Rockets

I liked the look of Braddock. Still a little raw but a real trier. Reminded me a bit of trevor o'brien when he started.

Must sign an out and out number 1 now though. X

Chessell and Lee both looked okay. Which one was Braddock. What happened to Jed Collins?

Thought Garrity looked very fast and controlled. Thought Morley and Searjent - assuming he was the red and black leathers- looked good too for the raiders. Unless the rest have been practising at other times it amazes me how little laps these riders actually put in before the season starts. Anyone know who it was who was wearing the black overalls who looked like he was riding Nelsons old equipment?

With you on this Waco. No fans no sport. Also though the other team members must be motivated and why would they be carrying three rookies. Surely unless there is an exceptional crop that is what the development league is for. Bring in another old head Len.

Certainly makes the Ipswich fixtures a little spicier.

Now that the new season is nearly upon us does anyone know who the two reserves will be?

I still think we are better than people are saying. I think everyone bar Neath should improve their averages and if Bunyan gets back to his best and can get the hang of the Rye track we will have a good top four with pleanty of fire power at reserve. Top six for me based on starting line ups.

This was all going so well till you said that Tocha!

What I don't understand Waco is: 1. Ritchie is a professional sportsman. If he has problems with the track, his set up or starting would nt you spend the winter with guys like Chris neath to get these things right? and 2. if you have a continuing ambition would you sign for a second season at a track you dont get on with? I know team places are at a premium but surely Ritchie is better off elsewhere.

You are so right Waco. With Doyle in place of Hawkins we would be favourites for the league.

GarryH - glad to see Shane is coming back along with Lee Strudwick. A good top 5 with three of them very capable of raising their averages.

Boxall signed for Plymouth.

I cant understand why Shane was nt in Lens thoughts unless he thought he was Lakeside bound. A very good prospect indeed.

I can't see Owen being back.He was talking before last season about a possible PL spot and to be honest by the end of the season I thought he was one of our worst riders. I dont know what has happened to him. One injury too many maybe? Certainly if he gates he flies but he seems incapable of mixing it these days. Maybe hes bought a bike from Steve Boxall. I'd love to see Shane back. Such a trier aand he would be one of a strong top four. On the point of blooding rookies i think Waco made an excellent point. All of these riders want to win the league or the cup and its unfair to a top five who have that ambition to be held back by rookies if there is not a rule across the board. They will get demoralised and that will affect their achievement. I think rookie matches as a second half to a PL meeting over five or six heats is the way to go. We get to see how they improve and it does nt hold the Raiders back.

It would be a good thing Mate. These kids really do need to be given a chance. Just out of interest does anyone know where Mitchell Jacks went?

Waco if you do go to the training day today would you let us have your thoughts on the current crop please.

I have to say Waco I can really see Ben starting to dominate in this division next season. I agree with you about the reserves. Id prefer one rookie. Then a battle of the rookies as a second half like they use to have.

great post wjm.

Yippeeee. The first three riders announced. David Mason, Ben Morley and Jamie Sarjeant. Nt a bad start at all. contracts offered to two unnamed riders and the reserves spots will be given to the kids who attend the training school. I hope Shane Hazelden will be back as the boy has talent. I suspect as a Lakeside asset he will end up there with Marc Owen if they run a team. Whilst the stand alone teams may well be stronger i'm glad the kids are given a chance. it could well be between Ben and Jamie for a PL spot in 2013 if not before.

Yep a post from Chris. And who says the season of goodwill is nt upon us. The thing that is wrong with the team is that if Garrity was the final target he should have dropped Richie and gone for a bigger hitter. That being said every rider bar Neath has room to improve their averages including Richie. Why dont we just give them a bit of a chance on the track before we slag them off?

I have to say its a decent team. Bunyan is the key though. I think Nelson could be a strong third heatleder. I dont know what he averaged over the last two months but it must be in excess of seven. If Bunyan can get back up to seven then thats four riders seven plus and either Luke or Richie at reserve.Garrity should thrive at reserve all season especially at home. Luke has a good home average and I hear Richie might be investing in Neaths equipment which wont do him any harm. I'd have preferred Lindgren for Richie but that aside i think we will do fine. Oh Waco i'm glad to see that bens coming back. I think people forget how long he has been riding and the progress he has made. I think he is very close to a sustainable premier league level.

I know it wont happen but Ludvig Lindgren would fit perfectly at 5.70. Now that could be quite a team.

is nt 5.90 left? Ambitious to get a heat leader on that? Sorry to hear Ben might not be with us next year. Ive followed his progress keenly. Is there anything you can add Waco? Is there a mass exodus to Lakeside?

Not sure he rides Rye the best. Hope its Garritty the kid looks a good prospect. I know there will be the moaners about a lack of change and retaining Ritchie is a slightly weird one but 6 of these riders ( assuming Garritty to be the last rider) should all improve their averages. If Nelson continues his improvement and Bunyan gets back to somewhere like his Stoke form then we could have a really strong top four with someone always strong at reserve.