thebaron

Great point about Jake being a good team rider. He is our best at that. Circa the times he saw Nathan Abblitt home at Scunny. Jake is accomplished on the bike and safe so he makes a good race partner. He knows where to put the bike and the EWR inside out. We can benefit from having three Aussies in the team. They're here to race and its like a brotherhood away from Oz. They thrive on that. We dont have riders with double up commitments at the outset. So the focus is on their racing for us. That can pay-off for us. As ever we get behind the Team and it is very "backable" Some top guys in there that will put 100% in everytime. Look we wont win them all but its guaranteed going a be "action packed" watching us try. Up the Scorps 25

Contrary to one or two sceptics on here. I think we have put together a team that has room to add to their averages. With the league losing one or two big hitters theres room for others to step up. We should be strong at home. While we do have riders who know the tracks so we should be capable of being in the meeting away from home. No 1 Steve Worrall only committing to Scunny should allow him to focus on finding form after being out last season. Being local to the EWR will make it an easy commute for home meetings. Jake just had to be back. In this league he can be the No2. His ability is not in question he will always score well at home. He just needs to find that level on our travels. He brings a lot to the party so was always on a return ticket. We had to take a bit of a leap of faith this time. The Championship needs new talent to come in. Some of that is in the shape of the British Youth scene. Luke is a brilliant example of this. He really showed his potential last season. He is very capable of upping his average. But we had to cast the net wider and I am excited to see the return of Zaine Kennedy and brother Declan making his UK debut. This could prove a shrewed move with both starting in the reserve berths. Zaines better than his 4.27 starting average for sure. While Dec on 4.00 might suprise a few once he is dialled in. Both are welcome additions to the league as a whole. Australia has and continues to be a prolific supply line of racing talent. In Lambo and Connor we have two racers who will aim for double figures round Scunny. Connor is still a developing British talent. He demonstrated he can hold his own in the Premiership last season at Belle Vue. He can kick on in 2025 and can be a third heat leader. Lambo equally will want to bounce back in 2025 and put all his know how to the cause. He rode through a tough period in 2024 but his scores held up pretty well. I read hes investing in new bikes for next season. The commitment to the club is there at every turn from Lambo. So I think the management have used our 40pts well. I think the Scorpions 2025 promise to be a mix of the tried and trusted. With the odd roll of the dice that we need to try. Its going to be a good watch seeing where the Winter takes us. Have a good one roll on March

That adds substance to the team we have put forward on this thread. I suppose point for point Lambo on 5 83 (after 2.5% reduction) is good value certainly around Scunny. Going with a top two of Worrall and Jake, will increase the need for Connor and Lambo to step it up certainly looking to the Big Heats. With the above I cannot see us going for a 2-3 point reserve. It gives weight to the idea that we are bringing in two reserves who can add to their averages. The Kennedys, Zaine 4.27 & Declan 4.00 would surely fit that requirement Then with Luke 4.32 up in the 1-5 and very capable of adding 2pts to that we have a declared Team CMA of 39.33. Its looks a competive line up. Lots to look forward to in 2025.

A line up that I have pencilled in. Although I also have one wihout Lambo ? Rob is usually very loyal to his riders. I favour going "top heavy" that way we are competitive in heats 13 & 15. Non the less 7pt + riders are thin on the ground so there is logic to your 1-7. Certainly room for all of them to add to their starting averages. I would like to see Ryans Testimonial at Scunny. But it will depend on his main sponsors and where he races in the UK next season. Say he moved across to Birmingham for 2025 ? I would say he be just as well having the meeting at Scunny ? If at Leicester he has enough of a connection with the Lions crowd to get a good turn out there. In any event Ryan would be deserving of our support for his Big Day.

Absolute no brainer that "Cool Hand Luke" Harrison is back. His progress was really great to watch last season. I only see further progression for Luke, up into the 1-5 in 2025. I agree with the previous post in as much as we need to "roll the dice" in this version of the Scorpions. Gambling on a young Aussie would be reminicent of 2012 when Ryan arrived with us. If we had the chance to bring over Declan Kennedy on a 4.00 thats similar to Workington taking a punt on Tate Zischke. That didnt go too badly did it ? But for his unfortunate injury ending his season. If brother Zaine was also on the scene on 4.27 thats a steal it really is. But that would squeeze the options at the top end. Another reserve option might be Ace Pijper who has grown up at Scunny and would make a pretty capable reserve. I think with a reduction as a British rider (2.5%) he comes in on 2.94 ? I think its a choice between Connor Mountain or Simon Lambert. Similar averages but at different career stages. Much as Lambo is a Scunny legend my head says Connor because hes a developing young British rider. I cannot also see a Scunny team without Jake Allen. Ask yourself this ? If MPT and Kyle Howarth are in the departure lounge. In a time of real shortage of 7pt+ racers. Whos coming in thats anywhere near Jake. Great to watch round the EWR ?. Knows the club inside out, big crowd favourite and can still kick on in 2025. Captain material. We then need a No 1 & 2 far easier said than done. Oxford & Poole showed that by running top heavy they had the better of opponents in the big heats 13 & 15. We need to have that ourselves. I think Steve Worrall could be one of the two. But he was out for a long spell last season. If back fully fit then we all know how well he knows the EWR. He was there quite often on race nights last season amongst the crowd. No2 ? if its a 40pt limit and thats been rumoured and we went with Dec or Zaine at reserve we should be able to bring in a rider at most on 7.38. Maybe we have to broaden the search outside of the Championship for that rider ? Jake 7.33, Connor 5 64, Luke 4.32, Steve W 7.93 ? Either Zaine K 4.27/Dec K 4.00 ? Ace Pijper 2.94 ? 2.5% reductions on Final 2024 CMAs for each British Rider. Leaving a max 7.38 for the No2 spot. Might not be a million miles out with this ?

