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Christ almighty - i get that maybe Stevebrum or the other Steve said things and gave answers you weren't happy with, but seriously, are things really that bad this close to Christmas to be prattling on about this shiite to this level.

Saw all of those you mentioned Sid. My all time favourite differs from yours I think. For his consistent high performance and averaging over 10 for a number of seasons, plus his contributions to his team, both on and off the track, it has to be the little master, Leigh Adams.

Honestly GP rider only... what more do ya want... Regards THJ

Think we did that when we signed James Wright.

Why did you say it's a pound and then look for someone who is free? I want a free argument and I want it in the NDL Poole 2021 thread that is bound to start to ensure total domination by Poole.

Great post Sue that is why thing's like this make Speedway such a great sport it is more than just winning and losing.Going out and having a nice day with your kids is something that stays with you forever.

It’s a strong top 4 with particularly improvement potential in Atkins who could easily add 2-3 points on his average. But it looks a poor bottom 3. The third signing is likely to be Bursill and none of those 3 have really pushed on at all despite having opportunities. It’s hard to judge when there isn’t other teams to compare against but the top 4 should win them most meetings at home and get the odd points away. It looks like a team that’ll be around 4th and get a play-off spot but they’re lacking something at the bottom end to really make them a title contender.

I also agree, Nicki was great with my three (well two as youngest wasn't the most sociable) and was showing them around his bikes, explaining everything to them. It was an absolute godsend as we had been queuing for hours for the world team cup and the boys were getting a tad antsy. I've got another two riders to add to the list - Scott Nicholls was brilliant with my eldest although seeing him now would probably make Scott feel very old indeed (eldest was around 10 or 11 at the time, he's 26 now!) when eldest was out trick or treating and again whilst at the track. The final rider is Hans Andersen, one of the few people that youngest felt comfortable with. I'm not sure if Hans was aware of youngest's autism and his difficulties in social situations but he always took the time to come down to his level (and youngest was and still is, very very small) and talk to him, even though youngest would be away from the crowd and visibly struggling. One particular occasion was after the Ryan Sullivan meeting, youngest had just got into photography but was struggling a little with the noise in the after party/social, Hans picked him up (I held my breath when he did that as youngest hated to be 'handled' let alone picked up but he was all smiles...a very rare thing indeed at the time) and helped him to take a few photos which not only calmed him down but also gave me some welcome relief from the building stress!

Basically a good shape, but do think a bit of extra width in the bends (and hence slightly shorter straights) would help.....

My Mother in Law would be a natural for Cow Racing. Ooh I've gone all 70s Comedians there.

Stop press. Pirates new clothing range... It's time to do the right thing Mods.

Why the hell is Hampel being discussed? Poole are in the second division. Forget Hampel. He won’t even ride top flight.

Well, of course it will. Despite being told by Transport for West Midlands on more than one occasion that the Sprint Bus Rapid Route will be implemented whether or not the the flyover is there, it's going. And this is being brought to you by a local authority whose educational and child care services have deemed substandard for over a decade. Why, they can't even provide an efficient refuse collection service and haven't done for over two years. And then there was that interview on local telly last night with that council no-mark who stated that all they have to do now is find a contractor to do the work. Really? All that was sorted ages ago. As an authority, they are collectively unfit to run a bath without supervision.

Kent Queens?

Hampel would come in on his old British ave or re-assessed.. Hes not a GP rider..

I too, would love to see speedway back at Oxford. I frequently visited Cowley as a Bees fan and enjoyed the racing there. However, I cannot ignore the linkage with greyhound racing. I should declare my position. I own a greyhound. He isn't an ex racer (possible hare coarser) but I have strong links with the ex racer community including a local greyhound rescue centre. The greyhound racing community have had a long time to clean up it's act. Greyhounds are treated like a commodity and many hundreds (looks like thousands) are destroyed each year simply because they are or have become "too slow". And it's clear from those animal that are rescued, that many racing owners don't treat their greyhounds with any great kindness. Greyhounds, by nature, are gentle loving creatures, that make excellent pets. Those rescued following a racing career are often painfully timid who can take years to adapt to "normal" life. You should meet a "domestic" greyhound. You would encounter a happy, kind creature who you would be pleased to spend time with. Believe me, they deserve better.

