EnglishRoundabout

Hagon is a bit of a fashion icon in Swindon’s Old Town I’ll have you know......

Yes, I’d forgotten about David Rudd. Those two together were often brilliant. James Wright regularly practiced after meetings at Somerset Sid. Looked really fast and up for it ( obviously it’s easy to look good on your own). He also regularly “spannered” for his brother Charles Personally I think James has seen his best days.

Yes, I can’t quite remember Barry Briggs, but I think I may have seen him once or twice at Blunsdon. One other “bread and butter “ rider who was really popular amongst supporters was Geoff Bouchard. He was one of the worst gaters I’ve ever seen, but provided great entertainment as he chased down, and eventually inevitably passed his opponents ( especially at Blunsdon). Bouchard was incredibly brave, often making passes inches from the fence Adam’s team riding was something else. He used to ride so close to his team mate....always covering the inside line. I recall sublime team riding with the late Lee Richardson and he used to nurse Travis McGowan around Blunsdon on a regular basis. Additionally, Adams and Zagar was a sight to behold You could almost sense the two of them were enjoying every minute of their team riding (usually in heat 15) of that great half season they had together as Robins Leigh always looked for his team mate. The familiar quick glance across as he entered the first turn, watching to see if his team mate was making the move around the outside, then another look as he exited bend two. Brilliant stuff.

Saw all of those you mentioned Sid. My all time favourite differs from yours I think. For his consistent high performance and averaging over 10 for a number of seasons, plus his contributions to his team, both on and off the track, it has to be the little master, Leigh Adams.

I remember those days Sid. I wasn’t aware that the gate separating the starting gate side from the back straight opened mid meeting. I recall being told it was expensive to stand near the starting gate. I used to look across from the back straight, longing for the day when I could afford to stand there!!

Rumour has it Hagon, that some never reappear having gone in there though. Now that is scary!!

For the record, they are infamously disgusting, and have pretty much remained the same standard as when I first started attending at Blunsdon some 40 odd years ago. Nuff said.

Yes, I agree with you and you are right, forums are indeed a place for discussion and debate. I just feel that your posts are often tinged with negativity about Swindon, team building and Rosco. In the current era, we have a winning team that have won 3 titles and a cup. Surely it’s time to rejoice and be positive! I have been going to Blunsdon since the early 70’s supporting the team home and away for quite a few seasons. Apart from a few close finishes, we’ve never looked like winning the title, especially in the 70’s. We are still at Blunsdon and surviving as a club. Looks like another competitive team has been built again with the best rider in the league as our number one. Happy days!

Scotty fan ( Poole fan) is a bit like DC2 is towards Poole Sidders. You actually wonder if they are fans of their clubs, or just enjoy it when we/they fail. Extraordinary attitude.

We had a great side assembled for the 2007 season also, but won nothing that year. (Sorry, I was soundings a little like DC2 there!) Seriously though, well done Rosco on putting together what looks like a very competitive side. Tough choice to let Musielak go, who when I watched him the few times that I did last year, looks a real class act. Can anyone tell me where the idea of tangerine/orange influence came from? I thought it looked really good personally.

I take it you live in the midlands and not Yorkshire?

Yes, December not looking too good for my team. Merseyside Derby on Wednesday too.

Sorry Coombers, but couldn’t resist.....White, Gibbs, Manilow....Briggs?

Living it up today then Coombers?

“Handed the title?” “Would have got smashed if they’d have ridden?” Have you actually read what you have posted? CONJECTURE. An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information. FACT. A thing that is known or proved to be true Does that help a little? You will no doubt be disappointed to see another potential title winning team being assembled by Rossiter. Aside from the excellent signings of Musielak and last season, Jensen, don’t forget Rossiter’s inspirational mid season signings go back to 2006 when he signed The virtually unknown Chrzanowski who turned in some incredible double figure scores whilst the team were struggling, almost getting the team to the play off final. I am sure Rossiter has some plans for mid season should things not quite go to plan, and has probably already identified someone who could do similar to all the aforementioned.

Personally I have never ever seen a better team rider than Leigh Adams. Absolute master at what is a difficult skill. As pointed out, Adams averaged an amazing 10 points per meeting consistently, and over several seasons. It’s very difficult to compare riders from different eras though. Doyle I would say is more mean and aggressive than Adams ( although again, Leigh was more aggressive than for example Martin Ashby. I remember watching the Ray Wilson/ Ashby run off in the British final at Coventry which decided the final place in the World Final at Wembley. There’s no doubt in my mind that Ashby would’ve won that classic race but he was too nice to Wilson, and allowed him through on the last bend. That said, how lucky have we been at Swindon over the years to see such great and genuine class number ones.

