szkocjasid

I'm not so sure about that, just based on his home / away split. 7.33 (8.86) vs 3.35 (3.91).

Not a massive risk due to the play-offs. As long as any new riders learn their way round by mid-season. Mind you depending how the track is altered, home advantage would be lessened anyway.

As Edinburgh don't often make too many changes & I think Wolbert would be a great signing, came up with this team. Edinburgh Kye Thomson 8.23 Justin Sedgmen 6.84 Paco Castagna 5.88 Jonatan Grahn 5.63 Kevin Wolbert 5.00 Lasse Fredriksen 4.71 Jordy Loftus 3.67 Total 39.96

Obviously it's all opinions at this stage, but I think quite a few of the Poole riders are being under rated by many. Lightcap averaged 4.83, but remains on 4.00 as he didn't ride enough matches. Considering he started half way through the year on tracks all new to him, I think that's decent & can see him at least putting a point on his (4.83) average. Cairns stepped up from the easier no 7 position & scored well at number 6, then carried on his form when he moved into the top 5. So if have no qualms about him riding at 5 & would expect his average to go up. You could also say he's on a slightly "false" average as his 2026 ave was 6.94 from 18 matches, counting the last 2 from 2025 drops his rolling ave to 6.61 (6.44 with reduction). I see no reason why Rushen's 2nd season won't be similar to Cairns' so expect maybe 2 points on his average. Then Kennett has shown what he can do when guesting. The more I think about it, can see them romping away with the league.

If we're expecting surprises, how about this team? Using Newman, left room for a stronger 2nd heat leader, Sedgmen was the highest available that fits in! Poole Richard Lawson 8.15 Justin Sedgmen 6.84 Will Cairns 6.44 Cooper Rushen 5.01 Kyle Newman 4.92 Edward Kennett 4.62 Slater Lightcap 4.00 Total 39.98

It seems most, especially Berwick & Leicester fans have forgiven Nick Morris, plus many fans wanted him for 2027, did he ever apologise for refusing to take a drugs & alcohol test? Maybe its my imagination, but I kinda feel like Speedway Star articles / forum comments would praise him for finding form after a long time out, rather than pointing out that was caused by him? But if Morris was welcomed back, it would only be fair the same applies to Complin?

I thought McDiarmid had an amazing first season over here, especially for such a young riders. Really expected him to kick on this season & if anything was a disappointment. Could be he'd make the next step up for Poole?

Every team bar Workington has to weaken, so comparing next years teams to this year isn't how you pick the favourites imo. Otherwise that would mean it would be impossible for Poole to be favourites as they're bound to look weaker in 2027.

Shows the flaw in the U21 rule. Joe T after a good season, having to start in the top 5, could mean not getting a team spot. I can see that happening a lot, some weaker U21s getting a chance too early, but stronger riders getting left on the scrapheap at 22!

I think either of these teams would be very strong. Even without knowing other teams, I'd have them as favourites based on the amount of improvement I could see riders getting on their averages.

If Brennan wanted to leave, Ipswich would have a right to feel aggrieved, as they stuck by him during a disappointing season. Normally clubs then hope to benefit the following year.

Riders used to get a one-off 8% reduction if missing a season through injury, can't remember if that was just for Brits though? This was long before the recent "Nathan Ablitt" rule, which Alfie Bowtell should benefit from.

While I agree Barker doesn't look great value on his average, he is very good at home. If they're gonna struggle to build a strong team, can prioritise home wins.

I feel like Harrison should be RS & Hodder shouldn't be in the Prem yet. Are the new rules "forcing" riders into the wrong positions too soon?

This is the frustrating thing, if clubs are making signings, points limit & rules must be known. Why hide it from the fans?

Assuming the points limit stays at 40.00, every club bar Workington will have to weaken. So having a similar strength team is a positive.

The longer it takes Plymouth to declare, will riders look elsewhere to avoid being left without a team spot?

I would go to 6 rider teams, 5 rides each. Encourage unattached riders to take guest bookings. Ideally the NL & Champ should be closer together to help riders stepping up, so don't lower the NL points limit. Having such a weak NL won't help riders make the step up to the Champ. I don't mind experienced riders like Lambert or Bowtell in the NL, give the next generation someone to aim to beat, once you can beat them, you know you have a chance at stepping up?

Totally agree

I agree, I think Cairns would be a good signing for any team & put a point on his average.

If Poland wants riders to give them priority over Britain / Sweden / Denmark, they'd only have to pay them 2 or 3 times the amount. It appears they pay them 10 times the amount, which seems a waste of money to me. Obviously they are trying to outbid their fellow Polish clubs to be successful. If the Prem wants to limit doubling up, look to the lower end riders who maybe don't ride every week?

I saw Shanes a few times at Armadale in the NDL & he was awesome. Certainly on a par with Loftus, Wood & Foord. Obviously Champ is stronger, but on a 3 point something ave, is a no brainer for me. Only has to reach a 4 point ave to be a good signing.

I like the rule, bit think 8% a season is far too much. Should've just said 2.5% every season missed. Shanes would be a great signing on that average.

They could simply change the 8 point cut-off higher or lower, based on who wants to ride in the Champ in 2027, top 9 riders split amongst the 9 clubs? If a club opts out & wants to go strength in depth, top 8 riders split amount the other 8 teams?

I'd be surprised if they built a team like that, having 3 reserves didn't work in 2026, so would assume they wouldn't do the same in 2027. Granted it does look a good top 4.