szkocjasid

Well no point in arguing over the pros or cons of Grahn as he's been signed now. I'd have no issue with Kye as 3rd heat leader, as he performed really well as number 5 in the latter half of the season. As for Heeps, he went downhill after leaving Edinburgh, had 3 seasons averaging 5ish or less, then had a much better season in 2024, before reverting back this season. So my thinking is if he's been a 6+ rider as recently as 2024 why can't he reach that level again? Apart from that, I'd sign him for the same reason Poole signed Kerr & Workington signed Batchelor when they dropped their averages. As for Lasse his GSA has gone up every season, so I wouldn't agree that he "isn't getting any better". Jacob Hook could also be an alternative to Lasse. Now I'm not saying either of these riders will definitely up their averages, my theory is combined Fredriksen & Heeps would score more than Castagna & Wood! Finally as people laughed at my Coles suggestion, can you name riders under 3.74 (if they go with Paco & Kye) who will do better? Wood, Perry & James have been suggested, while they possibly could do better, there's no guarantee - otherwise they would have a higher average than Connor! I'm not saying Coles is 100% the best option, no-one stands out above the rest imo. So thought use the guy with the highest average.

If they went with Kye & Paco, I'd kinda like Connor Coles to get a chance. Don't see him getting a team spot anywhere else on a 3.25 ave, but as there's not an obvious stronger choice if they go that route, maybe give him a second tier lifeline?

Agree, especially if he was on a 5 point ave!

While I agree with that, question is would Smith be better than Perry or Summers etc.

I guess if they used Batchelor at 3 rather than 5, that could be called the "third heat-leader role" even if he's 2nd in the averages? For example I would say Howarth had the 2nd heat leader role (heat 13s) for Glasgow, despite Dan T having a higher average for the majority of the season.

I would prefer a team with Wood at reserve rather than Smith, especially as it gives an extra half a point for the top 6. However if Berwick had a top 6 in mind, which left 2.65 available for a number 7 then I'd stick with Smith (assuming Rushen doesn't want to sign).

If it was just over 40, Vuolas instead of Batchelor, so it fits? But can't see Andersen signing, unfortunately for British Speedway. Would be a brilliant team though!

Maybe I'm thinking as Hook has improved each season at reserve, next year he'd be a 6.5 reserve, would that then translate to a 5 point second string? When I consider which clubs he could join, I must admit I did think to myself "will he average that in the top 5"? So maybe there's a part of me that dislikes the speedway rules that mean improving riders get dropped, while struggling riders get retained, so I'm letting my heart rule my head? Maybe I'm a little biased as I've chatted to him & thought he was a nice!

I was wondering if JC81 was being sarcastic? Previously I've felt Smith was hard done by, only getting half a season here & there, not getting a chance to prove himself. But after nearly a full season at number 7 (the easier reserve position) I feel he's never gonna be as good as he thinks he can be.

I honestly think this team trumphs Glasgow's 2004 side. As good as Parker was, Masters slightly edges him, plus of Riss put a point on his average I'd call that a disappointing year. McDiarmid is very promising could put 2 points on his ave. Can't see Oxford's reserves having to do much, although Ritchings is a decent reserve on a low average based on his Poole performances. The Glasgow side had riders who didn't live up to their averages, especially James Grieves l, who dropped below 7 I believe, wouldn't expect that if Rowe. I wasn't over impressed with the signing of Rowe at first, felt he went too long without scoring double figures at Poole, but that was assuming he'd be riding at 5. Put Riss at 5, with Rowe at 3, then all of a sudden I think he's a great signing! I think Glasgow should have ripped the league that year, maybe the biggest underachievers in second division history? But can't blame the promotion for building the wrong team, more the riders didn't perform. Aside from that, Edinburgh won the league in 2015 with 2 x 3.00 reserves to start with. However I do think whoever signs Rushen will be favourites.

I suppose it's possible Poole could be favourites for the league, while also appearing to have they'd poorest starting 7, because the points limit keeps getting lowered. If you compare a team to their opponents they can look strong, but compare them to the previous seasons side & they can look weak(er).

With Championship clubs announcing season tickets, with only 8 hone league matches included, does that mean the Premiership is definitely going ahead? If there's a chance of Ipswich & Sheffield not competing, leaving Leicester, Lynn & Belle Vue facing a drop down to the Champ, how can they plan season tickets?

He looked good for Edinburgh at Scunthorpe. With a home track that suits him, should put a point on his ave.

I make it 4.83 available without Lambert, so Alfie Bowtell would fit?

That's a fair point, I haven't seen him often, but when I have he's always impressed me. Even when he struggled to score at Edinburgh, looked stylish & on the pace.