Is this the one pound argument? Man: Ah. I'd like to have an argument, please. Receptionist: Certainly sir. Have you been here before? Man: No, I haven't, this is my first time. Receptionist: I see. Well, do you want to have just one argument, or were you thinking of taking a course? Man: Well, what is the cost? Receptionist: Well, It's one pound for a five minute argument, but only eight pounds for a course of ten. Man: Well, I think it would be best if I perhaps started off with just the one and then see how it goes. Receptionist: Fine. Well, I'll see who's free at the moment.

Yes, poor Ron Johnson was never the same again after his near fatal crash. In 1960, he rode in some second half races at New Cross and captained the New Cross Colts team that travelled to Edinburgh and won 40-32 against the home side. Johnson scored a total of three points, with all the points coming from one race. Those who saw him that night say they will never forget the one race he won as it was a real flashback to the Johnson of old as he shot out of the gate and then actually slowed down, holding up the opposition to allow his partner to come through in to second place. Once he had assured himself that they were on course for a 5-1, he tore off again, winning the race with ease. It was a real flash of the vintage Johnson. As a result of this, Johnson was signed up to ride for Edinburgh in the Provincial League. In all he rode in six matches for Edinburgh, managing just one point and one bonus point. People who saw him say there was a sense of real apprehension every time he took to the track because his arms were clearly not strong enough to hold on to the machine properly and he was a dreadful accident just waiting to happen. He frightened the other riders in the race as much as the spectators. It was a sad end for the man who had once been one of the top riders in the world and associated with New Cross for 32 years and its captain and backbone for over 20.

I don’t know why they don’t just get a hotel room together. All this flirting in public is a bit tedious

Yes but only live one’s. Finnish dogs dont die.

I think they will be nearly unbeatable at home with that team tbh. Especially if the reserves get dialled in during pre season practice.

Every time I saw him in the last 2 seasons he has been mega impressive, and his scores at both levels (less soon the road in the cl) have been good. Certainly would be a massive loss to the sport if he drifted away. If he wants to ride in 2020 I am convinced there is clubs at both levels that would snap him up. He is one of those riders that with the right financial backing and a sports psychologist type person looking after him off track he has the natural ability to rise to the very top. I think your probably right in the fact that there are many people who would love him in the kent team, so he is very much marmite on that front. Tbf up until a season ago he was very much on my wish list before his average crept up so far. I hope all the National League side at Kent are familiar faces, with the vastly reduced schedule it may be possible to attract a Jack Thomas type rider who may not of wanted a national league team spot with 20 odd fixtures. I like the idea of the riders left without a club entering a pool of riders available to guest, so riders arent completley frozen out like in previous seasons.

Danyon Hume????

Dunno about shock, but might raise a few eyebrows

Joke about it by all means...that really will solve the problem. Funny that at an event I went to in the Summer, even hotdog vans were accepting "tap & go" payments. So a hotdog seller can afford the costs of business in the 21st Century, but a Speedway club can't??? Great.

So wider bends, wider straights, less grip

Big victor yes .. Little annoying man No

Be nice to see who the last two really is.

Why don't you let it go then, the thread wouldn't still be going if you didn't keep posting on it.

i didnt want div2 speedway but am hoping, in fact i fully expect to enjoy it,however i do totally agree with you that the wed/thurs situation was not an issue,if you ask supporters if they preferred weds a lot may say they do but that doesnt mean they wont still go on a thurs,there are just as many people who have other commitments on a wed as a thurs.hoping there are really decent crowds nxt yr but its going to be tough,best chance might be to really target families during the school hols which they never seem to.

think the decision was already made and the questionnaire sort of used as a rubber stamping

His Instagram account says he lives in Somerset. Don't know when that was posted though.

