luluthetiger

Do we know if this is a "real" semi-final with 50% of the best of British riders competing, or a watered-down meeting after the guys like Nichols, Tai, Kennett, etc have already been seeded through to the British Final? If there will be a fair proportion of big names, it will indeed be a great night.

It is probable that having Alex Harkess at the top of the table has brought pressure to bear on BSPA decision-making regarding bigger events. Edinburgh follow Berwick in being awarded big nights, and for those tired of having to make 600-mile-plus round trips to see such meetings, a sprinkling of good meetings in the "true north" must be a godsend. Note to world: Sheffield, Scunthorpe and Stoke are NOT "up north". They are all nearer London than Edinburgh!

One down, one to go........

Bomber Harris in the field now. Building up nicely. Seven weeks and two days to go!

That's correct. Quoted at Berwick last summer as prepared to invest everything he has to make it in Europe. Good luck to the kid.

Of course, if the "Jayden O'Malley case" comes back and bites everyone in the bum, there will be a good few more places to be filled!

If -- if -- Tigers are getting Dakota North, won't he be in place of Ricky Wells, not Richard Hall?

I rest my case.

Probably not. The Danish national team have hired King's Lynn for a work-out that weekend as well, so he'll be there, he'll do Topinka's meeting and Freddie Lindgren's on the Sunday. No way will he find time to haul himself 300 miles north to Berwick and then another 250-odd miles back down to Wolves.

No, but he's the holder of an EU (Spanish) passport. Step right in, sir!

Andre's finished up racing -- but fear not, Benji still wants to ride!

Sheffield will only need one (Koppe) but rumour has it Glasgow will be looking for two!

He will probably do the German title, the European Championship (team and individual), GP Challenge rounds, maybe WTC rounds and isn't he still U-21? I don't think the other poster needs a fixture list to make that statement. If Joe Tobacco (a much-better prospect) is also in many of the above, there might be trouble ahead....

Dakota North starts in the Australian Championship meetings tomorrow (morning, our time) and a good three meetings might well get him back into Britain with a bang!

From prices announced, it seems Glasgow will be Britain's most-expensive speedway!

No rider could financially exist on "Elite League only" if he didn't combine with Poland or a Scandanavian club -- Ricky Wells needs to double-up, and it looks like being at Sheffield.

I think Paul Ackroyd will find you enough GP riders, etc, to keep you happy. Who will it take to get you there?.

Hardly surprised at the amazement of those who cannot believe a rider might prefer to join a northern club than one in the south -- amused, more than surprised. That old "north of Watford wilderness" attitude! Rory Schlein, Cameron Woodward, Robert Ksiezak, Matty Wethers, Aaron Summers -- they all started with Edinburgh as young teenagers, and haven't done badly (Bobby K has been so unlucky with injuries, but back in the day commanded an £8K transfer fee when he left the club). Max Fricke has been to Europe for at least the past two summers, and his closest advisers were probably George Taylor, Sean Courtney and Dick Barrie -- all from up north. He's stayed in the Berwick area while in the UK both previous trips. Regardless of final choice of club, I'd think he's likely to be best-suited if he stays in an area he's familiar with. Also, might it be thought his visa and/or work permit could get a more-favourable consideration if lodged by Edinburgh?

Here's another name to throw into the mix: Joey Ringwood. You heard it here first!

Not that simple -- Kurtz family have patriality!

It would be reassuring to learn from the promoters/directors/owners/team manager that Harley Horwood will be granted the required permission to start. Sheffield and Scunthorpe must have the same worries, as will any club landing Max Fricke.

Very good. Did the International section do something to offend you?

And how many of your weekend matches would Max turn up for?

This thread is showing a couple of Sheffield fans to be as guilty of destructive criticism as the (very) odd offenders at Ipswich and Berwick in the past! As has been repeatedly pointed out, the Tigers have serious financial constraints and are limited on what could have been achieved in happier times. Accept what's on the table, even if it is bread and water, it is food. Take it to keep going with, until the good times roll around again. As with Joe Haines, who was not a popular choice last season. each of the signings (old and new) could prove the pleasantest of surprises. As has been pointed out, but always ignored, the gung-ho approach to "signing the best" didn't work out too well at Newport or Reading (Bulldogs), did it? Even in his considered criticism, Spin King finds something good to say about each of the riders. Don't panic, let's wait and see what happens -- but please, don't heap all the blame on the promotion. Its their money, they have to spend it as best they feel they can, introducing new faces as club assets for the future, and aiming to stabilise the ship. If those who feel it is sinking want to be rats, then off you go..........

We? How many do you really think are behind you in your constant criticisms?