torpointfanatic22

Sorry but I can't agree with this, so a rider comes in, rides poorly, nowhere near their average or even worse rides with a complete lack of effort (I've seen plenty of those over the years) and a team then has to either stick with them or pay a fee to get rid. Nah I'm not having that, if you're poor at your job, you get sacked, a big difference from being made redundant.

Well it's the job of the management and promotion to go out and find one.

Take your pick! You'd have to say Cluff based on averages but it depends, who, if anyone, would be willing to sign. If the rider is a 9 point rider for example, then it's time to call it on Bowtell. I've always liked Alfie as a rider and he's good at Plymouth but has never improved away. To be honest outside of Klindt and maybe Thompson you could make a case for all of them to be replaced quite easily.

Unless this is the first of two changes the question has to be why sign a 4 point rider when you have nearly 8 to play with? That's just daft! We're desperate for a heat leader, given we currently only have one and the way the averages have fallen means we could have brought one in. Hopefully the promotion have another signing in the offing that we can announce after tomorrows new averages take effect, otherwise it's a bit pointless. Feel a bit for Trigger but he's not at the level required and as the overall strength of the Plymouth team is quite weak, there is no place to hide.

Not to be pedantic but Trigger was actually 6th and to be honest, while he had a fall in his 3rd race. I'd actually say that's a pretty poor result given the company. The lad Cooper Rushen looks a good prospect though, scored well last night and scored a bucket load at Belle Vue on his only NDL league match for Leicester. Looks a kid going places and only a matter of time before someone gives him a CL ride. Guessing he would be a 2 pointer as well. Would be a good move imo to replace Trigger (or Cluff) with this lad and free up some points in the meantime to strengthen further up the order.

Completely agree and unless Plymouth can make a change in the next 48 hours 2 points will be lost on potential re-building (if the promotion chose that option). That's vital as you'd struggle to see Cluff improving enough to overhaul Alfie or Lasse in the averages. Trigger and Cluff at reserve doesn't exactly strike fear into opposing reserves.

It would be great if the promotion are thinking this way, the likes of MPT and Covatti that have been mentioned in the thread for Cluff instantly improves Plymouth at home and away. Two things though, first would either want to come back to Plymouth? Secondly is it something the promotion can afford as I'd suggest both would probably want more than Cluff. I hope I'm wrong but knowing our luck it's more likely Klindt leaves and gets replaced by one of those two. Hopefully the promotion will be cut throat and proactive.

Well he rarely makes a pass so hopefully he gates!

I tend to agree. It would need huge improvements from the middle order, that based on previous seasons would be highly unlikely but you never know. Lets see who it is...

Ah Kenny Ingalls, brilliant little rider, especially at Plymouth. Was one rider I always wanted us to sign, sadly we never did.

Agree, personally I think Klindt would be a poor signing on that type of average and would mean Barker would yet again be 2nd heat leader when he's actually more like 2nd string level. We'll find out tomorrow according to Facebook.

Having 3 tiers is one of the biggest issues in British Speedway but while we have them there has to be acceptance that some clubs will have lower budgets / facilities than others.

Yeah of course, that's all it comes down to...Nothing to do with riders demands.

Oh don't get me wrong they need to generate some excitement but given this lad has been racing in Poland's u24s for 3 odd years, is now too old and hasn't been picked up by a senior team (as far as I can see), perhaps tempering expectations may have been a wiser move. That being said he's in the Aussie champs so lets see how he goes against the big boys!

Know nothing about the Aussie other than what's been put in here, seems he's more Kelleher than Holder but time will tell on that one. Looks more and more likely that Barker will end up as 2nd heat leader which is a huge problem if the case. He's simply not at that level anymore. Assuming Barker does indeed sign, with 13.76 left, that does present options. We need something decent at number 1, someone who can win races home and away however that would likely mean the Aussie lad starts in the main body. Will be interesting to see where we go.

Haha, beat me to it, I went for the diplomatic view but I totally agree.

Harsh, for me MPT had started going really well for us until his clash with Lawson at Poole that resulted in MPT getting injured. After that he was never right imo. I think he'd be a decent option and options appear limited.

One rider that always went well at Plymouth was Thomas Jorgensen, I know he sat out last season in the UK but if I recall he was on an average around 6.5 in 2023, could be a good signing on that average. Would allow for a stronger reserve than Trigger and maybe enough for someone like Hagon to be at reserve with Fredriksen.

Yep, would agree with this and suspect Barker at 3. I haven't done the exact maths but I believe Covatti, MPT and Trigger may just fit with Barker. Lasse is a nice surprise signing and at reserve could be a very good signing indeed.

I think that team would be worse than last seasons! Covatti isn't a number 1 and Barker is not a number 5.

No surprise to see Alfie and Joe back. Be interesting to see if the plan is to start with Alfie at reserve. If I've read it right, with reductions they come in on 5.07 & 5.63 respectively. Assuming Barker will be named in due course (believe he'd be 5.87). I make that 16.57, leaving a healthy 23.43 and would be a solid, if not spectacular engine room. Will be interesting if that is the 3-4-5 as you suggest. Barker can't be anything higher than the 3rd heat leader if Plymouth are to be more competitive this season. Not convinced by Covatti on his starting average but let's wait and see.

My bad, I thought they used rolling averages. Wouldn't touch them with a barge pole then. Harris was obviously wishful thinking!

Great to see Plymouth back to the tapes in 2025, hilarious that the BSPA actually think supporters believe the KO cup draw is actually drawn. Poole again classic! With a 40 point limit, knowing Dan is moving on and that Alfie and Ben are likely to be back, a possible team that would be useful... Harris - 9.07 (with reduction) Bowtell - 5.07 (with reduction) Barker - 5.87 (with reduction) Joe - 5.63 (with reduction) Covatti - 6.67 Hagon - 4.73 (with reduction) Baek - 2.62 Total - 39.66

That’s so last year! You’re supposed to dig us out for Covatti now. Come on get with the memo

Result aside, I think this season has shown that Barker is no longer up to it at this level, maybe as a reserve, but heat leader or even 2nd string he isn't. I've watched about half a dozen Plymouth matches this season (albeit from afar) and he looks a totally rider to that of a couple years ago. Both his equipment and himself showing serious signs of wear and tear. I hope if we're back at the tapes next season that the promotion go in a different direction, despite the family connection. The Thompson's and Hook again proving to be the shining lights in an otherwise underwhelming 2024 team.