freddyfivetoes

That's quite correct. Not sure how, but many of the Argentinian soccer players come here on EC passports too. Albin has a Spanish passport, and Covatti of Birmingham uses an Italian passport -- although both are as Argentinian as, er, the Falklands.

Sheffield are safe enough, Hoggy's on the Management Comittee! Which means Edinburgh will get Fricke. No luck, Glasgow or Scunny them?

Do we know yet if there are only three, or something like ten on more places going? If the O'Malley decision is followed, there should be no Fricke, Douglas, Horwood, Ringwood or Koppe (have I missed anyone?) allowed to ride PL this year. Unless the Management Committee, of who two have vested interests, differ.

I love these "I was told" messages....... For a rider to become a club asset, he is required to ride in at least twelve official matches. So therefore it is prudent to give him at least the dozen outings. After that, options can be considered. No club is going to provide a contract "like what you heard" for any number of reasons. Recommend Ear, Nose and Throat clinic.

and this is thread is on "Individual meetings and testimonials" why?

I would guess that with John Campbell's long experience and Alex Harkess' influence, Max will become an Edinburgh asset. Also, with the same influence coming to bear, he will be granted his visa. Which means the other first-year Aussies at other tracks should get theirs as well -- too much of an outcry if not.

Rick-eeeeee!

Is there any danger of the current bushfire horrors affecting the Undera area tomorrow?

How do you reckon he's a "far better rider"? Have you seen Horwood and Ringwood riding in a British team? Last spring Campton arrived under very much the same conditions as the new guys will. All three (Mason C after a British season) contested the qualifier for the Australian Title last weekend, and all three missed out. Back to the House Party, Blob!

I suspect the success or failure of the Tigers in 2013 lies more on whether Joe Screen and James Grieves can hold their starting averages.......... Good shout, Lulu!

He'd miss a good few meetings....... Better to use a Brit or Aussue who will remain a resident. IMO.

March 9th

On the "big meeting" thread, I see Richie Worrall will ride in Berwick's BenFund meeting in March. Up against the big boys!

Last week's Star had an interview with Sedgman in which he said he might not be back, as the offers he had "weren't great" and he's only going to come back if he can double-up. Delusions of grandeur? Much better to go for an new asset than persevere with Wright or any other long-term four-pointer who belongs to someone else. Glasgow promotion (the newco) have constantly stated that they want to have a team of assets.

Just had a text to tell me Richie Worrall is second name to be announced. Good one to bring Diamonds' fans up the A1. Paul Ackroyd's been doing this for a while, he's good at building things up -- he'll start drip-feeding names every few days between now and the end of February. Worrall must have had a good bung from the Fund this past year, so he's a good choice.

No argument there, let's get back to big city matters: Joey Ringwood -- is he #7?

Might the fact that Max Fricke is named by Edinburgh, where the promoter might be thought by some (not me of course) to have a weeny bit of influence over BSPA rulings, help his case? And if Max gets the nod of BSPA approval, then surely so will Koppe, Horwood, Douglas and, er, Ringwood.

Jason Crump?

Whoever she is going to be!

No punches pulled there, then! Fair comment though.

You're a bit of a stirrer, eh? From where I'm standing, Tero Aarnio is an honest-to-goodness little trier, and has been liked for it at Berwick, Scunthorpe and indeed Workington. The fans' doubts over Rusty are caused by his habit of going MIA.

It will be tougher for Covatti next weekend. More international riders arriving!

I blame Ian Rae for the last three pages on here. This is the downside of having an acceptable team named in mid-December. For the next three months we'll have nothing but pish on here.

Was the original decision to stop O'Malley joining Glasgow a result of the Border Agency saying no, or the BSPA refusing to endorse his application?

Not so. Berwick's season ticket covers both PL and PT. That's 14 meetings. Obviously won't cover FIM U-21 World Final or BenFund Bonanza. Similar to 2012, they also intimate vouchers for discount against additional fixtures such as KO Cup ties, at the discretion of the promotion.