gazzac

Yes, please can both Birmingham and Mildenhall hurry up and get your 4 league meetings done to help the rest of us!

Unfortunately I think you're right.

I've enjoyed the NL whilst we've been in it, but although I don't think it'll happen, really hope we go up to the championship next year otherwise we'll probably lose the likes of Wood and Brennen. Would we get much bigger crowd's, not sure, but no dought the call and probably need for lower costs in the NL and more than likely a lower points limit next year would probably reduce crowd's, not sure I could justify the 100 mile round trip with 4 of us to watch 2nd half quality racing having done the journey for 20 years.

It'll become an mdl/sdl league, they won't learn what they can in this league with the current competition, but as I said it does need restructuring, with the likes of Buxton running in an mdl type league , with the top league being slightly above championship level, followed by a league somewhere between championship and nl for the likes of Eastbourne and Birmingham.

That's known for sure then? I've kept away from this discussion, but taking Eastbourne, we started with Baseby at no 1, who I can't believe is anywhere near the same cost as say somebody like Clegg or Roynon, think we had some luck with Edwards with Lakeside going up, but believe we enquired about Kemp first but we're out bid, Powell, Brooks and Woods were scouted from grass track , would we be paying them championship rates, I dought it leaving Brennan and Dugard who came through the youth system, in fact I remember Mark Baseby riding the second halves years ago. There will always be teams with a slightly bigger budget, ours due to no part of aquirering a fantastic headline sponsor, which not all clubs seem to do, I do think because of the Dugard heritage they are in a position to provide more help with machinery etc but we've also a good record with bringing in new untried talent. I suppose we're lucky to have a well run club, I don't think it's down to the amount riders are paid, although I agree 2 leagues is really the amount our sport needs, but that's not likely to change I imagine.

Spot on, Birmingham and Mildenhall look far stronger than anyone else. I said exactly the same about Eastie when the team was announced, no out and out number 1 will never work away, probably still go unbeaten at home , although close calls against Birmingham and Mildenhall, but will get hammered away at both.

It will be r/r for Powell but also Brooks had a high speed crash into the air fence on Saturday so may not be 100% hence a No 8. Unfortunately as you say with the average changes coming in for Eastie and not yet Birmingham, think it'll be a comfortable home win, although Wood and Brennen are flying at the moment, so hopefully be some good races.

Well apparently Charley's going to have the shoulder plated and hopes to be riding by mid June. Underestimated the toughness of speedway riders again, although hope he doesn't rush back too soon.

Couldn't agree more, long term r/r never really works. Be okay until the first green sheet changes, but not beyond.

Have just seen the x ray of Charley Powells shoulder, looks a bad break so assume he'll be out for quite a while. Any thoughts on what we're likely to do? The dreaded r/r until he can return? Is George Hunter still wanting to ride speedway, or is he giving it a miss this year? Maybe a decent replacement, and seem to remember he was marrying into the Dugard family?

With no Brooks or Powell, could be a similar score to last time. Would make the second leg interesting though if Coventry get a 10 point plus lead.

Echo what everyone has said above. Best wishes to Mitchel and his family.

I suppose a ' fair' figure for NL would really be £12 ( £10 plus vat), and make it the same (maximum) across all NL clubs, unless someone wants to charge less.

Maybe the answer is fewer teams in this league, and I don't mean closures. I really like it in the NL, but if say Eastbourne and say maybe Birmingham or Kent went up a league,would that solve the problem?

Agree with B.Bucks post, although I wasn't there seems a good sensible evaluation. Be nice to move on now and stop the blame game.

Think you're spot on there, shows early on what is likely to happen away from home again this season without an out and out no 1.Dugard will be at reserve shortly with Edwards at 2, better in one way but less options as we'll have 2 weak reserves if their current form continues, although you'd like to think both Brookes and Dugard should improve?

If Eastie had 36 hours of dry weather before a meeting, even now would probably be watering it! Never been to Stoke but the drainage must be really bad not to get a meeting on.

Cradley

Really!! Never known such a sensible 22 year old.

On a different topic, see David Mason giving praise to Arthur Browning amongst others on the track prep for the season. I used to watch moto cross in the late 60's and rode in the 70's, and remember the motor cycle legend well. Great to see him still actively involved with the Brummies. Only probably one of two people ( the other being Sammy Miller) who was top notch at every decipline of motor bike sport.

Like the nt this season...

You're right, morals and speedway don't go hand in hand, and Eastbourne have certainly taken advantage over the last few seasons. Perhaps be better to let the new 15 year olds have say 5 meetings league, ko cup, nt , or playoffs without getting an average, but only allowed to ride for a club once in any of those competitions throughout the season. Would have less sway on end of season results but still putting themselves in the shop window for the following season.

Again just doesn't seem right as it's a 'late' call by Glasgow because of another riders decision. Great for his progression but as you say so unfair on another national league club. I wasn't over impressed with 'my' Eastie team when announced but perhaps I can now see the logic in going for a team that doesn't look like any of the riders are likely to double up this season at the moment.

Hope the weather improves so we can all get out, it's been a long winter ...

It still is a development league,as proved with the likes of Bewley,Smith,JPB, Brennen,etc,and I'm looking forward to the development of Edwards,Kemp,Flint and Brooks etc. But by definition a ' league' is surely competitive with 'winners' and 'losers'.Make it competitive with a 42.5 point limit and it'll be a competitive development league that will attract fans who want to see youngsters progress and watch an exciting meeting.