Brightonbob

:roll: Can anyone tell when and where the 2004 swc is? I want to book time off and go watch the whole thing this time.

While some habitual moaners will come out, the vast majority of people believe Team GB did a great job and exceded expectations. It was great while it lasted and on a different night, who knows? Thing is they got there. World Cup Finalists. Lets say that again shall we?..... World Cup Finalists. Ahhhh, thats better. Teams on paper are all very well (tell that to Belle Vue fan!) in the end you need spirit and guts - and yes, a little luck. Taking the kids would have been a disaster - I wouldn't fancy sending a pumped up Edward Kennett out on that Vojens track with four others riders thanks very much. A few just couldn't wait to knock. They predicted disaster and they were wrong. Shame on you and, well, get a life.

All 5 were World Cup Finalists. Remember that. I was so rpoud of that team and its a huge leap forward. The final was a bit of a lottery and it just wasn't the boys night. But they did British speedway proud. Congratulations. Can't wait til next year.

Thanks for taking the time to post. This weeks been one fo the great sporting moments for me (and I'm 41 today!). A few of us Eagles knew what you were up to when you selected Floppy. A captain who rides on blood and guts and a true patriot. Barker has always had it in him and Havvy has been a revelation to me. Put that flag on him and he turns into a madman. Nicholls and Richardson have been different class. I've cleared my day today to watch (and believe me, I had to cancel something very big) as I wouldn't miss it for the world. All the boys have been magnificent, mechanics too. The bikes have been great. Podium would be a massive achievement and theres thousands here routing for you all.

Point taken Star Lady. I was actually making a general comment as Tricky comes in for a lot of stick I think. Blokes a genious and I wish he rode for Eastbourne and was born in GB. My point is simply that the sport needs superstas and he can have that tag with some merit. Did you see his tour bus behind him the other night! Flash bugger! I saw Scott Nicholls at Arlington unloading his unmarked old transit on his own the other week, plastic crates of bits balanced on top while he wheels his own bike in. Its a long way to the top I can tell you.

Australia Denmark Great Britain GB and Poland to have a right ding-dong with Poland and Middlo to play a blinder with the joker. Rickardsson to pull out feeling unwell and the Swedes to finish last.

I said it at the start of the week, and I urge you to do just this prior to the meeting tonight. All Kneel and Worship at the Church of Norris. I'm 41 year old sports nut and watching Norris this season has been one of the great sporting joys for me. He ain't no flash Tony Rickardsson or some shade wearing cool Aussie, he's a bloke from smalltown Sussex who rides on blood guts and passion. This SWC has just been so great as I'm so pleased for him. Youre seeing someone fulfil a dream. It means everything for him to represent GB, you can see that. But in a way, I knew this when he was selected. Havelock has surprised me as much, what commitment! Barker has obvioulsy become super-charged by the whole event too, but Barker, perhaps more than Floppy, is the GP rider that never was... yet. We're taking for granted of course that Richardson and Nicholls just go out and win. They've hardly dropped a handfull of points in twenty races between them. Amazing. I can't wait for tonight. And remember, All Kneel......

I think all the riders, if they get a podium spot, should be able to wear a special BPSA star (either bronze silver or gold) on their racing suits. GB will return home as heros whatever happens today. My bet? I think its hard to see anything but a bun-fight between the aussies and the Danes, but the podium spot is anyone from the other three I reckon - and I fancy the Brits to have the momentum and belief to win out.

I don't see anything wrong with Tricky coming back (if). Sport is littered with tales of sportsman taking risks for their sport. There is something very slick about Tricky for sure. He wants to be the biggest and best. He wants, quite simply, to be a star. I'm sure he wants to be the King of Speedway and be loved by everyone. But so what? Good on him. Do we really expect anyone who rides one of those bikes the way they do to be that normal anyway? Speedway needs superstars, and he is. He is part of their squad and if that means its harder for our boys, well thats what competitions are and its pointless moaning about it.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I can't believe he would risk upsetting what is obviously a superb team spirit. Still.... He's been bang on so far.

I never let the facts get in the way of a good gag Midnight Lady. Any Scottish person has all the right in world to be proud of such a beautiful country that has given the world so much. So come on you Brits - get on that rostrum and give British speedway the shot in the arm it deserves. They've run the 5 man races and whooped the otehrs out of site. The bikes are banging away like billio - one fault in 50 races! The mechanics have played a blinder so far and nobody looks underpowered. Only a handful of the other 20 riders scored more than any Brit yesterday in what was 5 of the top 8 nations in the world. Fact. Their tails are up and Saturday is going suit them better. Teams are going to take points off each other race by race, yet they know any of our boys could win any race. GB haven't so much stuck a foot in the door as kicked the thing open. Whatever happens Saturday they did GB proud.

All winners. All Lions. Saturdays my birthday...... Bring It On.

Lions.

The Scots eh? The most well balanced nation on earth - a chip on both shoulders.

12 points for the one you all branded a no-hoper. Bet you're a right laugh at a party matey.

Whatever happens tonight, Floppy has proved a point. He can do it, with the right back-up and the right bike. I'm writing this before tonights meeting and I'll say that anyone in a five racer meeting who gets near maximum points has an element of luck about them. Jokers, five riders, international adrenelin running through every single rider. Who knows? But saying that, Goooo orrrn the boooooyyyyys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GB showed that with some passion you can push it. I fully expect either the Czechs or the Fins to mix it tonight and and one of them will be there or thereabouts at the end. England expects.......

It takes a grown-up to admit they got it wrong, so heres to you Bryce. Floppy was bloody great last night and those who watch him week-in-week-out knew he had it in him. He was always bound to get completely charged up about riding for his country and God forbid getting in his way when that happens. But they all did great. I know, we didn't beat the truly awesome Aussies, but with a bit of luck we would have done. The aim is simple. GB on the podium.

All you Floppy doubters got anything to say now then?

Well said Mr Shovlar. I think its anyone from 5 or six for that last berth - but we're really pleased for Floppy. I think he'll surprise a few doubters. Three of those riders at least are going to have to ride above themselves just to get us into the final. I'd want Floppy in my side in a scrap and no mistake.

Floppy is of course a speedway God and all us Easties are thrilled to bits. He'll give it everything and some. Two Brit riders are Loram too doo-dah, doo-dah If he was fit it would form a queue doo-dah-doo-dah-day.

Thataboy Speedway Star! Nice to see people getting behind the team.

All Kneel and Worship at the Church of Norris.

I am absolute delighted for Floppy. He's not stupid, he knows he wouldn;t have made a full strength squad, but I tell you what: You won't find someone who will give it more than him. He really wanted this and he'll give it everything - and I mean everything. The management have to go on hunches, and I know Floppy will grab his chance to prove himself absolutely. One more thing - have an opinion, we all do - but this is Team GB and thats the team, so lets get behind them. Viva GB, Viva Eastbourne!