David Selby

Whilst it is true that Danyon Hume and Alfie Bowtell had trouble staying on at the start of last their season their CMA's after 8 matches were 3.11 and 2.62 respectively. After 8 matches this season the rookies figures are Macauley Leek (3.00), Harvie Banks (1.80), Connor Locke (1.04) and Kenny Bowdrey (0.86).Of course these riders haven't necessarily appeared in all 8 matches.

There are positives. The admission prices for Premier League matches are unchanged. The camber on the first bend, it would appear, has been done away with. Stuart Robson refers to 'substantial investment' at the track. let's wait and see how the season pans out. At the end of the day the team that you start the season with doesn't mean too much if you make the right changes when the averages change. The loss of John Sampford is a blow, given his experience, but we really don't know what happened behind the scenes. It seems to me that if they wanted him out all along then the deed would have been done at the end of last season. At the end of the day the reasons for his departure are between BMR and John Sampford. Whilst I don't like the idea of doing away with 68 years of tradition the change of colours and logos is surely an attempt to modernise the club, something that supporters have been asking for for ages. I have to say, though, that I am not a fan of the Rockets logo. Looking forward to the season and if the new owners are ambitious then that will be reflected in the teams performance and any changes they make if performances are not up to scratch. Up the Rockets!

Peter Schroek as Assistant Team Manger then. More importantly, Stadium Improvements? Admission Charges?

There are only three things that matter to us Rye House supporters: 1) The state of the stadium improvements come next March 2) The team that the 'new' promotion put together for next season. 3) How much it is going to cost to get in. Everything else, such as who the track curator is, if there are enough turnstile staff, the state of the fish and chips, are secondary as most of them don't really affect us when we turn up at the stadium. We will judge the promoters by how well they fare against those 3 points rather than anything else. Personally I am not going to worry about Len Silver's departure until I know the answers to those 3 questions. On another point it would, as a friend of mine has pointed out, if in his statement after resigning Len Silver had thanked the fans who have supported him since 2000, or even 1974, or even 1968, depending on when you started supporting the Rockets. Having attended the first meeting against Southampton back in 2000 and seen the state of the stadium then and how Silver improved it in double quick time it is a shame that the stadium ended up like it did at the end of his tenure. Let's hope that the stadium improvements mentioned in the Warren Scott interview in the Mercury actually happen. My first speedway meeting was Rayleigh v Teesside in July 1968 with Len Silver as promoter so it will seem strange not to have him involved next season, let's hope things turn out better than they did under Ronnie Russell.

The PL Fours is yet another major event without Rye Houae representation. There really is nothing to be proud of as a Rye House supporter at the moment.

'as i've said before it is motorbike racing NOT football!! be proud that we have a friendly club in no danger of going under and speedway to watch every week!! of course there things that can be improved but fans not turning up but still moaning do not help!!' I understand what you say but this is the 21st century. Gone are the days when people came to watch good racing. There is so much competition for the entertainment dollar nowadays and people want good racing and a team they are proud of. As I said if this was a temporary situation due to injuries then fans could stomach it but it isn't. I have supported the Rockets since 1968 and we have finished bottom of the table before and won championships. Let me ask you a question. Which of these two scenarios make you prouder? Two Rockets make the gate and, with two superb moves, their opponents overtake them to grab a 5-1.....or......Two opponents make the gate and with two superb moves the Rockets overtake them to grab a 5-1. Superb racing in both scenarios. There is room to strengthen the current team. Let's see if action is taken!

Modd No one is suggesting that the riders aren't trying. As you quite rightly say they heed to score to earn. However the 1 heat leader 6 Reserves policy just isn't working especially with Kennett under performing. The side is destined for the wooden spoon. If the side had been hit by injuries then it would be palatable, but it hasn't, it wasn't good enough in the first place. Don't like your criticism of Shadders either. He tells it as he is. He is a proper fan, travelling everywhere to support his team. If he criticises something it is because it deserves to be criticised. Fans like to be proud of their team, win or lose. At the moment there is nothing to be proud of being a Rye House fan.

Disappointing display by the Rockets today. May have been a 'dead rubber' but the players still have to earn a living. 11 zeros in 15 heats in a home fixture is not really good enough.

22-44. 2 Heat Leaders, a Second String and 4 Reserves do not make a team.