Seems I have hit the spot !

The silence out of Scunny is deafening me. So I'm starting a thread. Is there anyone out there ?

Hes back with Scunny in 2025 👍

Were we ever in for Hagon ? because I never thought we were. He did go well at the EWR in one meet last season granted. I am fine with Ablitt who definitely made some progress last season. Hagon has the backing from his motorcycle family and could make real strides next season. The pull was Poole as well which I can see.

Each to their own views but I do like the team and looking forward to watching us on track. I was really "invested" in the Scorpions in 2023 as riders, their character and technique. I think that "connection" is important it helps bring the fanbase closer to the Club. We know that Speedway can and will throw in a few changes along the way. But if we have some continuity and prepared to keep faith with it injury permitting. It can go a long way to forging the bond between the fans and the sport. Roll on March 2024 folks.

Pleased with the team we have assembled within a 38pt limit. Bringing back the core of "the Class of 23" makes sense to me. They know the Scunny set up and there will be very little need for adjustment to it. We were never replacing Dougy, but Kyle Howarth knows Scunny, is the Capt of Premier League Sheffield. So we are adding bags of track know how(e) - excuse pun and a "leader" Connor and Nathan are capable of pushing on in a league slightly trimmed down for 2024. In Jake, MPT, and Lambo (Cpt Fantastic) we have three heat leaders. Luke Harrison has the time to go as far as he can in a debut season. So anything is a bonus. I think ws have a team to get behind I trust the riders and the management to serve up the entertanment again next season. Bring it on.

Seems we have a "big reveal" this morning. With Lambo, Jake & Luke already on the teamsheet. I will go Howarth, MPT, Connor and Nathan to complete the 7. Also the Stags reveal so I'll start with Luke...

Delighted to have Jake back integral part of the club. Arguably our best "team rider," as he demonstrated on more than the odd occasion when paired with Nathan Abliit last season. In next seasons Championship he can definitely up his 7.16 average.

I have read Worrall is bound for Glasgow ? But either way I believe we will need two top enders to go up against it in Heat 15. That team imo does lack that bit extra needed in final heats ?. Tofty never quite hit form last season mostly I would suggest down to injury and a lengthy absence. He could up the anti this time around ? I think it would be a mistake to not to go with Jake on 7.16. I would be disappointed if so as he is great to watch around Scunny and arguably our best "team rider". I get the point of a solid looking 1-7 but it will be those with 2-3 top riders who set the pace in this "remodelled" Championship. I'll take a punt and say this weeks reveal will be Jake Allen

Ok what would your line up be ?

If that is the team say we switch TJ for MPT. I do think it lacks some top end scoring potentially ?. I mentioned on the thread that Birmingham Aussie Justin Sedgeman could be a crafty signing. He regularly topped the scoring for Brummies and was a frequent guest called up by short handed clubs including us !. He goes well around Scunny and with Howarth and Jake would be a capable top three in this Championship. It means we would need to lose Connor Mountain who has been picked up by Belle Vue in the Prem. But we have the option to bring back Zaine Kennedy who looks a steal on 4.27 if he can pick up from his 2022 form before injury. I feel a lot more optimistic for this line up than I do yours ? But its a matter of opinion of course K Howarth Z Kennedy J Sedgeman S Lambert J Allen N Ablitt L Harrison

