I suppose that riders and team managers having a "full and frank exchange of views" isn't necessarily the termination of the relationship, as with any workplace. Probably just SD's way of trying to get the best out of Kemp, the old "kick up the backside" approach.
I think Brian Clough used to have a long-serving player who used to question Clough's match tactics. He would invite the player into his office for a cup of tea and a chat, "at the end of which he would agree with everything i said".
Could be, but maybe he's now riding mainly for the love of it, doesnt need the additional work except occasional guest bookings, and he is getting on a bit in years now! Someone like Chris Harris is still squeezing the lemon till the pips squeak, and maybe Nicholls would do likewise if he needed to!
Wasn't it Nicholls, who was a key figure in loosening restrictions on doubling-down?
I could be wrong and memory isnt clear, but seem to recall he either started legal action or maybe threatened to persue it?
I think the 37 point limit, with 6 teams all confirmed by early November, would have resulted in a competitive league with no lame ducks.
As it is, some riders made early decisions to secure contracts elsewhere, which would now make 6 equal strength teams difficult to achieve. Once Belle Vue confirm Kurtz i think we can wave goodbye to there being a 6th team this year
Unless i have missed something, Drew Kemp seems to have no team place at either UK level, so far.
Are there any possibilities left, at this stage?
I know he isnt exactly everyone's "cup of tea" (especially IainB!) but nonethless a young and improving British rider.
Yes that would make a lot of sense to have a different format and structure for the B fixtures. I think something along those lines is the only way of avoiding the monotony
If he can avoid getting involved with a Premiership team, and if the speedway gods don't send him something thay messes his head up, it might just work out
Could have a league consisting of three "Conferences" with "double-acrossing" allowed eg. UK,Sweden, Denmark. Then concoct some sort of fudged low level playoff to decide on an overall winner whilst still having three Conference champions and Bob's your uncle, you've got one league and "up yours Poland"
I have a cunning plan!
The "A" and "B" fixtures are run as separate league tables.
Each league table has a first v second playoff, with the two winners contesting a grand final