teaboy279

If we are comparing to other sports then the FA Cup is the pinicle of club sports cup competions. That has 5 qualifying rounds with more clubs starting at each stage. Then the bottom 2 "pro" leagues join in the 1st round proper and then the Elite at rnd 3.

Not sure what that takes the team total too, but certainly be a team I'd be happy with.

Chris Louis did the draw.

Kent brum Poole Somerset - weds Eastbourne Leicester Berwick- Saturdays Think scunny and glasgow are fridays Edinburgh friday or sat Newcastle will be sundays Redcar not sure.

Think he got a 4.5 average about 26 years ago. As he started last season on a 3.5 assessed in the NL i assume he will be classed as a NL 2.0 rider. But that is just guess work.

Think all will become clearer Tuesday.

Whilst i cant get any clues as too whole have signed, I am assured Sundstrom is not one of them.

Zach W is very high on my wish list, and gets on with paul hurry. So a possibility at least.

I imagine we have quite a good choice of potential lower order options. A lot will depend on how many points we use up on heat leaders if there are many available.

I believe that Iwade can be used if dates run out at CP. But barring in mind we have always run weekly, to have the "senior" team having at least 6 weds away fixtures leaves a nice gap for the NL fixtures.

Bump to get pinned

I think moving forward hopefully the higher league clubs will all start to have some development side as a feeder. even if neighbour clubs entered a joint side sharing home fixtures. It may cost promoters a little in the short term but looking long term it has to be cheaper to have a pool of local lads ready for the big leagues rather then importing riders. Equally a strongly supported NL gives potential new stand alone clubs a viable league to set out in, which in turn can only strengthen speedway across the board. For the pinicle of the the sport to be stable the foundations need to be solid. I actually think if the BSPA were to get the NL back of a couple of years ago, when it was by far the best the league in the country. Get everything around the National League set up right and then adapt the sport moving up the levels accordingly

I strongly expect Rob to ride both leagues, I known plenty of riders who just rode until there body had cried enough for the fun of it rather than any aspiration to move up. I speak to Rob Often and I know feels he has something to offer the sport still and has ambitions to go as high as he can. The man is highly driven and is fully aware how hard its gonna be but is preparing himself and machinery to give himself every opportunity to suceed. I think if he makes a go of it in the higher divisions it's a great story to pitch to the tv companies and newspapers etc to gain exposure. Best of luck to him. I think it's also worth noting that Kent have only ever had NL riders and all of whom mix with the fans, in the pits, around thier Van's, and in the bar afterwards, i think with Rob and Scott both of those will ensure that connection continues Also reference Lens comments about surprise international rider signing, I think maybe he meant an (ex) international level rider rather then a foreign one?

I ve been told by a decent source that they are expecting between 8 and 10 teams in the NL. Not been told who the potential extras are though.

If there is a NL then Kent will be in it, UNLESS they bring in any silly rules. With 6 away fixtures between Poole, Somerset and Brum on weds that opens almost enough free dates for the NL fixtures.

Believe midweek speedway is the issue stopping Gilkes to confirm yet. He wants his dad in the pits with him but it's hard for his dad to get the time off. Hopefully he will be number 1 in our NL side and 7 in our CL side.

Wilson dean goes well at our place and is a likeable young man. Certainly wouldn't be disappointed with that. Think he would interact with the fans well. Dont know the person but not a big fan of heeps on track as seems to blow very hot and cold. If you get the world class heeps he would be near top of the averages, if you get the poorer Heeps he ll be heading to reserve. Not heard of Stella, so I d prefer a young brit. But I dare say we may have one or two unheard of Europeans to try build up an asset portfolio. If one takes off your on tona winner, think I am right to say that a non UK debutant would have an assessed average of 5.0??? which is a massive gamble in my opinion.

Anything but an eastbourne fan, but for the 2nd year running they have tracked a completley British team, and I can only compliment that. Hope kent follow suit.

Wells Kurtz Sedgeman are the very types of riders I feared when stepping up. Much rather some young Brits

Yes still 6.30 start time.

Yeah we are moving to Wednesday nights.

With Poole Somerset and Brum all being weds clubs as well that's 6 free weds for National League straight away.

Drew is on a 4. Something average so depends on how they build the team.

Be great to see our 2 reserves in the champ be 2 of the 2019 NL side. And drew at #2 as well. Looking at Lens 2nd tier history you can see a Kennett,King,Nicholls character coming in as captain. I personally hope for an all british team, or as close as possible. I d rather have a mid table side of relsteble riders, then a winning team of riders with no affinity with the fans. But exciting times, shame we lose Rowe at this level, maybe if he wants another season of NL we will keep him for another year there.

Some of the comments arent very complimentary.....