I have to say I am pleased to see Batchelor and Doyle back. Mighty impressed with Batch last season. He’s always looked good, even in his early days, but watching him last season he looks a tremendous rider now. He can be relied upon to deliver when it matters, and he did so last season. Another potent spearhead for the Robins Surely Adam Ellis, Perks and Jensen will join them now

Don’t be ridiculous.

He played cricket for the West Indies.....

Not sure there’s going to be too much sympathy for Poole. Many on here remember only too well the skullduggery employed by the Pirates over the last decade. The average dropping identified by the great Leigh Adams by Poole riders at Swindon during one particular league match, the win at all costs and the “innovative” use of the rulebook, means many speedway fans can’t help but have a wry grin on their faces as the 2020 season approaches.

He’s won over me Coombers....I’ve not been a fan of his for a few years now. But, .in his defence, he’s certainly a better team rider than Doyle is. Trouble is, I reckon Batch is a better rider when he has a genuine number one in the team who can take the pressure week in, week out, and who rarely has a poor meeting (like Batch does from time to time) Unfortunately, we all know the champions will be broken up and although hope and sentiment keeps our interest, I can’t see any chance of the team remaining together.

Thank you Hagon.

A bit late to the party but wanted to add some observations to my first visit to Blunsdon for a while due to moving from the area and work commitments. I make no apology for the self indulgent post either! Thursday was my first ever experience of the Robins winning a trophy on home soil. It was tremendous. I saw a group of grown men dancing together, plastic cups of lager spilling as they danced their Dad dances in a circle. The atmosphere was terrific. Chanting at speedway? Never have I heard that before. Jeff Beck’s Hi ho Silver Lining was belted out several times. Another group of young lads (teenagers this time) all singing together, laughing and smiling) Before the meeting began, dark clouds circled overhead, looking menacing and threatening. Worryingly , one massive cloud began to empty its cargo. At the time, I was stood inside having a cheeky beer. I watched as the home straight crowd staring anxiously at the sky. Fortunately, the clouds passed over and although the track looked wet, it certainly looked raceable. I watched the first 3 heats from the grass bank entering turn 3: I must admit, I felt nervous as Ipswich edged ahead. Even after The Iversen exclusion. They looked sharp from the starts, and Chris Harris ( for the first two laps in heat 3) looked hungry and committed. But then I witnessed an absolute steam roller of a side. Jensen was aggressive and fast Musielak, smooth and slick. Doyle was as expected. He’s a terrific leader and a real winner. Batchelor ( who I have criticised many times, mainly for when he opens his mouth) really does look high class these days. His pass of Doyle in heat 13, ( yes it was a pass too rather than any kind of team riding between the two) was superb. Ipswich were simply annihilated. Jake Allen gave a gutsy performance, but tired after Hawkins threw him into as many early races as he could in an attempt to contain the rampant Robins. This was the best Swindon team I have ever seen. And, in my opinion would beat any of the other 3 championship winning teams. There seemed genuine affection for the team from the packed crowd, and a pleasing team spirit. I liked the blend of orange/tangerine, ( I’ve never seen so many reflective orange highway maintenance jackets worn by supporters!!) Finally, I’ve supported the Robins from the days of Martin Ashby, Killer, Bouchard and Jan Andersson. I would have given anything for one of the mid seventies Robins teams to win the league, or even win an away match! I followed them everywhere on the coach, only to see them get a hammering at places like Cradley, Halifax and Wimbledon. The Blunsdon track in those days was excellent. Always passing, always good racing. These days, I like the shorter version. Huge compliment to the track staff who have worked wonders with it. In order to get a quick get away to travel back to my home in Cornwall, I left straight after heat 15. As I reached my car in the car park, I heard another rendition of Hi ho silver lining (Hi ho Swindon Robins!,) I sat in the drivers seat and caught a glimpse of my face in the mirror.......I was absolutely beaming!!! As I reached the M4, it was pouring with rain.. But the sun was shining on another triumphant season for a super speedway team.

It’s never totally dry in Blunsdon in October!!!

Good to see the Robins are still stimulating your interest Steve....surely your old team is ensuring you thoroughly support them tonight and tomorrow?