Shame because Cookie is a racer and is delightful to watch when on song, which he is at Glasgow most times

he has spent his time away ............... now he is back. another to put on ignore

It does seem strange that anyone would invest £20m into a decrepit stadium which plays host to two sports in terminal decline.

Like all disliked riders, especially from your main local competition over the years Eastie were in the NL, if he puts in the effort and reliability he did in his first 4 seasons of speedway the crowd will soon be supporting him, dull he certainly isn't.

I'm not saying there isn't, the problem is British riders get in a comfort zone of riding in both British Leagues and don't push themselves to the next level which is what they need to do riding on the continent.

A good post alot of common sense hopefully Davies or butcher will kick on this season this would make the difference between a good season or a great season the main thing though will be injuries alot of riders get injured in the nl by over riding.

I saw Ronnie numerous times being a Wimbledon supporter. Ronnie seemed to be able to hug the white line better than any other rider, making it very difficult to pass him. He seemed to be glued to that white line. I also remember he seemed to always have a bright white scarf when he rode. I was at Wembley in 1959 when Ronnie won the World Championship beating Fundin and Briggs.

unchartered territory

Ellis was impressive in Championship last season I the matches I saw him in.

Great go back then, your latest post tells you everything you create nastiness.Look just comment on your club but don't make out you are the spokesman of the club because you are not far from it you drag the club down.

It's already been said that Claus Vissing is our number one, so the "big-hitter" isn't gonna happen. And with 12.12 pts left it probably wouldn't happen anyway as Connor Mountain is at reserve on a 4.61 average. That leaves a 5ish and a 6+.

Validate your argument please,how is this a poor side solid heat leaders one very solid second string so far and 2 reserves who should improve and with 3.13 left someone who could interchange with the reserves if needed I totally do not get your argument in my opinion you have just put out a sweeping statement to get a reaction from people like me.

IF they offered a half decent deal for away meetings it would certainly encourage fans to buy season tickets!?

With the minimum bumped back up to 3.00 (why stick with a plan for more than a season) i would think Clouting & Mulford are certainties for the reserve positions, if it was me i would look for 4 strong riders around the 6 point mark like Marson, Jenkins, Harris & Spooner and then lump the rest on a big number 1 like Wood. Just checked averages and that actually fits so im off for a cuppa.

