ZODIAK

It did drop a fraction, but that could be possibly due to him having a spell at number 1, a position he won't get a sniff of next season. I don't think the "800-1000 gullible" punters that turn up every week makes the promotion a healthy profit. Chris Louis has openly admitted that he'd gladly hand over the club to someone willing to take it, but there are no offers! He's even gone as far as saying he doesn't actually want or need it but his passion for Ipswich keeps him going. It's not a money making business these days, I think that's pretty clear. On the season tickets, that's another issue entirely. They are, and always have been terrible value for money not just at Ipswich but just about throughout the country. They really should be more discounted.

The top one I have the biggest issue with. I'm not convinced Nielsen warranted a return even at reserve let alone in the 1-5. The problem here is the two reserves don't look great to me either so It's not like we have a trump card there who will soon jump in to the 1-5 and then hold his own there, allowing Nielsen back in to the reserve berth. Lewis Rose just hasn't made any kind of progress over the years and has never impressed me in all honesty As we keep saying we need to hear official confirmation though first but If this is the team I think we should bear in mind a couple of potential factors in the make up of the team. Firstly the warning signs were there that this year the team would be put together on more of a budget when Louis went to press stating how hard it was just keeping "a club like us going", and that a new 20k air fence needed to be brought. Secondly, the contract between Ipswich and main team sponsors Sackers has expired this year and as yet there hasn't been anything mentioned on that front. Maybe Chris has been informed that they're not renewing and we've lost a major financial player? All probable/possible reasons why the team may not be as strong this year as we'd all like.

I personally wouldn't say it looks awful by any means I think that's a bit OTT. It looks quite competitive but if it is the team, I was expecting better. Let's just wait and see if it's confirmed.

Why is Hawkins still being mentioned? He's yesterday's news. His beef with Hilton was simply because he was getting pulled from his fourth ride in meetings early this season, which was fully justified because he was utter utter crap.

None of the Risager knocking has, or will come from me. I'm fine with Risager he is what he is, a solid if unspectacular third heatleader. I think some of the criticism aimed at him is more to do with his lack of entertainment on track rather than his point scoring. Again I think that's a little harsh as although there are undoubtedly riders out there more entertaining, Risager does have his moments. Some of Risager's biggest critics on here would love to have seen Ritchie Worrall return to the side and that's something else I don't understand either. Having watched him for a season I didn't find him the least bit entertaining and I personally don't think he's a better rider points wise than Risager either. Worrall seems to have been on a "bargain" average now for three years but still hasn't managed to increase it since that initial breakthrough season at Newcastle where he went from reserve to Heatleader. All about opinions though obviously and I respect others. What I will say though is that although Risager gets targeted for criticism on here more than most, at the actual stadium he seems to be well received.

That's an understatement and I think Louis will be livid!

King, N Morris and Covatti top 3 wouldn't be too shabby at all. Didn't he rack up a cricket score in his first breakthrough year with Glasgow? I can remember him being like lightening at Foxhall a couple of season's ago. Not quite so last season mind but no doubt a good rider.

Rider of the year: Danny King Most improved rider: Nico Covatti Most entertaining rider: Nico Covatti Bonus point shield: Gino Manzares

I wouldn't mind Klindt to be honest Baldy. Not the most thrilling of riders admittedly, but isn't his average in the 5-6 region? I'd take him on that. My stab would be Ellis. Think he'll be in the side.

I agree Badge and I've said the same earlier in this thread. Need to get the 2015 end of season awards done first. What's with the rush anyway? Some of you are like kids desperate to know what's in your Christmas pressies!

They didn't say. It's just the way the paper worded it. In other words 5 have signed on, and one more is about to put pen to paper. Louis won't confirm any until all 7 have signed. Probably now just waiting until Kennett signs his contract isn't that right Rolando

Five riders are confirmed, almost six, and the full 1-7 will be unveiled in a couple of weeks and as you would expect, Louis is happy with the team. Tungate and Manzares as also expected, not in the team. From the EADT.

Just lifted this clip from the Eastie thread https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEwpEpp3fQs&feature=youtu.be My type of rider! I'd love a bit of that at Foxhall..

Keep dreaming

Adam Ellis? French connection there..

TBH no great loss if Doolan was sold. Not exactly part of the "building up for a return to the EL" is he? Same could be said for Risager so if there's someone out there that want to pay for his contract for a reasonable price I'd sell him too. I'd then invest that money on either bringing in a new asset, or trying to buy the contracts of an Adam Ellis or BWD. At least that way you'd have an asset that had a chance of making it. No guarantees of course but certainly more of a chance than Doolan or Risager. I wonder whether we'll find out tomorrow that Tungate has also been sold? That air fence needs buying somehow..

TBH that "rule" has probably already been forgotten about!

Thanks for that Badge. Interesting snippet at the end there regarding the home straight stand which is set to be pulled down and rebuilt during the winter of 2016. Fair play to the stadium owners (whoever they are these days) who are turning Foxhall in to a magnificent venue. On the team front, sounds almost certain that King and Covatti will be the first two announced.

Very attractive average Bruv, but after the way JL spoke in particular after he left, can't see him returning even if Phil Hilton didn't continue his managerial role.

I wouldn't expect any major team news before 6th November. Seems most of this years team won't be returning next year so it would make it a bit awkward to confirm axed riders before the end of season thingy.

I think that's a fair point Baldy he's probably not as ruthless as he could/should be. Hard to be too critical of someone for being loyal to his riders though really even though as a supporter it can be frustrating at times.

As I've said before, I feel a bit sorry for Chris Louis as he's put together sides every winter that have looked more than capable of silverware. Why his teams keep underachieving is a mystery and it's starting to look a bit odd.

Careful Bruv, he'll be wanting to meet you at the Cock n Pye for a punch up next

I genuinely don't see a difference in the entertainment from our EL days to our current PL days. Both served up poor, okay and good entertainment in equal measure as far as I'm concerned.

I've not seen either rider either Baldy but reading the NL threads Wilson-Dean is an out and out racer, whilst the other lad (not even bothering to attempt it) is apparently more of a trapper. Both seem highly rated though and destined for the PL.