Woz01

Been told that Woodward is having another op on his injury so won't start the season. Been reported in Poland apparently and his team Daugavpils are searching for a replacement.

Its a clubs choice though. If they choose that route it's on them.

That is a good point. Who will they guest for as they are not officially signed? Clubs have a choice either risk waiting for an Aussie and maybe having to use a 3pt rider early on or just sign someone else. Also reading the statement it sounds to me like Horton has a rider as back up in case Woodward visa is late.

Pretty much spot on from Mick.

Dates spare in July and August for rain offs which will happen during the season.

You can't hinder clubs that have built their side fair and square. My club has an issue with Woodward but I'd hope Horton wouldn't want other clubs to change their side because we have a rider that is illegal as it stands. If you have a rider that can't come over sign someone else, simple. So why do you have two accounts?

I think he is a decent signing as a 2nd heat leader. Certainly on par with other clubs.

Yeah I think a few Aussies have had similar visas, I'd guess Holder too? Doubling up and guesting is an issue too. It seems most clubs are at fault one way or another.

Yes I have since read that even if they had a longer visa (2-3 years) they have been revoked for now.

If the rules were followed then Poole and other clubs wouldn't be in this situation.

Let's be honest even if there isn't enough Brits to cover all the spots then they can look at Danes and Swedes for team places.

Not sure Woodward is affected. It's more about some clubs not following procedures signing non eu riders in recent years I think.

I'm sure Holder will meet the criteria as an ex world champion!

Interesting to see, Woodward has rode over here for years it would be a shame if he wasn't allowed to ride here. Came 3rd in the Aussie champs 2 years ago, wonder if that has a bearing.

Its mainly loans when a club signs a rider from another club. You do get instances of club buying riders though, Poole bought Dakota North I believe but not sure on a figure

Woodward came 3rd in the Aussie championship in 2013 so I'm sure he will be ok. North came 2nd in the same year.

What I don't get its the constant moaning we get when a meeting is arranged on the same day as a testimonial. The sport shouldn't stop for anyone.

Maybe because Coventry's race night is a Friday? It's the only one available before the league season starts. If we lost our first two matches at home fans will be asking 'why didn't we arrange a challenge match at the start of the season'. Now there is a collection every Bees fan has a chance to contribute where as before only a few would've had the chance.

My issue was he was a Bees rider and it seemed crass that they arranged a meeting on the same day as his memorial meeting. The statement explained the reasons and I'm happy with that, the fact all bees fans can donate is a big plus.

Have you read the statement? They are holding a collection for him in which many can now contribute too when they originally didn't have the chance too. The reason why the meeting has to be run on this date is understandable as it's the only Friday available before League action begins. I actually raised the issue on the Facebook page as I wasn't happy about running at the same time but the statement explains why very well plus I can now put some money towards the fund.

Coventry will be doing a collection for RICO at the meeting on the 20th. Fans who could not get to Lakeside can now still contribute at Brandon.

Its poor from both promotions as they agree to the date. I'm hoping that they didn't realise RICO meeting was the same day, similar happened with Schlein testimonial. Horton put on a respectful tribute for Lee the meeting after the accident so I'm sure he didn't know. Plenty of Bees fans will travel to the memorial meeting. It may be reduced we don't know for certain who get priority for King and Robson. Garrity misses 5 as I believe 3 of the meetings are on bank holidays so could do both meetings on the day.

It is a concern no doubt. We coped well last season when he was missing to be fair but reserves are stronger this year.

Garrity will miss 6. The 2 matches on bank holiday Rye House ride early afternoon usually.

I honestly expected a few more clashes, it seems they've at least tried to arrange the fixtures so we can be at full strength as much as possible. Trust Poole being one meeting where we are not at full strength!