dontforgetthefueltapsbruv

Witches by 20! lol

The carrot crunchers from Compost Corner may be enjoying their time in the the sun at the moment but after so many years in the shadow of the mighty Witches they are still as pale as a snowmans ghost!

So Athletics are wasting their money with the technology then when a sharp eyed middle aged man will do just fine! And what happens when you have a ref with eyesight about as sharp as custard?

The problem is that Speedway has no mechanism to distinguish between the rolling cheat and that perfect start. In Athletics for example the blocks are wired to the timimg and a start better than what is considered humanly possible is a false start even if after the gun.

I find it very hard to believe Sayfutdinov cannot afford to compete. He is pretty much nailed on to make at least a semi in at least half of the rounds even if he does poorly. That would be £50k+ in prize money in addition to the annual upfront fee. Id be confident to say he must pick up some decent sponsorship even if it is less than for the euro comp. If if cant at least break even on those figures Id be surprised. Finances are a smokescreen IMO.

A tough question as I believe you should always aim to be at the highest level possible but at this time yes I feel the PL is best league for the Witches. The last 3 years have been far more entertaining than the preceeding 3 in the Elite IMO. Over the years I think we have been lucky to see some great entertaining riders in our ranks in both leagues. I grew up with Sanders Sigalos Cook etc but still loved Moggo Norris etc just as much. Then how could anyone complain to see Ricko Loram Gollob and Scotty? Barker was superb to watch last year and to see new talent like Cam and Adam has been a pleasure.

Agree that the lack of real local rivals has certainly been a negative for the Witches in the PL. IMO aside from that there are no others that jump out. Peterborough joining will be a boost to that end. As mentioned though we are starting to build some healthy rivalries with those further afield like Worky and the Moanarchs. These will only intensify over time. Weve had superb battles with the likes of Somerset and Newcastle inparticular too. Ive been more than happy with the choice.

so long as bruv doesnt forget the fueltaps!!

Good post Paulco with your point about evenly matched teams being spot on Id say.There are some posts on the Ipswich thread that are vocal about missing the EL but IMO in the main they are hankering for something that no longer exists.

Certainly confident that we will be competitive - would be very disappointed not to make the play offs. Lots of good solid sides this year so any team will have earned it if they make it. Would be great to see all/any of those really kick on - just a shame the 2 Brits are not assets as well

Seems to be concensus that Worky Pboro and Scunny will be favourites and Plymouth will be adrift. (Paulco aside!!)

You could try getting a journo pass via your updates position.

Put a lanyard round your neck, carry a clipboard and a tape measure. Stride in with confidence pretending to be a council official - I reckon youd get away with that!

What does everyone think as to the riding order? Worrall Manzares Heeps Risager Tungate Ellis Hawkins That would be my pick.

would make a great human interest story - old man chooses condemned section of stadium as new home declaring "anything is better than Sunderland" Sorry WK couldnt resist!!

No thanks -he is an Aussie and has ridden for Aussie so should remain an Aussie. The strength or otherwise of the current crop of Brits should not influence this. Also I dont think he should ride in British Final or qualifiers for the same reason as stated above.

But they are still most likely to want to rebuild the house to sell on and recoup monies even if they wont be living there. Perhaps those locals affected will use all legal means (planning etc) to make it as difficult, expensive and time consuming a project for the couple as is possible.

There is one further sad twist of the knife should this couple ultimately get their way. When they rebuild the house it will likely take at least 6 months of constant noise and nuisance. Lorries,mechanical mixers,sawing ,hammering etc etc Thats about 1000 hours at 8 hours a day 5 days a week of noise and nuisance to rebuild their house. Or in context about 20 SEASONS of speedway!!

Ipswich turned down the offer.

So Joe Jacobs has been sold to Coventry. Only time will tell if this is shorted sighted or a wise move. Good luck to Joe for 2014 and ahead.

Im with you on Hampel ER - although I said the same last year. !

Do they know the race format then?! lol

Would you really expect the Stocks would want to run twice a week? This is effectively what it would be (given the months run) if Speedway was pushed out. I cant see that myself. I also cant see that the Stocks would run midweek. Part of the reason Stocks get good crowds IMO is that its weekends and not every week. Id say the rent and refreshment takings from the Speedway is good business for them. Coventry Stadium sold today it seems and the greyhounds already moving out as no new lease expected. Unclear as to the impact on Speedway and Stocks (if any) at this time.

Good luck to Cam for his op today. We need him fit and firing if we are going to be challenging this season.