SteveLyric2

That could well be Plan B, who would come in on a 4 point average. Plan A - a Scandanavian - may have hit similar problems to Smetana?! So we go with Kyle Bickley guesting on Wednesday and see where we are in relation to the August averages cut-off at the end of this week (23rd July!)

Kyle Bickley is drafted in as a guest at 2 for Pirates on Wednesday. The facility for Smetana has lapsed. Jack Smith has signed for Plymouth and rides at 7.

Its not about Smetana!!!!

Will we have a new rider or a NDL option? Importantly the stadium is open to all again with no restrictions on attendance. Cash-only on the gate or the usual advance online option. Gates open at the original time of 1830 hours. For regulars, unfortunately last week's torrential flooding has virtually destroyed the Champs Bar and function space so this area WILL BE CLOSED for several weeks. However, the various snack bars are all open as is the downstairs bar in the glass (west) grandstand. Also new merchandise is on sale in the club shop. Patrons are asked to wear a face mask if they are wandering around the stadium or in the bars/toilets etc. As long as our 3 heat leaders come through their Premiership commitments on Monday evening then it should be a reasonable home win despite Jason and Bjarne.

Its a bit time-sensitive - both for the line-up on Wednesday but also for the cut-off for the August averages (23rd July!!!!) when Poole will lose the 5 point option! However I gather there is much work going on behind the scenes involving British Embassys abroad etc etc.

The Czech covid regs changed the day after Smetana was accepted by BSPL in the Poole 1-7, hence his difficulties in travelling and meeting his Czech contracted meetings. The BSPL gave a 7-day facility which allowed r/r for the Plymouth fixture last Tuesday. It doesn't apply for the coming home fixture unless BSPl grant an extension for another rider whose paperwork is in the system(?!) so Poole will be faced with either using an NDL rider (Jake Knight or similar?) unless they manage to sign another 5 pointer in time. WATCH THIS SPACE! PS if you believe Keleher was dropped solely because of his ontrack scores then I am afraid you are a little naive!!!!

Already being promoted as such.

Not at all - just saying it might be a consideration if the club has lost money and a 'cheaper rider' in heat 15 might ease the financial pain a little. Its not as if Poole didn't take points from both the Eastie and Gladiators away meetings!

Just a thought, maybe the heat 15 in away meetings is as much a financial decision rather than who rode better on the night?

So not true. Full attendance for next Tuesday's meeting and beyond; catering outlets re-open (although not yet sure about restaurant?). Champs Bar will NOT be open due to the severe flooding which badly affected the offices and pretty much destroyed the floor in the Champs function room; new merchandise available. The club aim is certainly to get into the top 6 for the play-offs and will have a strong consistent run of home meetings in the run-up to the season cut-off, unlike some of the clubs currently sitting pretty having completed many more of their home fixtures. And perhaps more importantly as regards filling the vacant Number 2 spot - the iron in the fire is getting increasingly hotter..............!!! As for the stadium future, if part of the car/lorry park is to be partially developed - this is unlikely to happen for at least another 2 years if not longer. Keep the faith. COYP

Has to get his average down a bit more before he becomes attractive for a Championship place?!

All the permissions were fine but then the Czechs changed their quarantine regulations (along with UK and other countries) the day after his signature. With committed fixtures in Czecho it has become difficult - not to say impossible - to get the Czech authorities to agree a 'special case'!! Other options are being investigated but there ain't that much rider availability in the 5.00 average range..........!

It would be interesting to get a senior rider's perspective on Paul Bowen's 'chart of failure' and maybe also a promoter's view as there are some that frequent this forum.

So as Poole Promoter Danny Ford has now publicly explained, Poole were granted a 7-day facility for Smetana following the Czech Govt changing their Covid quarantine regulations the day after Smetana's signing was ratified by the BSPl. This covered the rider's absence at Plymouth but has left Poole with a problem for their next meeting also v Plymouth on 21st July if nothing can be sorted out. Poole will have 2 choices - either use a nominated NL rider or sign a new rider instead, but as Danny says there just aren't the riders around without any foreign fixture clashes!!

no. Zaine kennedy is awaiting 'elite sportsman' status from the Aussie authorities before being allowed to get a visa and exit Australia. Smetana is simply a Brexit/Covid paperwork issue around travelling with the necessary vaccination/testing paperwork required by different European countries.

Special one--off arrangements with rules and regs apply for this season.

Smetana missing for Poole as theres been a delay in his paperwork to get him into the country. r/r at 2.

Keep praying..........!

Taken wide and off by Wright in his 4th ride and unable to take his place in the re-run. He's due to ride for Wolves on Monday so we'll see how fit he is for Tuesday.

Tonights meeting in Poland rained off too!!

Sedgeman to Kings Lynn then?????

How strange things are. In the context of a certain Euro football match today we are being told that all Danes are brought up as 'leaders'!!!

With Matt Ford's permission too!!!

Ah I thought I saw a dead horse waiting to be flogged - and there it is!

After Rory Schlein's crash out last week lets hope Poole's other two heat leaders don't suffer similar incidents this evening!!