SteveLyric2

Yes thats the usual date each year.

Certainly Matt is getting the seats done with the stadium's permission (and gratitude?!) - its not new seating, just sprucing up the existing!! Don't know if its reflected in the rental charges?! Matt referred to 'major' changes in the future (not 2018) but wouldn't be drawn on anything more specific!!

The rules for 2018 aren't published/approved yet!!

Anyway back to the 'Poole 2018' thread - the track looked really smooth when I was down there yesterday. Glyn Taylor is just hopeful that it can fully dry out before any heavy rain/snow comes! As previously mentioned the start/finish line has been moved back 6 metres, as the old position meant that riders were beginning to turn for the first bend over the gate 4 position. Chris Holder although 4th in the average pecking order - will occupy a 'heat leader' berth. ie. probably 5, with Josh G probably starting off at 2.!! Stadium improvements include the season ticket seats being improved. Other changes are ongoing.

According to the Star its imminent!! With the SCB and BSPA clearly meeting this week (see statement re Nicholls) I reckon there will be an announcement within days.

MF 'hopeful' of getting Greg Hancock for the 70th Anniversary meeting!!

Who is saying Poole will be the only team without team race suits?! They'll be wearing the 70th Anniversary race bibs! (As long as Chris and Josh don't wear their 2017 Stars and Rebels suits everything will be fine!!) In Poole's case many of the cost-cutting measures are more a case of resolving 2 years of poor accounts against budget in order to keep the bank happy!!

His first post at 1238 on Monday was having his usual go at anything to do with Poole. It was his first post for quite a time and bearing in mind the number of bans he has had from this forum, I thought it was reasonable and justified in thinking he may have been on another one!! He said nothing about his current situation and circumstances in that initial post and unfortunately I'm not a mind-reader!! It was his follow-up post when he chose to share his situation on a Poole thread of all places!!? Having lost my wife - a more fervent Poole supporter and sponsor than me - for 13 years now, I have some empathy with Gavan's situation without knowing or wanting to know any more details, but I still struggle to understand why he would share such info on here??! If I've upset others then I apologise. This thread should be about Poole 2018 and that is all. PS. There's a great 3-page feature in today's Echo on Matt Ford and Middlo's partnership at Poole which enters its 20th season this year.

...and far more serious accidents on Polish tracks (and Swedish) than on British tracks!!

Still a good watch though.

You're a bit touchy Gav - almost as if you were expecting one?! - although I guess with what you've got going on you're entitled. Hope things improve for you although not quite sure why you're telling everyone on a Poole thread?!

Would that cover the period Poole were winning back to back titles?! three wasn't it? BTW Good holiday?

I see from the website that celeb Chef Ken Hom is now on board the Pirates ship having played host to the Management and some of the clubs many sponsors!! At least that should mean we are very strong at fortress Wimborne Road and should win all our HOM meetings. (I'll get my coat.....)

More sponsors paying more to be on TV?!

The season ticket holders will be pleased if the start line is going back 10 meters!!? Will that also mean the season ticket seats in the Grandstand will also be moved?

Wouldn't it be good if Matt's new social media agency could arrange for some photos of the track machinery on track - on the website, on Twitter and Facebook pages?! Not much interest to anyone bar the speedway regulars - but it might just stop any doubters. You never know the Echo might even be prepared to use them?!

...but it IS only one 8pointer in 2018!!

Vaculik is a quality rider and will do well - eventually. No doubt helped considerably with set-ups by the likes of Hans Andersen.

Am I the only one baffled by all this talk about Woffinden on the Somerset thread?! I would have thought there would be more discussion/concern/interest in Jack Holder's condition?!

Their problem is making 'knee-jerk' decisions and not communicating them to the people it directly affects - as well as the fans. Nothing wrong with the decisions - just wrong in the timing and implementation. Anything affecting a rider's livelyhood should give suitable notice.

I can see those NKI and JD-branded fly swatters going down a storm!!

Can we expect a new SGP in Turkey in 2019 then?! Or are the tyres going to be so different that all riders will be stuffed?!

Matt's been keeping a close eye on his progress since he brought him over for the Blue Riband at the end of 2016. He was still studying at that time and wanted to complete all those studies before commiting full-time to Speedway.

Bill Glass's back pocket?! (Thats a question not a statement!!?)

Also announced via the R.E.F. Twitter, the next R.E.F. night on March 7th will feature the SCB's Neil Vatcher and SCB Referee Christina Turnbull. ps. there is a video (courtesy of Speedway Portal) link on the Pirates website of interviews with Linus, James and Matt Ford.