Steve Shovlar

Interesting fact. Jack Thomas only ran 4 last places in 2022 on his home track. All four were against Poole. In the first meeting he had bike issues in his first two but came out with 8 from his last three. He then made an attempt to come back from his wrist injury in the B fixture which resulted in two last places before being withdrawn. Looks like a rider who once dialled in can be a real force on his home track. Needs more consistency away from home and if he stays clear of injury could be very popular quickly with Poole fans. A sub 5 average needs to be improved or he will be at reserve after the first GS.

Excellent show tonight with lots of interesting questions answered.

Jack Thomas officially announced.

https://youtu.be/-6FuoJvLY1o

A very nice guy and I have had a few chats with Adam last couple of seasons. He was touted as a future star at the start of his career but had some horrendous smashes which basically wrecked his opportunities. Was out of the sport for quite a long time. Possibly a real bargain at reserve compared to other clubs.

Matt never has been a hairdresser. He owned a hair salon. That’s it.

If Newman is at reserve he will do very well against many of the other reserves so far signed. The chances are he would move up and swap with Jack Thomas who could be one of our second strings. He won’t swap with Zach Cook who has shown his ability and is likely to improve considerably further in 2023.

Steam it from your iPhone/iPad to your smart tv.

I have asked Steve W a few questions after a meeting and he has been very chatty and friendly and no way aloof. Perhaps before a meeting he has his serious head on and can come across as studious, but I have found him very approachable once the races are run.

Think this shows clubs can perhaps generate more funds through BSN pass than what they get from Eurosport.

There’s more chance Keleher signing for Plymouth than Poole. In fact no chance for Poole after his antics in the Pirates colours. Don’t think there will be any surprises for the lower end of the Poole team next season.

I wish those looking for a new home for speedway in the Somerset area every success in their endeavours. But being realistic we know that every site “discovered: will have others clambering over it to build unites/houses and are likely to outbid a speedway promotion. it would be nice/great to be proved wrong and a team in Somerset be revived after the previous Somerset promotion grabbed the £££ when they got the opportunity,

But honest and realistic.

Wish them well. Finding a bit of land though is virtually impossible, as Edinburgh found out. It there’s land that can get planning, it will attract others with deeper pockets.

If it’s the 1-7 I have now been told, it isn’t very exciting and I would expect changes through the season. A team to do well enough for the playoffs and a team within a certain budget.

It’s not Dan Thompson.

I am normally savvy to the lineup early but admit I have had so much on my plate at the moment I am not savvy to the 1-7 for next season. I can take an educated guess and name 5 of the 7. I don’t think there will be any surprises or shocks. The top two will maintain. The next two brothers will improve. One will improve slightly and the remaining two will hold their own. Will be enough to walk into the playoffs. Hearing rumours that Glasgow are out bidding everyone else in their desperation to win the league. If true, then I hope their fans turn out in big enough numbers to cover the expense.

Dan Thompson is an option. Think he is a little better than his sibling. Struggled at Poole so far but he is very young and an improver. Would soon get dialled into Poole and start scoring decent points. I would not mind his inclusion. However. Away from home he struggles and that might not change next season. I think we need riders who already have experience of all tracks and can score home and away. Perhaps three pretty average riders who will just do what is expected of them. What we don’t need is a rider who doesn’t or is unlikely to score. Nathan tried so hard but lost the race in the first 30 metres most of the time. He has a future though and I wish him well. Drew beat himself up everytime he failed to win and it got to the stage where his depression became too much. His own worst enemy. Needs a mentor and a sports psychologist. Both Cooks will improve again. Plenty of improvement in both. The step up for both to the PL will no doubt help as long as they stay clear of injury.

No expenses for the Poole promotion in finding accommodation and a workshop. Lives 20 mins from track. Knows the track and if he brings his best would do a good job at reserve. Knows all the tracks.

Thinking a different rider no one has mentioned at reserve who knows the Poole track, rode for us for years and lives locally.

All this talk of Rew but I just can’t see it. He is based in Poland.

So Wolves have signed Zack Cook. Got themselves a great rider who will just go from strength to strength in 2023. Clearly Wolves fans don’t follow the Championship otherwise they would be cheering the signing. Give Zach a few meetings to suss out the tricky track and will be scoring very well.

Agree it would be a very strange choice of rider. But a rider can be hopeless at a track but if he rides it every week will soon find the right lines and improve.

At his age he wants to be riding every day he can.

£££ ?