crescent girl

Ever since he raced there so well for the Bandits, Mitch would certainly be keen to return to the OTA. I can confirm Lu's statement. He was been offered to your management more than once.

You have expert neurological qualifications?

Eddie didn't suggest there was any time limit on the deal when he spoke on the mike. With Ricky Ashworth's situation clouded by neurological doubts, there will be no question of any short-termism to the loan. If and when Ricky is declared 100% fit again, a choice will be made by all concerned.

Nice of the BSPA site to acknowledge Eddie's new club, eh? In recent seasons Bandits have had Paul Clews and Ricky Ashworth in the British Final, but we'd have to go back 22 years to have had a Berwick rider in the British Final with every chance of winning it!

Matty Wethers and the reserves will cover for Bellego, and should make a fair fist of things. Not least with Kennett in three of them!

Bandits have made some great mid-season signings in recent years. Seb Alden and Magic Rempala come to mind, and I feel pretty confident Eddie Kennet will make it three in a row.

Meaning?

To add to the event, it was announced during Saturday's match with Workington that Grand National-winning jockey Ryan Mania will be an added celebrity attraction at the Sky event. He won the race on board 66-1 shot Auroras Encore. Because he comes from Galashiels, a lot of people in the borders had backed him -- he'll certainly get a big welcome!

Aw c'mon, don't start critcising what was only a positive comment on what we all know can be a very tough audience to convince.

A breaking story on Bandits' website...... Berwick’s speedway Bandits, sponsored by New Holland Agriculture, have been forced to effect major surgery on their squad. Star rider Ricky Ashworth has been sidelined by the affer-effects of a severe concussion suffered in a track crash at Glasgow a month ago, and has apparently no immediate prospect of returning to the saddle while under neurological scrutiny. “As a result, we have replaced Ricky in our line-up by signing 26-year-old Eddie Kennett, who is quite simply, one of Britain’s top riders” said team manager Ian Rae. “Eddie has raced in two British Grand Prix events at Cardiff (2005 and 2008) has been a member of Britain’s World Team Cup squad and is among the favourites for Monday night’s British Championship Final at Wolverhampton, live on SkySports TV” “He comes to us with an amazing Premier League average of 10.42 – the highest in the whole League and the only rider over the ten-point mark. He’s that good! Obviously, Eddie will spearhead our renewed challenge for the League title”. “We feel we owe it to the Berwick public to offer them the best team we can get on the track” said club director John Anderson. “Having to lose Ricky Ashworth in a horrible crash, and his continued absence from the team costing us so dearly to date – by seeing we are bringing Eddie Kennett up here as a Bandit, we hope our speedway-going public will respond, and turn out to watch him go!” Unfortunately, to accommodate Kennett, the Bandits will require to shed another rider from the squad to bring the team’s total CMA (Calculated Match Averages) below the ceiling of 42.50 points imposed by the sport’s rulers. “This has meant we are required to take one of our assets out of the squad for now, and the unlucky rider who has the average that fits – no other reason -- has to be Alex Edberg” explained Ian Rae. “It goes without saying that both Ricky Ashworth, when fit to return to racing, and Alex will be welcome back here at any time, and could hopefully return to race for us again in future. Ricky has made it clear he fully understands the uncertainty of his return to fitness made the changes inevitable, and still feels very much a Bandit at heart!” To complete the line-up, the Bandits are pleased to welcome 22-year-old Paul Starke to the club. Paul, from Bishops Frome, Worcestershire raced with distinction at Newcastle in the latter months of 2012, but has been unable to regain a place in the Premier League until now. He has meanwhile been racing at National League level for Dudley. Saturday’s teams (Berwick line-up subject to BSPA approval): Berwick ‘New Holland Bandits’: 1. Eddie Kennett, 2. David Bellego (rider-replacement), 3. Robin Aspregen, 4. Matty Wethers, 5. Kozza Smith (captain), 6. Paul Starke, 7. Nicki Barrett Leicester Lions: 1. Kauko Niemenen 2. Lasse Bjerre (rider-replacement), 3. Kevin Doolan, 4. Jan Gravessen, 5. Magnus Karlsson, 6. Simon Nielsen, 7. James Sarjeant

Yep, that's it. Love the way a week ago it was "I don't care that we've won a nail-biter, the racing was crap and the track is lousy" --- now it is "I don't care that the track was better and there was close racing throughout, we lost so the team we asked for during the winter is crap and must be replaced NOW"

I rather think it might be important to the PL for the Swedes to be there. The EL has got into a situation where they have about two dozen riders who rotate between all the teams. Better if Lindgren, Aspegren and Edberg were on parade at Berwick, helping (a small but important point) make the occasion look as smart as possible, with everybody wearing team suits, proving to viewers that PL racing is the real deal.

Steve Hayward was ill, and Dick stepped back in.

True, and the same new-month changes mean Berwick can't use Seb Alden in place of Ricky Ashworth, either.

Somebody's doing a good job if you don't come anymore, having announced proudly that you now attend Ashfield as your track!

Yes, but.... Last night the track at Coventry looked pretty good, the Wolves riders were passing the home guys at will yet we saw a really boring, one-sided match. The end product might be out of the hands of the promotion, broadcasters and riders. Sometimes it just happens. Fair enough, maybe ask for posters at Track Shop on Saturday (or download some ?) and everybody stick a few up where we'd like to see them?

Bandits were OK at Edinburgh on a reportedly very greasy track tonight. Prevented any home maximums, and reserves picked up points. As has been said, Monarchs will be very tough at Armadale this year, more than a few teams won't reach 37, even at full strength. I feel confident of a win against Sheffield, and if so, then we'll all have to find something else to moan about.

What made you think that?

Getting your excuses in early?

Well deserved, another honour for the Berwick promotion. I'd be amazed if they don't now come up with some off-the-wall ideas to pack the place that night.

Well deserved, another honour for the Berwick promotion. I'd be amazed if they don't now come up with some off-the-wall ideas to pack the place that night.

Two years' loan fees from Lynn would go a long way towards paying off the transfer value (which wasn't as much as some reported at the time). With the option of a return to Shielfield later on. You were right -- good business, even although you were trying to be sarcastic.

Right on first part, not so sure about second -- will have to see how Mitch Davey scores. I agree that, as an injury replacement, he will do a job. How good a job? He wouldn't be the first surprise stop-gap who just didn't stop! But some of the criticism on here is invalid. I'll echo those who are wishing him good luck.

Let's be positive! I think Seb Alden is a superb rider, at the end of last season the equal of anyone in the PL. I absolutely welcome his temporary return, there could be no-one better to help Bandits progress to next round of the Cup, and I'm glad he was willing to help his parent club. Go Seb! Go Bandits!

Actually Paul Clews was the other rider. Deek was involved in a very similar incident at the same place on the track, resulting in a season-ending injury to"The Raj" later that year.