szkocjasid

Christmas eve announcement possibly?

I have found some positive stats for Bandits fans. Smith averaged 3.07 in his 2025 matches, but with the last couple against Workington not counting, must've had a poor end to 2024, which drops his rolling ave. Now that's still a disappointing season for a reserve with his experience no doubt, but does mean Berwick could be hopeful he can add half a point to his ave.

Smith does seem incredibly popular on fb. In previous seasons whenever a rider is injured, someone will say "what about Jack Smith, he could do a job" even when it's a heat leader missing. Heck someone just said he could do a job in the Prem. I find it hard to put a positive spin on the signing - maybe he can get his average back above 3?

Cheers, I am certainly confused, some responses were as if I said Joe Thompson would be a 9.5 rider, rather than Dan! Completely understand people disagreeing, but laughing - not so much. As for the SWC, he'll definitely be in the squad, can't be far away from the team?

While not ideal to lose such a great rider, as long as Belle Vue had Bewley, may help them build a team under the 37 limit without their 2 superstars?

I might understand that more of Doyle was still a 9+ rider, but now he dropped below 8, feel this could be a good level for him to get back to winning ways? Also does dropping down a league in Poland count as racing the top boys?

I'm of the opinion riders should be role models. Don't want to teach your kids, that this is acceptable behaviour when you don't get your way! I know some people thought Wright & Allen shouldn't have been fined for their fight, citing ice-hockey for example. But I always thought, if you shouldn't pick a fight in the street, why should you on the track / pitch etc.

Pickering looked so childish & unprofessional there. Wouldn't have been surprised if Leszno didn't pick him again.

While there's a risk of signing Cook & him not starting the season, how about Workington getting Drew Kemp to agree to be back up (assuming he's not looking for a Champ spot) he may be willing to ride for a few weeks till they got things sorted out?

Based on his average I can understand why clubs are after Morris, if I was a Birmingham or Leicester fan probably wouldn't want him back. Incidentally has Morris ever explained why he didn't take the drugs/alcohol test or apologised to the people he let down?

That's not really accurate, you could say they stuck with the planned team once Cairns joined for example. But Marson expected a team spot till then, which didn't happen.

I seem to be in the minority, but I don't have any worries about Dan as a number one.

I think he (Dan T) could end up with a 9.5 ave, I don't see what's funny about that?

Interesting scenario with Riss, if he put a point on his ave, I'd probably call that a disappointing season. Think Morris could put a point on his ave, but not 2. Oxford look to have more improvement in their averages as a whole, good team.

Yeah, think he could put a point on his average.

They probably do have those ambitions, but not necessarily next season. The reserves for example could be aiming to reach that level in 2027 or 2028?

Agree, looking a good team imo

They changed the rules last year, Zischke dropped to 3.00 in the Prem, so did Gusts allowing into the Champ on 4.50. I totally agree with you, that it shouldn't be allowed to happen, at a time when foreign riders are more restricted due to Poland flexing their muscles, why not encourage more Brits?

Just thinking any Prem club interested in Riss would be best to wait till his Champ season starts, then sign him a few weeks into the season. Current Prem ave is 6.46, but Champ converted would be 4.75. Of course that could change a little, once he rides in the Champ. To a lesser extent Pickering would be 7.76 in the Prem, but 6.14 on a Champ converted ave. This is why I dislike the current system, as it almost encourages manipulation, as it's legal.

all look capable in those averages. If I was a Leicester fan, would be happy with that team. Especially if Gilkes was RS, as someone else mentioned.

6 Champ heat leaders is a "half decent team"?

Palm Toft on a 4.07 converted ave? Former Lynn rider.

Personally I wouldn't have Cooper in the Prem & certainly not in the top 6. Let him find his feet at Champ level. If they did start with Gusts & he went missing a lot, simply use Rushen as a guest to get be him experience. If he starts scoring maximums every week in the Champ then look at bringing him in?

If Hume is still injured, then obviously no team will want to sign him. Besides I never said Berwick made a mistake not picking him, I merely disagreed with the comment he'll never improve. Every rider is different & injuries affect them all in different ways. Look how Lewis Kerr returned after being in a coma for example.

Gusts has a 3.00 Prem average, he could ride at 6 instead of using 2 x RS