thebaron

Just revisting my thoughts here ..got to say if Rob got the chance to sign Kyle Howarth would he ? I think he would ! A real EWR exponent ; giving us a great top four with Jake, Josh and Tommy. With Danny back and Jordan already declared thats 36.00 so 5.00 for the last place. Simon Lambert on 5.16 would push us over the 41.00 limit. Tough on SL who pressed his case at the end of last season with big numbers. However we do have a rider who fits !...Stefan Nielsen who just needs a bit more luck to stay clear of injury. He could defo nurse Jordan at reserve while being every bit as much capable as Lambert at putting in big scores from reserve. Jake Allen, Josh Auty, Kyle Howarth, Tommy Jorgensen, Danny Ayres, Stefan Nielsen & Jordan Palin. Thats a team of contenders !

With a confirmed 41 point limit leaving 6.99 to play with I now cannot see beyond Aarnio ? Thing is he is a Scunny asset and a scorer home and away. I think Robs looking at "track specialists" to hopefully defend the EWR. Then looking for them to gel at least some of the time on their travels. Certainly Tommy and Tero have it in their locker to get big numbers. Bit will depend on fitness ? Tommy and Danny coming back from injury. We need to get condistancy from Jake and better from Josh away from home for sure. Jordan Palin needs some support in his debut season and Simon Lambert gives that. I can see that Stefan Nielsen also offers that. But Lamberts heavy scoring from reserve v Nielsens battle against injury and inconsistancy from that edges it for Lambert. All in all with a 41 point limit a team with Scunthorpe in its DNA on 40.85 should please "the homers" and gurantee more great action at the EWR in 2020. We might not win the league but we can certainly give it our best shot !

Personally would love to see Ryan back hes made great strides in 2019. But I can't see Rob not giving Jordan a more experienced partner at reserve and that would be Simon Lambert for me.? I think we should keep the rest of our powder dry until after the AGM as things may change team build wise ? That said sure the management have their favoured line up already ?

Workington man apparently he can solve Brexit ? But can''t bring Speedway back to town ?come on Comets if you can solve Brexit you can get Speedway back in Worky no bloody problem !

Sorry but I beg to differ on the proposed team ? Last time Tero was in our line up he had a real beef with the track !. He is generally a dark horse in most meetings though ? But not sure Tommy is a forward move ? and I have stated the concern about Auty away from home ? If Danny gets back to where he was ? and Jake comes through to be the No1 he can be thats a bit more encouraging ? Lambert will be a scorer at reserve but will be tough for Jordan Palin. I dont see the that team finding the sort of consistancy -especially away from Scunny to be a play off let alone Championship contenders ? Hope I am wrong obviously.

Where are the "suprises" there ? Tommy and Tero are Scunny riders as far as I am aware. So just more of the same really ?. My team is better with Howarth and we still would have a sizeable margin to bring in a quality rider as well ?. One thing we must realise is that for all Josh Auty is Mr Scunthorpe round the EWR hes not that away from home anywhere near as often as he should be ?. So we need two scorers home and away. To me Howarth and Barker would be good calls. So long as Barker doesnt "pick up" when the Gladiators call him ?

With Sheffield elevated to the Premiership would that allow us to bring in Kyle Howarth ?. A team on the lines of Allen-.7.26, Auty-7.61, Howarth-7.15, Ayres-5.51, Lambert-5.16, Palin-2.00 = 34.69 leaving (assume 42.5 limit) = 7.81 to fill ?. That leaves quite a decent margin to fit in a quality 7th man -Ben Barker ? Although he may be in Plymouth sights for a return now they have stepped up ?. But I do think Howarth who is a Scunthorpe track "specialist" doubling up with us and Sheffield is now a distinct possibility.

But even though the parent club has first choice the rider could say no ?. So in Ryans case if he reverts to us as "an asset" is there now a transfer fee to pass if he wants to join say Leicester ?. You never here of transfer fees these days ?. At Bradford we paid a then world record fee - £35000 for Joe Screen and also large fees for over top riders Tatum; Thorp; Havelock; Smith etc...So fees were once very common. Nowadays which rider belongs to which club goodness knows ? At Scunny we had one rider in the team that is actually a contracted rider - Josh Auty. Who owns Danny Ayres ? Ben Barker ? Ryan Kinsley ? Jake Allen; Simon Lambert ?. We paid out to somebody to use those riders and we probably got fees for our contracted riders. I reckon its time for Speedways equivalent of the "merry go round" to stop let everyone get off and put on the record who owns who ? For me next season I would prefer to watch a Scunthorpe team made up in the main of our assets. The nature of the sport means that loaned riders will be. But to expect fans to buy into a team that sees riders come and go on a whim with no loyalty or need of it ? either way really undermines the commitment of the riders and fans for me. Contrast today with Halifax in the 80s. We regularly pleaded with Eric Boothroyd to make changes to the team that would strengthen it. Even Kenny Carter asked for a transfer at one stage to focus minds. But Eric stuck by his riders and now looking back I like that compared with todays hire and fire culture.

