pay them to ride in the PL alone as they don't do Poland, Sweden or Denmark either. They will both need for financial seasons, to have a supplement to their earnings especially on marginally lower money in an easier league like the Championships. If they had signed the other way around, their Championship salaries would have been higher than they can expect now. They won't be cheap, but I would think at least they will be at every meeting unlike one that we know. Funny enough they are both at Rye House alongside Robbo, what's to say Scott's travel could be combined with a hitched ride with Robbo to half his driving. No doubt there will be a plan to get him to Brough every Sunday and Glasgow, Edinburgh, Berwick fixtures will just be combined as two days racing instead of just one home meeting. Let's see what happens in the middle of next week. Never know we might have another couple of riders announced by then.

Good job it was one off World Finals Ivan won, Shudder to think how many he would have won in a GP format!!

I've jut read LaurenceRogers posts and can't see what he's said to upset anyone, I think it's a good thing when officials give there opinion even if we don't agree with them

It's an age thing.For me Neilsen and Rickardsson where the men.I watched M.Lee from 14 and if you look up his ave's you'll see how good he was at a young age before he went off the rails.

An interesting stance and one that has some merit. The condition of the sport as a whole I dont think could be damaged any further by at least giving it a go. Of course if it was purely down to funds Poole may not find that they have it loaded as much in their favour as many may think.

To be fair, State titles are the only form basis to judge the ability of any Aussie. Usually new comers ride again established UK based Aussies so it is easy to se how they could fare in the UK. to call them all wobblers shows your lack of credibility. There are only a small percentage that actually fail in this country, but most are a welcome addition to our leagues.

I agree.. Could be a cracking first meeting.. Two decent looking sides.. Local derby.. Hopefully a nice spring day... On a fab race track.. What more could speedway supporters want really?

Would'nt it end up that the team or teams with the biggest budget almost always at the top, and the teams that are on the bread line so to speak, in the bottom half of an already tiny league.Getting mullered away and struggling to win at home.Maybe the top few richest teams(I know none are rich as such) crowds will go up,but I thing the poorer teams will loose more fans and maybe shut or drop down.Will end in one league and surely if it did and that league had no average limit,that to would loose some of the poorer clubs in time in that league as well .

I actually pressed submit before I had finished the post. Fundin before my time I cannot therefore add him though clearly dominant in his time. Olsen. Stick him alongside Neilsen. I saw him win at Wembley in 1975 as a 16 year old. Top man no doubt about it.

Trick was a completely dominant force like Mauger. For a period he wasn’t just head and shoulders, he was simply in another league. I was a massive fan and gave the sport a huge star. Swedish speedway saw massive crowds, never seen since. Did Woffinden have the same affect to British speedway? No. He couldn’t be arsed to even ride here. Mauger - Trick Briggs Neilsen PC Loram-Gollob - others.

You have to be honest and say what you see though, whoever you support. On paper we look one of if not the weakest side, but that could all change once the action starts. I don't feel miserable about it, if anything it takes the pressure off the team and will make good results during the season sweeter. How we feel as Lynn fans through the season will be determined by on track results and not pre season predictions.

Wasn't a Wolves. But yes you are absolutely right. Holder has had some great meetings at Monmore.

No it’s just same old every year like palmdawwggg says would like a challenge first then we stick it to you

Surely your joking. Rickardsson was an absolutely immense talent on a bike. Some of the moves he made were out of this world, he was simply awesome. As for Loram, entertaining yes exciting yes, one of the most skilled ever? Do me a favour! He had an exceptionally good year in 2000 and a good half season the year before but was always IMO in the shadow of Crump and Rickardsson, even Hamill. He was a very entertaining rider but even in league speedway, when he was around I would always of taken Crump, Rickardsson, Hamill, Adams, Sullivan and probably Hancock over him to lead my team. If he could gate it could of been a different story, but he couldnt and thats half the battle so thats that.

Surely if you keep your 8 point rider (Kurtz) then you shouldn’t be allowed to sign a rider on a starting average over 8 (Pawlicki). Are 3 ringers not enough for you?

And he always has the excuses ready if they fail.

Iversen always has given 100% agreed, just not sure if he will anymore if his heart is in riding over here. Just an opinion and i hope the Stars do well

Belle Vue's race night will be Monday? Will they also be at home on some Wednesday's? Surely all teams will have to ride on both nights, not just one?

Still plenty of riders out there. Nicolls, Kennett, Jorgensen, Lindgren, Rose, Aarnio, Wilkinson, Graversen, Bowtell, Philips are the ones I can think of plus there will be foreign riders. So I think we could still assemble a pretty decent side.

