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Looks a pretty well balanced team this year. Hopefully a better year for Bandits fans.

Could easily add Woods, Woolley, king and Davies to the list of riders who have had multiple chances and done little with it. Be nice to see a Rookie like Budd or Goldsborough get a chance

Is the league weaker because they dropped the points limit or did they drop the points limit because there isn't enough quality for it to remain at 40 (or above)? How many top riders are missing out due to the points limit being lowered (not including riders who chose to miss out)? For example the only missing riders with 4+ averages are: Claus Vissing (possibly at Workington) Erik Riss (does he want to ride Champ?) Anders Rowe Hans Andersen Dan Gilkes Jack Thomas (still injured?) James Wright (still injured?) Ben Morley Max Clegg So a higher points limit would just lead to a large difference between the top & bottom and possibly 2.00 Brits being dropped for new 4.00 riders! With the riders available, I'd suggest they've not gone far wrong with a 38 limit.

To be honest looking at all the sides , the season doesn't fill me with excitement due to the reduction in the points limit . Maybe we've been spoiled this past few years , but the aftermath of dropping to 38 points is there for all to see . Anyway as for who does what , I think the play off places will come down to Redcar , Poole and two from four between Glasgow , Scunthorpe , Oxford and Berwick . Redcar look strongest . Bailey, Edwards and Mulford can all kick on and up their averages . Poole's top 4 will ensure no home defeats and could pick up something on the road against the weaker sides . Glasgow have probably the strongest heat leader trio and their season depends on Pearson translating his Aussie form back here to back them up . Oxford have swapped Kerr for a two pointer , but Jenkins could easily make the necessary progress to back up Masters and Nichols . Berwick look pretty solid throughout without having a real big hitter , but that could be the way to go . As for the other three . Can Cook and Batchelor remain focused enough to spearhead the Comets ? Edinburgh have the entertaining and talented Pickering , but rely on most of the same faces that flopped last year . And Plymouth .....well. Covatti isn't a number 1 not even in a watered down league and can Barker stay out of trouble ?

Someone should do a South to North one to keep the Plymouth fans happy!

Because the rules make it easier to sign a 29 year old Aussie, than a 16 year old Brit (Max Perry).

Lol……I think you missed the gist of the post.

What might help crowd levels is that I dont see too many away wins with clubs carrying a long tail .

Uninspiring way to finish the team when we had over 5 points to use. Will support the boys but can’t see this team competing.

Well, it certainly wont be Martin Smolinski because Sam can't pronounce it!

Decent start from Pearson in Aussie championship 7 points. Same as masters and outscored rew, the cook brothers, Tate and bowes junior

Surely if we can get Tarasenko on a 5 then Blobby should get Clegg on a 2.00 after all it's only fair.

Mine neither neil saw on facebook lol

Don’t bite mate.it’s what certain people want remember there are a few on here who no the business of everything Plymouth and there own clubs that’s why I’m looking forward to the end of the season when I think a few will be eating humble pie reference our final league position.

Thanks, no truth in the permit issue whatsoever. Jacob hook was a better option I feel.

Ano Owens on waiting list for the 27th

Good idea. I made a similar suggestion in a NL post. Sadly the BSPL were too lazy / uninterested in thinking outside the box & stick with the norm (averages).

Bit underwhelming. Hopefully track will be better next season. Just need to get behind the team

Would have taken a lot of those riders at Armadale. Best wishes to the Bandits in 2024.

WHAT!!!!!!!! Riding with Harris in 3 races & against oppositions 3 heat leaders.

Edinburgh (on account of them only having one real heat leader), Workington (on account of them having the weakest reserves) and Plymouth (on account of them being Plymouth) to be the three teams to finish outside the playoffs. As for the rest I'd say anyone can win it this season but if I had to pick one I'd plump for Redcar.

scunny dont need to boost numbers for early season practice as its always full so thats put that to bed.

Disappointed with how things have panned out with the team but it’s the hand we’ve been dealt so is what it is. Just need a few to step up to the plate this season.

6+… thats a hell of leap… will be poor away so unless he averages 8.5-9 at home he wont hit anywhere near 6+

Depends what 'coming to the party' means but he starts on 3.99, shouldn't be beyond him to average 5 - 5.5 on better equipment. Pearson should really flourish.

Good luck with that we've been waiting several years but he never seems to make it (maybe he don’t like parties anymore)

Fair summary Paulco. For Glasgow, as well as Pearson needing to kick on, Starke needs to come to the party and Flint has to improve his Ashfield performances (which I’m sure he will). Worrall will be ok if he continues to gate well but can sometimes disappear in big heats. We sure will miss Basso this year.

Poor use of team points

Agreed. More to it than just Armadale as others have suggested.

Recuperat from an injury sustained in the GPs last season, so is sitting out the Aussie champs this year.

6 really good signings for the first time in years. Shame Etheridge is back again but hopefully if he does what hes done the rest of his time at Berwick then Dickson will boot him out.

Getting him and Etheridge sick tickets for Armadale may prove even more astute. The Dickson era awaits!

Makes sense all round, couldn't ride the dump from what I saw but was very impressive at both shielfield and ashfield (shocked he wasn't considered at Glasgow over starke tbh). Solid side should be in play off contention. Only concern would be is Kerr a genuine number 1? Average is based on riding predominantly at 3 for Oxford I'd fancy other sides to have the better of heats 13 & 15 against you but may be evened out in 12 & 14

Made a very decent impression with Edinburgh`s trip to Berwick last season so if we get that rider every week Mr Borke could prove a very astute signing, especially as he starts at reserve.

He can't ride Armadale and was a waste of points for a team struggling to win home meetings. Edinburgh get a loan fee for him and Berwick get what appears a big track rider. A good move for both parties.

Great signing for Berwick. Absolute madness from Edinburgh not to bring him back after investing in him last season.

How about Jarek Hampel and Hans Anderson?

The secret is out, Borke’s a Bandit

If you sign 4 reserves can't have them all starting at reserve lol! However for Glasgow to be successful think they need Pearson to put 1+ points on his average, which based on his Aussie form is very possible, so I don't really expect him to be near the reserve berths this year.

I agree,Poole get good crowds and have good sponsors. The Fords are good business people. Run in the Premier League and break even or run in the Championship and make a profit ! It’s not rocket science.

Yeah think he could be. 3rd year time to kick on, would preferred him at reserve then again I wouldn't be shocked if both reserves and 2nd strings swapped places after 1st set of averages

That is complete twaddle, we got good crowds, it is just cheaper to run a Championship team.

Think Pearson is a decent signing for Tigers.

Probably waying up the Profit and Loss situation.Would think he’s doing alright financially running in Championship with very good crowds, so why cut your your Profits by stepping up and probably playing to the same size of crowds.Wise decision.IMO.

They'd be stark raving bonkers to go anywhere near that knob!

Amount of greggs or maccy d's eaten or is that just the travelling fans

Why on earth is Dayle even in contention, the league has been focused on developing British talent rather than giving places to a never been Aussie