Kyle Howarth on 7.76 (after a 2 5% discount) would be a decent signing imo. More recently he hasnt revelled at the EWR as he did. But riding it regularly he can be a big scorer for us. He is the Sheffield Captain as well and a team cannot have too many leaders. See on the Plymouth thread they are saying hes signed for us. With Lambo back and Howarth thats a fair start to the 2024 building. I cannot see any sense in Jake not being back with us on 7.16 ?. He can push on in 2024, again he a hitter around Scunny and great to watch. Nathan Abliitt 3.00 must be in our thinking ? He certainly impressed at times around Scunny and can up his average in 2024. We have to include a Rising Star Brit at reserve so Luke Harrison looks to have Robs backing for that place. Quick round up then . Howarth 7.76, Jake 7.16, Lambo 5.87, Nathan 2.93, Luke H 2.00 I've discounted the British riders (except LH) by 2.5% to arrive at those figures = Total 25.72. Leaving 12.28 for the remaning two riders. Connor Mountain comes in on an adjusted 5.28. So that would leave 7.00 for the final place - Tommy Jorgensen would fit on his 6.39 Championship average but there will be a question mark with him coming back from serious injury last season. ? Tofty on 7.01 is just over if we include Connor? Unless we can shed 0.01 of a point somewhere ? Or do we look to Zaine Kennedy on a bargain 4.27 from 2022 leaving us 8 01 for the final rider. Got to say thats the option I would favour. I think someone on the thread has ruled out a possible Scunny return for Steve Worrall who would be a perfect No1 for us ?. With the numbers as they are its unlikely to involve any move for Josh Pickering (even if he was available?). "Just" looking down the averages there is another Aussie that we might have an eye on ? Usually goes well around Scunny and with Birmingham going Premier might be a contender ? .. Justin Sedgeman 7.69 ? So how about K Howarth 7.76, J Sedgeman 7.69, J Allen 7.16, S Lambert 5.87, Z Kennedy 4.27, N Ablitt 2.93, L Harrison 2.00 Total 37.68

It might have seemed a long shot a year ago but Josh Pickering would be on my hit list !. I believe he did say he was stepping away from Edinburgh and the Championship. Like Ryan he wanted to push on in the Euro Leagues But subsequently I read he could well be back in the Championship. He would be my "pick" to replace Ryan. Absolute "box office" racer around the EWR.

To be fair thats where I am with it. That way we have made as good a stab at covering the loss of Ryan wth two No1s. With Jake there its a powerful top three, but Lambo in 2023 form makes it a top four !. It is going to be the "top heavy" teams that gain in the Chanpionship this year. Zaine is a steal returning on a 4.27 average btw. While Nathan can push on from 2023's great efforts at reserve. Luke Harrisons the 2p RS but no pressure on him he can develop in a team like this. I commend this 1-7 to the Management.

Fair point and one I do accept, However we have surely agree that skimming off the top riders in the League and replacing them with NDL riders at the bottom has to be a lowering of standards. Protecting Heats within the meeting where those riders race amongst themselves mighf be the way. But then the consequence of that will be 3-4 Heats of NDL standard and fewer pukka Championship races. Hence its a devaluation. Just my view.

This 38pt limit concerns me. It must devalue the product for spectators with respect. Very likely two NDL riders at reserve for each team and some protected Heats ? So say 3-4 Heats at NDL level out of 15. £20 last season on the gate will buy you less entertainment this time around ? We know how 2023 served up a feast of great Speedway at the EWR. Plus we had a superb team that was bang easy for the supporters to invest in. Losing our No1 Ryan and the best rider in League is a massive hole to fill. We cannot expect the Club to fully replace him they cant. So its going to be a conjouring act from Rob and the Management for 2024.? I am certain Simon Lambert is back. I would sure like to think Jake Allen is with us and Nathan Ablitt did more than enough for a EWR return. Kyle Howarth or Steve Worrall would be up there as contenders to try plug the massive hole Ryan leaves ? But both are committed to Poland in 2024 so Friday night at Scunny may no longer fit for either of them ? Drew Kemp seemed to find a home at Scuuny after a tough start, he could certainly develop further with us as could Conor Mountain who at times was a vital cog in the 2023 line up. MPT had injury problems last season but fully fit should be a top rider at this level. Whilst we also have Tommy Jorgensen on our books but returning from a serious injury. Zaine Kennedy lost the whole of last season to a none speedway injury. Back fit and on a 4.27 average he could be an absolute steal. Whilst Robs clear admiration for Luke Harrison could very well land him the 2.00pt British development rider ticket ? It will be a conumdrum playing the points limit lottery. Which to me is "anti speedway" and always will be. Surely it should about teams putting out the best 1-7 they can and not about arguing over 0.01 of a point ?. Theres a lot to live up to at Scunny following the exploits of the class of 2023 and the sheer quality of action served week in week out. My backing is unequivocal of course But by design I fear there may be "an edge" knocked off the overall quality in the Championship next season ?. I would be quite happy to be proved wrong of course. So lets see what Rob & the Management can come up with ?

Apologies cearly over excited Moderator please feel free to merge or remove the thread

Important Announcement tomorrow Thursday 16 November 09:00am. I wonder ?

I'll leave this here ....Bradford

Clegg & Ablitt coming up with 1pt between them what a poor start from the pair of them. Absolutely certain Joe would have managed to get at least 2pts so doubling their woeful debut efforts. Robs dropped a clanger with these changes. Give it 28 days and we will be making more changes because the team average will tumble. Of course that means that June will likely be a write off away from home for us. If Dillion Rumls kit is in the UK I would see if he fancies it ? Or what about Geno Manzares hes already in Sweden is he not ? For me I would much rather watch Joe Thompson develop at Scunny than have Clegg or Ablitt who I have no allengence to at all. Might as well fill in with guests very disappointing.