StevePark

Surely a Benefit Meeting for Ivan wouldn't be out of the question?

KO and League Cup didn't count (i.e only League matches used to count).

I think they brought it in this year. I agree with you. Stops early fiddling, especially for those on assessed averages. For others already on 'true averages', it doesn't really change much due to rolling averages.

What happens (God forbid) if there is a major delay in the meeting at Scunny, or there are road problems (Good Friday, remember) on route to Birmingham???? Fines for being late (or not getting there at all). Not worth it.

As the two posters above here correctly state, Steve asked to be rested, so, no, he wasn't sacked. Newcastle race on a Sunday (the same day as Poland), therefore a return to Newcastle was out of the question. He can still ride in all three leagues and help Richie in Poland, when fixtures allow.

He got injured. Then went NL to rebuild his confidence. For this season he wanted to help Richie out in Poland, so that ruled out a return to Brough Park. I for one am really pleased that he's doing well.

Top post, as per usual. More about the dreadful disease can be found here: http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/ I forgot to mention in my earlier post, that I have met Ivan on a few occasions, and had the pleasure of interviewing him at the final Exeter meeting. I found him the most approachable of people. A pleasure to talk to, he would give up his time without a thought. The word 'legend' can be overly used sometimes. Not with Ivan.

Ooops! I hope you will praise him for tonights performance. Beating Simon Stead (a true number one) 3 times. Well done the Diamonds. Hopefully we can carry that through to Scunthorpe on Friday afternoon (despite being without the 2 Lewi's).

Groan!!!

They mean "very average"

It would have been interesting to have seen him make a gate last night to see if could have stayed in front, as he seemed on the pace in his second and third rides. He's got a month to get dialled in to the STMP, but I would expect him to start scoring points at home, at least, sooner, rather than later.

I Got bored! To be honest, though, I thought most overtakes were down to riders making mistakes (therefore not what I would call genuine overtakes). I also (in my opinion) thought the couple of times Anton was passed, he was 'bullied' by the opposition, but, I must stress, not in a bad way, but in a good clean racing way, which I didn't see coming for this season. It is still early in the season, but the Diamonds have to sort themselves out, otherwise we might be in for a long 'mid-table' season.

3 bites and counting......

You were clearly watching a different meeting to me then. 2 genuine overtakes all night. For those wanting rid of Lewis Rose - he is getting his average most meetings so far. That is all you can ask of the kid. We lack a 'top end' 'big hitter' that is true, but when it comes down to it, who do you replace and who with - and, most importantly, can we afford one?

I didn't realise that Raye's name was actually Sarah! You learn something new every day! Best wishes to Ivan and his family.

Lionel Blair or Una Stubbs???

I'm thinking R/R as he's not a number 1 (only guessing though). It is the rider who is being punished here, not the club, so a facility of some kind should be granted.

And there lies the problem if you want to get rid of Schrammy.

Albin or Barrett around Brough? No thanks.

When you said he "isn't riding well enough to justify his place in the team," I thought you meant the 1-7, rather than the No. 1. I apologise for mis-interpretting that! The way the side has been put together this season, you aren't (at least to begin with) going to have the "out and out" number one that you require. I think, and it's only my opinion, they are expecting Anton to be the Number 1 we/you are hoping for, therefore it's a small sacrifice of having Ludde at number 1 for the first few weeks of the season.

Currently (i.e this season so far) Ludde is averaging 7.00. Christian is averaging 6.15. Would you get rid of Christian,as you, seemingly, would get rid of Ludde??

How else are you supposed to do them?

Certainly don't! I support Newcastle. Last time I was there was 2009 (I think!). Only giving my personal opinion.

I'd go to Workington every time above Stoke. Many reasons. 1) Stoke is a dump. 2) Track is usually badly prepared at Loomer Road. 3) It usually takes an age to run a meeting (other than those reasons, it's great!!). The only thing Stoke has going for it is it's cheaper to get in. Workington it's £14 + free prog (Juniors 5-15 £4). Stoke charge £12 for adults and £2 for the kids. Workington do Family Tickets as well which bring the price down a bit if there are 1 adult and 2 kids, etc.

The rider he "aimed his bike at" was Kenni Larsen. Powell was banned for 12 months, but seeing as he is yet to pay the fine, remains banned, although he "retired" after the ban order and returned to Australia, therefore, basically getting away with it scot free (other than the fine on the night).