torpointfanatic22

On another note, Sam Simota returns... http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Simota-told-improve-away-form-signing/story-28192725-detail/story.html Signs on and told to improve, bizarre press statement.

Nice lad but nowhere near the level required imo.

So what if Holder were to start as number one? Clearly not ready just yet but would allow a great deal of strength in depth throughout the rest of the side. Zach W or Ellis P would be my choices for the number seven role. Hopefully more news soon...

Yes this was something I noticed. All of those young Brits with PL averages in and around the four-point mark will probably be seen as 'unattractive' as teams will want a strong reserve partner for the three pointers. That said Edinburgh have re-signed Max Clegg so fingers crossed the rest all get clubs.

Nice and tidy start to team building with Newman and Kurtz on board, now hopefully young Mr Holder will return...

I wonder if we could poach one of the Rebels top two? Brady or Josh at number one...

Top five is decent but no thanks to the reserves.

Looking forward to seeing the official press release for this as that is a cracking start to team building. Now get Holder signed up...

So it was confirmed at the last meeting of the season that Plymouth will be back in the PL next season, which is great news!! Can they build on the playoff success of 2015? So the question now is who stays and who goes? But of course that is all dependent on the rules for 2016 which should become clear shortly. For me... Retain - Holder, Newman, Kurtz Unsure - Eklof, Risager Replace - Simota, Fisher

So Doolan and Hansen are our guests for the weekend following Fisher deciding it was now too cold in the UK or something like that. Unfortunately due to the late time in the season and also because of Fisher's low average (for a number one) we are somewhat limited to the guests out there. Doolan is run of the mill but Hansen did at least bag 10 at Ashfield for Worky earlier in the season so hopefully a decent choice. Fisher won't be a huge miss at home but away he'll be a big miss and will undoubtedly cost us the tie over the two legs unless the rest of the team improve their performance from the last visit to Glasgow. Very sad end to a belter of a campaign. Devils by six at home, Tigers by 12 up north, hopefully it's t'other way round

And I thought I was a cynic!

Very true HT, I've not slagged off Fisher just not praised him yet because I still think there is more to come. He has improved and I'm sure all Devils fans would agree with that but in my opinion he is only just getting to the level he should be at. But there is more to be positive about that's for sure.

The reaction of Plymouth fans when Fisher was signed was mixed to be fair so I'm not that surprised by him not getting that much praise. Some said they didn't want him as he was dangerous, others were looking forward to the entertainment he provides because of his fearless attitude. Personally I haven't praised Fisher because he is yet to score the sort of points I expect him to. He is still beaten by most number ones most of the time and struggles against other heat leaders home and away. I expect better especially at home.

Well I never saw Morris going, of all the permutations I thought of Morris, Newman and Holder were the constants however while I personally wouldn't have released Morris, I can see why they have as far as the numbers go. We need to be stronger at reserve, ideally Morris at 7 was my plan but that meant we had to replace Chapman with someone around the 5 mark. Clearly not many options around! That said, Kurtz is an asset, although I still don't think he warrants his average but is, at this moment in time, more likely to score points than Morris. The way it has been done, if true, stinks, dare I say it 'Bowden-esque'. Anyway the talk is Benko will fill the void that Chapman has left so I guess that makes us a bit stronger, which we desperately need! 'Golden boy' Simota and Risager are on borrowed time so I do hope these aren't the only changes made.

I was amongst a handful of 'moaners' that said the Fish was past it and was no longer the quality required to be a number one in a very competitive PL but it seems that point has been proven. The Fish has always been a 'win it or bin it' type rider which while very exciting to watch can be incredibly frustrating. We need to strengthen both ends of the team and if we end up with another three pointer at reserve in place of Chapman, we could replace Fish with a 9+ point rider.

Given Plymouth have around 2.5 points to play with, they could still sign BWD to replace Chapman. Bit of a risk but at the moment it can't really get much worse!

He had Worrall and Wright easily beaten and to be fair I don't think many will come to the OTA and beat messers Grajczonek and Kurtz. First meeting of the season so we'll see. I'm not convinced he is the Fish of old though.

I'd hardly say he couldn't get going all night, he was a decent 2nd to Josh in heat 1 and was comfortably in front and looking quick in his second before his engine went bang. On his second bike I'd agree he wasn't anywhere near as quick. I thought Somerset showed yet again how strong they are at the top end. In the pre-season I wondered if they would be a top 4 team given the septet they were tracking but with Kurtz, Grajczonek, Worrall and Wright up top they will take some beating. However if Starke has an off night I still think you may be vulnerable. From a Devils point of view, well the scorecard probably does do it justice although I still find it unbelievable how many jump starts you lot don't get pulled back on at your own track.

Our record is poor at the Oak Tree although we have run you lot close a couple times. Kyle missing is a huge blow although Rusty isn't a bad guest, Ash missing is also a blow as he looks to be in tidy form on his return from injury. The Devils are yet to race this season so are likely to need the match practice - Therefore Rebels by 14 for me. I fancy we'll be a lot closer on our next visit though! Any weather updates? I'm planning to make the trip across from Hampshire.

In the NL I'd have tended to agree but that was more due to the inexperience of the visitors. Since we've made significant track changes, since moving into the PL the track is very fair. From a home point of view I think the track needs to be prepared in a more consistent way as it is often different from one week to the next.

As always the BSPA like to put a loop hole in the rules. I understand the reason why an 'extreme circumstances' clause is put in but they just open themselves up to manipulation. Like everyone on here I'm pretty certain the Fish would easily have obtained a seven point average last season but yet again the BSPA do themselves no favours. I said on the Devils forum that I think we will be top 10, maybe top 8 at very best which I thought was ambitious. I don't think we'll be bottom of the pile though.

Exactly the point I was making. He wasn't on my 1-7 but was a damn sight closer to it than Chapman was. Just to be clear I'm not knocking Chapman but one season in the NL with an average around 5.5 doesn't make you PL ready. Morley is by far the better option if we're talking purely about on-track ability regardless of any rule breaches!

The only logical reasons for not going for Morley (unless it's money) must be either that he doesn't want to come to Plymouth, which I'd be shocked at. Or Uncle Len doesn't want him signing for another PL club in case he decides to use him at Rye if thinks go Pete Tong! Either way if Morley wasn't considered by Plymouth then the promotion have had a mare!

I'd have taken him in a heartbeat over Chapman as I think the lad deserves a chance at PL level where as Chapman needs another season at NL level regardless of whether he is or isn't allowed to double up!

Been told it's a two-year contract so would hope not! No bigger than than we would already of had at reserve with the points we had available. I don't think Benko would have done much this season anyway. Yes he had some bike troubles and a shoulder injury in 2014 but he did next to nothing to make me believe he would be anything other than a PL reserve, his home form was OK but his away form was arguably the worse I've ever witnessed. On what I saw last season it was more of a case that he couldn't get any worse in 2015. But of course it's a shame that his family are having troubles so I do wish him all the best. As for the way forward well if the two originally muted to complete the seven do sign then it's another three pointer and hope for the best, maybe Tom Perry? Unless we make a couple of changes...