Steve55

Anyone know which team hold Rob Branford's registration? (Who's asset is he?)

We've seen it when they've been riding for us. It's unfortunate, but he wasn't actually 'riding' for Somerset (who I believe have first call on his services) when the injury happened. Yes the Sheffield injury jinx strikes again! Should be a good test for the Tigers tonight, but again with a guest riding it won't give a true presentation of how strong they actually are at Owlerton.

Do you mean like Scunthorpe at your place a week last Friday?

They managed to make it a last heat decider and heat 15 was quite exiting - compared to the majority of what had gone on before. However what others have said is correct and the crowd was visibly diminishing as the meeting got to the last three heats. The amount of vehicles in the car park may have had some impact on this as leaving after the meeting is always an issue, and if you ain't paid to get in who cares who wins may have been the attitude of a lot of people. The sport shot itself in the foot again with the tapes not working on a couple of occasions and the green and red lights not coming on, when necessary. To anyone coming for the first time it made things look 'amateur', not what you want if you're show casing your business. As for the racing, well it was what I expected, nothing at stake for either team and a track that didn't help those who went looking for it. As for the riders I liked the look of Kurtz and Branford who never stopped trying. As for Somerset Hougaard looked a class above the rest and Wright looked like he's in for another good year. As for their guest - well I'm just glad we didn't opt for him again!

To say that they're expecting a capacity crowd there's not much being said on this thread! Hope to see a decent performance from both sides dependant on how the track is we might get some entertainment. Nothing at stake from this meeting so hope all stay safe and get some competitive practice.

The team has apparently had a behind closed doors practice this week, not sure where - Leicester?

Looks like my intuition (post 1102 31/1/17) was correct! With regard to his previous involvement, was he actually an official promotor or was he just 'helping out', which is what I was led to believe he was doing?

Yes, I think I know what he meant by that too!

Has any mention been made of Neil Machin still being involved? Wouldn't be surprised if he's on the periphery somewhere.

Should be a challenge meeting arranged now between Sheffield and Leicester after the latest announcement!

That's probably why they are having two practice sessions before they ride against Sheffield.

So according to official fixture list no speedway at Owlerton until 6th April! Unless the previous week (marked as reserved) there's a challenge arranged. Could do with one before that though otherwise going straight into league away meeting with Ipswich, probably the strongest line up in the league.

Think the lad will do ok at P'boro, once he gets dialled in. Remember his home (every week) track was quite unique and he did alright. From what I've seen of him at Sheffield he rides the bigger tracks no problem, he'll do fine (IMO) at Alwalton.

Talking of Bank Holidays it's a pity Rob doesn't organise the 'Christmas Cracker' meetings any more like he did a few years ago. Suppose it's weather dependant, but I don't remember any being cancelled. Tuesday 27th December would have been ideal this year. Having said that not seen the forecast yet!

What second halves? I take it there's a note of sarcasm in that post!

But a better rider on a lot of the away tracks, as good as Kevin is!

This appears to be a very competetive Bears team, look forward to coming up to the STMP for the meetings next year. Well done to the Redcar promotion. Sad to see about Hugh Skidmore not coming back.

Yes the powers that be have taken it away from a venue central to the nation and put it as far north as they could Hope you get a good turn out for the contest!

Agree with Spinny, do believe that Josh will come to the fore next year, although he wants away from Sheffield (his words not mine), but even now without naming the last two we have strength in depth. Do believe Rob Branford will be at 6 and he will get the way of riding Owlerton, even if he's not the best JPB will do the honours there and Rob will give us a leg up at a lot of the more 'technical' away tracks. If it is him he'll be a good acquisition for next year. Glasgow would appear to have a very strong top 3. They will do well at Glasgow, but dependant on the full team can't see them being so strong away from Ashfield. (not seen the full team yet so I reserve my opinion, respecfully.)

Just be patient all will be revealed.

We've already got him - Josh Bates!

With Josh G, Kyle Howrth and Lasse Bjerre why do we need another heat leader?

Joe Screen did the same with Sheffield, did ok IMO, had to be better than the retired police man that did it the year before. Think Simon will do ok, he knows Sheffield inside out so should be able to pass some of his experience on. (Knows all the other tracks too so lets see what he can do for the team, glad to see him still involved at Sheffield.)

Sorry Norman but it sounds about right! You're getting me worried now though about this hole I'm supposed to be digging. I'll be keeping an eye out for you at Owlerton next year, still you shouldn't be too hard to spot in your dress, cardigan and wig, oh and that large knife!

If you know so much (100%) about what's been happening at Sheffield Speedway over the last two or three years and are so obviously defensive over Josh and the promotion, I can only conclude that you are one of the Bates clan. I am so glad that I didn't acquiesce to your SMS request to meet you last year, as I fear that you may be that psycho Norman. How is your mother by the way?