after a lot of deliberation and changing positions here is my final guess.. 1 Redcar - excellent and retained top 5. Wright and Riss can possibly still improve average and if he stays fully fit so can MPT. Second strings look potential improvers too and if reserves can pick up 3-4 points per meeting between them, top 5 will ensure big advantages in key races. 2 Leicester - very solid top 5, expect Douglas and Perks to increase averages again. Very solid then with Morris / Howarth and Proctor. Fitness of those 3 who are prone to niggly issues could determine the season. Seen a lot of Thompson twins in 2019, don't underestimate either of them, will be as good as many with far more experience. 3 Poole - if we assume Ellis is in then very strong top 3 although Worrall has to prove still he is the rider he was pre 2018 early season injury. Neilsen is another who could add a few points or get crocked again. Not sure about McDonald so may be a team to factor up or down depending on final 2 signed with Ellis. 4 Birmingham - assured of strong reserves all season and Jack Thomas could be an inspired signing. I expect Shanes and Castagna to add a point plus per match, if Garrity stays focused could be no 1 and Jonasson could be CL steal of the season starting with everyone else and not playing catch up. Only niggle I have is with such a team of racers we'll need some dirt and to avoid injuries. 5 Glasgow - Cook will dominate the Team and Nichol is a very shrewd addition but has to improve dramatically on some away tracks, especially the bigger ones. Wells and Sedgeman both "marmite" riders who can blow very hot and cold. Bailey showed promise last year and Ulrich could be a trump card if they invest in his bikes. Sam Jensen I know little about and will need to deliver quite quickly to help them gel. 6 Eastbourne - Strong top 3 with Kennett on a truer average. Lawson and Kerr both excellent at Home and this has to be the season for Kyle Newman to finally deliver. The fact they again go all British and keep faith in Brennan and Edwards to be very much applauded. The signing of the season could be Drew Kemp, knows the track, starts at reserve and Eagles are likely to be far more loyal to him than Sheffield. Could pick up a few more Away points and no one will want to go there in any 2 leg Competition/Decider 7 Edinburgh - Rival Redcar with that top 3 and in Josh Pickering i predict probably the biggest upwardly mobile improver in the CL. Thomson and Frederickson complete unknowns to me but Lawson and Sargeant both capable of winning races at home and away. Could be a dark horse Team if it all gels. 8 Berwick - I think Leon Flint could be the next big British charger to follow Lambert and Bewley and his Away form looks sure to improve as he has more experience now of CL Tracks. Bickley seems to promise a lot but surprised Glasgow let him go so not sure if there is an attitude problem. Won't lose many at Home and Doolan you feel is just waiting to come back in should the need arise. If Pickering is the tider I expect to improve most in CL Etheridge is not far behind. If Gappmeier and Garcia improve away by a point would be top 6 material. 9 Somerset - weakest team I have seen from them in ages and can only assume that having overspent in 2018 they did the same in 2019 with a top heavy team. Anders Rowe was markedly improved in 2019 and looks real deal. Barker and Bates and Wilson-Dean - that trio can go either way, massive points or directly to A+E and whilst they will be entertaining, you'd be watching them with fingers crossed. Know little about Zac Cook but Stoneman is a charger who just needs better support and kit to possibly double his average. 10 Scunthorpe - as said elsewhere a typical Rob Godfrey side. They will steamroller a few when they all click but equally likely to suffer a few thrashings away. Jake Allen stand out performer and could become one of best 4-5 in the Division. Ayers will hope to continue where he left off and the mercurial Lambert will either score shedloads or nothing Jordan Palin may struggle unless he gets NDL rides to bolster confidence. 11 Newcastle - great to see them back and wish them all the best. James Wright is a rider a few Clubs may regret not signing if he clicks back to form and Clegg and Mountain could both become solid 6 point men in engine room. Vissing always struck me as good Heat Leader but can be very suspect under pressure and I'm not sure no 1 fits his persona, we shall see. 12 Kent - Scott will be their talisman but not sure if age or recently disclosed personal issues will have an impact on him. Heeps and Starke are good additions and Tom Bacon is another who really does deserve some luck and can put a few points on if staying fit. Gilkes is an outstanding prospect, Ledwith remains the most baffling of picks with likes of Morley and Wood sat twiddling thumbs in the South East. Hopefully the curfew won't be such an issue for them in better quality league.

I let live sport get a head start and then start watching after about 15 minutes. Then I can just f/f the ads. At one time ITV was allowed six minutes of ads per hour. Now a one hour programme on a commercial channel indeed is about 40-45 of actual programme with the rest ads and programme promos. When it comes to sport channels it's sheer greed to sell advertising on top of charging viewers extortionate monthly fees.

You were complaining about wasting 300 hours every year fast forwarding through adverts. And yet you watch cricket?????

George Major says: I went there a few times in '58/9. It was not so much a track as an oval thrashed out in the bracken. it was accessed through an opening between the trees, there were several of these, all looking very much the same. I don't know how my dad managed to find the right one. From memory, there never seemed too much organisation, sometimes none at all. I think there was a notice saying only three riders on the track at one time, so I guess it was a bit on the narrow side. I don't remember any established S A L riders ever being there, so probably all wobbler's, like I was and not many fast laps going on, but not too sure on that, as a long time ago. It has to be remembered, there was not much happening in Speedway at that time, so we were glad to ride on anything resembling a track. Here are a couple of old pics, a family member would have taken with an old box camera or "Brownie 127" . Not very clear, but might give you some idea.