Absolutely no chance of Ryan back at Scunny I am sorry to say. Simply because he has made great strides at Leicester and Wolives this season. He needed to get away and develop as a rider and has benefited enormously from riding with a true speedway professional in Scott Nicholls. So it would be suprising if he was back at the EWR.

Sane ? - He's not getting a start at Man City these days !

Scorpions 2020 ? here's my take on it Auty will unquestionably be the first name on sheet but not for me !. I just cannot see Josh making any further progress with his racing at Scunthorpe. Just look at Ryan Douglas as a classic example; he has developed into a bone fide Premier League rider scoring an 18point maximum recently !. I would contend he would not have achieved all he has this season; grown as a rider without leaving Scunny . As harsh as that sounds ?; and for me Auty needs to do the same to get away from being a one track rider. It is controversial; probably will not go down well but it has to be in his best interests. Regretfully I reckon Jake could be looking elsewhere in 2020. My own opinion is that the two leagues should merge at least in the short term and if so then I would think he will favour a full time switch to Ipswich ? Garrity again; not for me can be thrilling to watch but equally frustrating caught up sometimes in racing situations with lesser riders at the back when he should be dominating heats. Too inconsistent. Steffan Nielsen; probably again needs a change of surroundings; really out of luck injury wise and although as has been said his current average might be attractive it may be best for us all to move on ? Ryan Kinsley has done a great job sticking to his task and coming up with a competent first full year of Championship racing. Really competitive and improving all the time. But I cannot see us bringing in Jordan Palin and keeping Ryan. We will surely need an experienced rider at reserve with JP to support him in the first stages at least ? First name for me would be Danny Ayres without any question the Rider of the Year in the Championship. We appear committed to Palin so that's two. I would definitely have a focused Ben Barker back who has the experience and ability to score well home and away. Something we have always missed. So too Simon Lambert who proved a superb bit of late season business and could be the one to back up Jordan Palin in the reserve berth. I would 1000% ! have Ryan Douglas back but alas he has gone beyond us in the two league structure. In a combined league is may be a possibility ?; but in the present structure I would see it as a potential step backwards to return after such a brilliant season with Leicester. So I think we have to accept it and wish Ryan well as he climbs the ladder. So as it stands for me; we need three riders in the current league set up. But some serious discussions need to take place before rubber stamping a another season like this one ?. Way too many gaps in the fixture list; way too many riders moving around the tracks; no team identity; little variation in the fixture card. Need I go on. i am not going to go into reams about how British Speedway needs fixing - it does ! I have two words for British Speedways power brokers at the next Annual "knees down" - BE BRAVE !.

They think its all over !??...Well errrrr NO ITS NOT !? ....Speedways off then its back on !. Mr Godfrey Sir what are you playing at ?...there am I my programme board and speedway carefully packed away for Christmas and then this ??? Seriously; this is a fantastic bonus and a great line up ! well worth blowing of the gathering Speedway-less winter doldrums for ! Get yourselves along and LAP IT UP !

Are we going to bother replacing Danny Ayres or are we just going with R/R to see the season out ?. Drew Kemp's just got the old "tick tack" at Tiggers might do a decent job at Scunny rest of season ?. Going to be tough v Ryan & the Lions !

THIS ! represents a perfect opportunity for Speedway Ltd to make a statement. As we know the recent efforts of the "Yorkshire Dukes" enthusiasts to re-introduce Speedway to the area and Odsal specifically floundered. Not for reasons that agreement could not be reached with the Owner -Bradford Council or the Leaseholders - the RFL or the tenants - Bradford Bulls - or the means of the Yorkshire Dukes group. It floundered simply because a viable way of maintaining the Rugby pitch to statutory size whilst running the Speedway track around the perimeter could not be arrived at. In part on a cost effective solution to managing the corners. That was the issue that stalled the Yorkshire Dukes project. So now with the Rugby team departing and Odsal vacant this is a unique opportunity for Speedway to show some faith in itself and collectively understand the importance of returning the sport to one of its most iconic and traditional venues. Time after time after time after time Speedway has surrendered it territory to planners, developers, and environmental lobbiests. So much of Speedway's "infracstructure" has been taken from it relegating it in the public consciousness as nothing more than a "spareland past time" The National Stadium at Belle Vue is a fantastic dedicated venue for Speedway. But if we could show some faith and reclaim Odsal Bradford and Coventry over the coming months - that will represent a significant "fight back" against constant "negativity" surrounding the sport and its future direction. Is it beyond the wit of Speedway GP and British Speedway to sieze upon this great opportunity and to work together to recover both Odsal and Brandon as "National Speedway" venues within "City limits" in the North and Midlands to stage "calendered events". The SGP, The World Cup, shared BSPA events ?. Then work with local groups such as the Yorkshire Dukes and Coventry Bees to establish regular domestic Speedway and Speedway/Motorcycle training centres. How effectively can the SGP show install itself into stadia around the World ? Very effectively. Odsal Stadium is not in the best of shape, but its a long way from being unihabitable v the sparten facilites offered at most tracks around Britain. The World Class Odsal Speedway circuit is still there! albert the shale and perimeter fence has long since disappeared. There is substantial covered seating, and the large hospitality suite overlooks the track and infield. Yes there is some work needed on the Rooley Lane end terrace but that is cosmetic and could be reasonably made good. But it is all there IF IF ! Speedway shows a bit of vision and belief in itself. To me what a brilliant opportunity this is and I would urge Speedway and Motorsport people generally - including Stock Cars, Flat track, MX to grasp this contact Bradford Local Authority and work together to secure the future of the likes Odsal Bradford, Brandon Coventry and Cowley Oxford for the future Speedway generation. If in future I hear those in power bemoaning Speedways in a poor state and not one single one of them explored the opportunity Odsal Bradford presents. Then sorry; which one of us is going to listen or even be bothered about it ?.

