luluthetiger

One down, one 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.

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.

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?

Clubs like Sheffield and Berwick are building sides at reasonable cost, within the budgets and PL restrictiions. No reason for Tigers not to do the same. Is a reason Ryan Fisher hasn't signed anywhere that he's too expensive? If so, Tigers surely haven't got the money to pay him, sort the toilets, build a bar and finance track modifications as well?

Do we know the line-up for this week yet?

As has been said, Koppe is based in Leeds. Albin has already got his own bikes at Berwick and is also set up with his van from up there. Of your alternatives, I suspect Dakota North might be a bit of a Johnny Foreigner too. You're an attention-seeker, not a sensible poster.

Glasgow's £299 is a deal only valid until the end of 2012. After that it goes up to (I think) £330.

Sounds Christmassy: Eat, drink and Macmerry!