SteveLyric2

Serious question following the latest Italian 'lockdowns', will it affect Ipswich and Kent re Nico Covatti?? And will Amanda Castagna be allowed to attend FIM and SGP meetings?

Good signing. Does he start as the second heat leader?

Yeah. Must be all those past and present Ipswich riders lowering the quality!!

Lasse Bjerre was on Poole's radar earlier (He;s a Poole asset) but said he didn't want to do UK racing unless he got a place in both leagues. Todd Kurtz has to be an option.

Middlo's testimonial March 25th line -ups confirmed: COUNTY CREST ALL-STARS: Bjarne Pedersen; Nicolai Klindt; Brady Kurtz; Josh G; Nico Covatti; Adam Ellis; Stefan Neilsen. MERIDIAN LIFTS HEROES: Chris Holder; Scott Nicholls; Bomber Harris; Danny King; Hans Andersen; Edward Kennett; Nick Morris (replacing Jack Holder). NB. Jack Holder's new visa only allows him to race Premiership meetings/tracks. Poole's 3 new Aussies will also have a series of match races during the evening. Normal prices - should be a good night.

Middlo's testimonial March 25th line -ups confirmed: COUNTY CREST ALL-STARS: Bjarne Pedersen; Nicolai Klindt; Brady Kurtz; Josh G; Nico Covatti; Adam Ellis; Stefan Neilsen. MERIDIAN LIFTS HEROES: Chris Holder; Scott Nicholls; Bomber Harris; Danny King; Hans Andersen; Edward Kennett; Nick Morris (replacing Jack Holder). NB. Jack Holder's new visa only allows him to race Premiership meetings/tracks. Poole's 3 new Aussies will also have a series of match races during the evening. Normal prices - should be a good night.

..so do the bikes!!!

Always love a nice bit of irony!!!!! Or should that be 'bitter irony'?

Depends on what the visa restrictions might be?!

It'll be very interesting to see how much help he can give to set-ups on the away tracks that he hasn't ridden for years?! The machinery, shale, shape and track prep could be so different to anything he may still have in his little black book of British tracks!!

Haven't the Panthers Management already stated the final rider will be a 'new to the UK' rider?

This is the main reason Crumpie is coming over to UK - to support/supervise his son's racing!! Very nice to be able to pick up some pocket money as well. I wonder if he's on a guarantee or just points money?

Don't worry, it won't be that for long!!!

It just goes to show that non-Poole fans just can't stop themselves!!

Steve did a telephone interview at the fans quiznight in which he confirmed that all the metal work has been removed from his leg and he felt 'whole' again and better than for some time. Fitness and diet regime in full flow and he's raring to go.

Oh yes I'm the great defender....ooooh ooooh (Apologies to Queen!). I think many Poole fans and the Poole management know that we're taking a risk - Danny Ford certainly said so at the fans quiznight on Wednesday - but Poole do have a reasonably good record of introducing young Aussies who go on to do well - not least because they travel half way around the world to be here and imo have a far greater incentive to achieve good scores than some of the British Youth (and I'm not denegrating any of the latter)., Knowing the Poole Management reasonably well I would put money on them already having sounded out potential replacements if they are required mid-season - obviously dependent on averages as everyone is.

Perhaps there were unfortunate errors in a previous visa application?! For some visas you are not allowed to apply again for at least 2 years with no guarantees that it would be processed quickly just because he is a previous World Champion. Any application would also need to be 'sponsored' by a club or organisation that holds a 'sponsorship licence', ie a potential employer!!

Why does having 3 x 2019 Championship number 1s make it look really weak? Neilsen and MacDonald have Championship track knowledge and experience and Cook has at least seen a number of tracks when he was staying with Middlo for several weeks last summer. Keleher is that much older and has had offers from Poland but wants to do his 'apprenticeship' in UK first. Play-offs first is always the initial target for Poole.

All of them at some point hopefully?! Not yet decided until the boys arrive in UK and have their initial chat with Middlo. Of course there is a bit of a risk but hey ho, its not how you start its how you finish!! My own thoughts are that Josh Mac will start in the 1-5 with Zane and Ben at reserve. Although I believe Zane will prove to be the better prospect over time. Both the latest signings had their visas come through yesterday so its full steam ahead with 2 new club assets. Incidentally an excellent turn out at last nights REF quiz night again (17 teams taking part but there can be only one winner ), with a telephone interview with Stevie Worrall and interview with Danny Ford who advised that 6 of the 7 team race suits have been sponsored - the last one expected to be done imminently. Also news about a new main sponsor is hopefully expected in the next 2 weeks?! The next REF event is a 'Middlo & Friends' chat show-style evening on Wednesday 18th March just prior to P&P day on 20th

If you want to point the finger about fixture planning, you should try pointing it at a number of 'Northern' Clubs for not agreeing to Poole doing any Friday/Sat/Sun 'northern tour' trips!! Poole were more than willing with many Poole fans awaiting the opportunity but.....................??!

Why will consistent track prep necessarily mean better racing? Why are there far more serious injuries in the 'better-prepared' Polish tracks than in British speedway? Despite all the pontification about Poole's track (and yes I do agree there needs a little more work on bends 1-2), the Poole racetrack has one of the best safety records in both senior leagues!!!

He can do individual testimonials on a visitor permit but no 'paid-for' team league/cup meetings. As well as Middlo's meeting he is also down to do Todd Kurtz's Testimonial - and possibly others.

Strange. My source was not expecting any more loan fees!!!

No way it's Holder. Visa still not sorted. He can do some individual/testimonial meetings where he doesn't get paid but no team place!!

Antonio was on 7.00 (*Assessed) when he last rode for Poole in 2016. He has said publicly that he was looking to include British racing again this season!!