Trying to think of a stop gap for Danny ? I keep thinking is it "Crazy Frog" time ? Rob's often flirted with the idea of Berge at Scunny ?

Thats a massive blow firstly to Danny, arguably the most improvex British rider in 2019. Irreplaceable at both Scunny and Mildenhall.

Well if we had not made this switch I don't know what more Ben Barker could have done to make us make this switch ?. His form so far indicates he is the long long overdue No1 scorer here there and everywhere we have needed for many a long season !. Seems the chance for Jason Garrity to pick up the ride at Brummies has also fallen at the right time and everyone moves on with best wishes and thanks for their efforts. Having already secured the standout rider of the season in Danny Ayres; in Ben Barker we have an exciting signing that can make the difference especially away from the EWR. Josh; Jake; Ben; Danny that's a four that can mix it with the best of them. Throw in Stephan; Simon and Ryan and if we can stay fit we should be good for a play-off spot ! Well done the management for securing Ben Barker as a Scorpion.

I agree with another poster that the way things have worked out; throws the onus on Scunny to win this meeting ? Ben Barker should have no problem hitting double figures; he's already showing that he can be the big hitter away from home that we have lacked for a long time, Danny should be a big plus round Redcar. However record shows we don't travel well. It needs Jake more like himself and for Josh to do himself justice away from the EWR, and then we can be in business, If Lambert and Kinsley get amongst it and they should ? then I can't see the depleted Bears shoring this up ? Have to say if we do get done by a 4 man team then it will have been a proper "calamity caper"

In over a month of zero action at the EWR it beggars belief that we have not sorted out the replacement for Josh Bailey ? I get it that its all about finding someone to fit into the overall averages. But does it not show up completely the ridiculous nature of team averages in a sport that has precious few available competitors who can do a job and yet some of them are left on the sidelines for 0.20 of a point of something daft ?. I know whoever it was we signed would not have ridden for us as it turns out but with a blank fixture schedule in the interim to be calling up guests is bonkers ?. Also with Garrity ? surely there comes a point where we make a decision in the short to medium term interests of the club ?. This all said if its Steve Worrall and Ryan in on Friday that's something good out of the mess at least.

Yeah I did.. but I'm out of practice with Speedway its been a long time .....

I fear this is not going to go well ? Auty out Jake out Garrity out Bailey bailed out. A month without any racing at Home then have to cobble a team together for Newcastle away ? Is it just me or has your interest wained for this season ?.

No ones fault obviously but kinda knew this would happen. With nothing next Friday either and next meeting scheduled 21 June ! That will be nigh on 5 weeks without a wheel turned in anger at Scunny. And this supposed to be the height of the speedway season. Its hardly got going at all ? and thats not purely down to rain offs ?. If I look back to my Halifax days promoter Eric Boothroyd would very probably have staged 10-+12 home fixtures by this time of the year. Scunny have managed six this far. It feels like the season has never really got underway. This and the difficulties being experienced with the team; injuries; retirements and no shows.

I know it's turned out a poor weekend so it's kinda worked out ?. But with Rob talking about bringing Jedd List back end of June and there being "few meetings" inbetween. Plus the start stop of the past month ?. How's this supposed to keep up momentum and interest in the Speedway season ? Remembering back to my time at Halifax and The Shay fixture card was jam packed with meetings ! We used to stage 30+ meetings per season with crowds regular up around 3-4 thousand on a Saturday. People fill the gap when there's no Speedway and it becomes habit to kick the habit ?

Don't think so ? We've already signed Jordan Palin for 2020 cannot see Rob doing that and not seeing him out on track at Scunny..he's going to be a rider is JP !

And I agree totally ! As I said "I get why we signed Danny Ayres" and hes been a great signing. If Robs plan works out then fine by me. My point was that Jedd was hung out to dry really. No chance of finding his feet. If we can get hIm in at Reserve with Ryan K them no pressure as Ryan has shown he can rise to this level. I bet we will see Jedd develop once he gets a fair chance. Hes got to be given the time to learn the tracks. But for sure I am 100% in agreement on Danny.