Why should you be dragged in, unless you want to be ?

Have to agree with Bruno. Since officials, especially team mangers and promoters, get often unfairly criticised, it is not unreasonable for them to answer their critics and also make comments about their accusers...they are, after all, just people.

Lol at Gavan! Jack Holder and Newman v Sundstrom and Woryna? nothing in it? LOL! They should make the playoffs comfortably? Is that praise? Of the other completed teams no other side has the potential or strength in depth. If Swindon had named this side I would be waving the white flag! A superb lineup which should go unbeaten at home and pick up plenty of points on the road. Looking forward to trips to the bigger tracks of Swindon, Belle Vue, Kings Lynn and Somerset. Gavan not happy tonight. Lol!

Bit over the top. Good news it is though, and proof that all the whittling and worrying people did over the winter was unnecessary.

good side but so was last years and look what happened there. Good enough for play offs i reckon

Last years track was superb and produced great racing. With Terry back again this season Im sure you will see as good if not better.

No doubt that Darcy was more talented on a bike than Ivan. If he hadn't had it taken away from him I'm sure he'd have been world champ time and time again.

You are a Pr... of the highest order , you keep on reading your books and going on you tube because you need to your knowledge is non existent.

Here you go again SCB. You really must be a very bitter person. You are right when you say that a hell of a lot of Pensioners are well of, some of them very well off. However the obverse is also true. There are also a hell of a lot of Pensioners who are not very well off, are indeed very, very poor. Some can afford Speedway every week, but others will inevitably not be able to, and it seems that you want to make them even worse off. I doubt if there are many very well off Pensioners who attend Speedway that often so you are actually having a go at the poorer ones. Shame on you!!! You are either very bitter, very jealous or very selfish or maybe a combination of all three. Shame on you!!!

Sings is passionate about his speedway, I don't always agree with him but he does always make his points fairly and sensibly. And tbf to him, I would of had the same opinions as him 2 seasons ago. Since a family member joined the team in 2016 I have been more active around the pits and riders etc and have more of a feel for the work behind the scenes. I think because Chris and Len are not as active on social media as say Connor Dugard, or not as active on forums as say Jane Moss it's easy to assume all things outside central park are unknowns to the kent management but they are as proactive as anyone else. And riders like Rowe,Thomas,and even Shansie don't just fall into your lap. The problem is with youngsters is, that not only does the sport have to fit around thier schooling, but also around the parents employment. So riders will usually prefer thier local track or a track that races at weekends. Anyway looking ahead with the side we have so far. Luke Bowen - At this level as good a number 1 as is possible. And the last couple of seasons he really has grown into a proper skipper. If you stand back and watch him off track he knows which riders to put an arm round, and which riders who respond to a kick up the arse. Something pointed out to me at Stoke away at the end of the season was he was talking the the two riders as a pair before more or less every Heat. Always has Immaculate equipment. And interacts with the fans as if everyone is a lifelong friend. Jack Thomas - Having progressed so far in two seasons, Jack should be looking at this season as his final National League Campaign before jumping in with the big boys. To do this he will be needing to challenge Luke for the number 1 jacket. Comes on a bargain average really too, when you consider the number of mechanical failures in points positions he suffered . level headed, polite lad. And he interacts with the kids through to the pensioners so naturally and professionally. But with a joker in him as well. Nathan Stoneman - Mr excitement, you can never relax until all 4 laps are completed with Nath. 100 percent trier with bags of potential and the ability to go all the way. Needs an injury free season and could well make it a 3 way challenge for Lukes vest. Proper genuine likable joker, and him and Jack together are quite the double act. Came in last year with a bit of a rep for poor equipment but last year I don't recall any issues at all. Anders Rowe - Anders had a great first season and will hopefully continue his progression towards the business end of the speedway pyramid, it should not be forgotten that he will still only be 15 when the season starts at easter. Very quiet and shy lad and much like Jack comes with great, clued up, and level headed parents in the bits. Another with immaculate equipment, and hopefully will come back more physically developed. Taylor Hampshire - on a 4 point average this can only be a great signing. Came to kent towards the back end of 2017 with brum in a challenge match and scored a big double figure score and rode for us at Stoke at number 5 and gave a good account of himself. Most knockers of him say he has bad equipment but I can't see uncle Len allowing his equipment to be sun standard. Jacob Clouting - Somebody I ve heard has a good solid style but may lack a bit of speed initially but apparantly has good equipment. But to be honest I ve only seen pics and vids, so can't really judge fairly. So a proper number 1 and skipper, and 5 riders with potential to up thier averages, I think we look in good shape. Personally I d like to see James Laker given his shot at 7.