Mad Max

Great news - but now the worrying starts as to team ! Unless there is a major shock it is going to be strength in depth You have to assume Robbo, Lindgren, Rose & Morris are in the frame - maybe Tero or even Wilko, but not too impressed by those.

I love an optimist!!!

Am hearing a rumour of a rider returning to the bears ranks which will come as a surprise, but a very pleasing one for Bears fans!!

Article in Star yesterday on Charles Wright quoted him joining Bjerre, Kurtz and Smith - so I'm guessing Kurtz is all agreed, just not officially announced via Sheffield sources

Anyone know the logic behind the 5.2 average, has he ridden here before?

Morris at reserve could well be a trump card. I wouldn't be too dismissive of Redcar, they are openly stating that team is sorted and the one rider they have announced is a genuine threat in heats 13 & 15 against any team. I agree the 5 teams you mention look good and I expect Edinburgh to make it 6, so we could be in a mini league for 7-11,.... BUT ...you never know !!

I didn't have that facility, but then realised I wasn't signed in, I was just viewing as a guest. Once signed in then it reappeared. next to all the threads. have another look - it may be back!!

Agreed - whilst it's ok to wait for promotion to get things sorted it is embarrassing to see the latest news on website is almost a month old and even that is nothing to do with speedway! Just a few updates would be good like AGM update, or info on social gatherings.

Set race nights had to come in, unfortunately the monster that was created in doubling up (or rather the monster it grew into) meant that last season was just ridiculous in terms of who was riding for who and why! Glasgow don't have a win at all costs attitude, as Gazc says they do what is best for Glasgow, the fact that they pay more to the riders does mean that they can entice virtually who they want, but that is the fortunate position they are in currently. It's not like Man City/Man Utd/Chelsea etc getting the best players by paying most it doesn't guarantee success, the trick for Glasgow is to entice the right riders!!

Just when Panthers fans think they have hit rock bottom - with Holdergate, Godfreygate and having JCF posting his words of wisdom - they find out things can go even further down hill !!

Who says he has got away with it, upcoming hearing to attend and explain/receive punishment But despite all that the only corrupt action was to knowingly break rules for a financial gain and that person decided his actions all by himself!

The rumour I heard was similar, but I didn't know he had a promoters licence already! Not sure panthers fans will be over joyed, but if it keeps speedway going.....

I haven't seen that the tapes rules have been relaxed, it was announced they have "a strong proposal to reduce false starts" from reports it has been suggested there will be no warnings and no restarts - this could actually mean race is allowed to continue, but any rider not conforming with the starting procedure (ie sitting still and not jumping) may then be excluded at end of race - that would be more strict, not relaxing! however I guess it is something else we have to wait to find out and in the meantime we shall all speculate!

The main priority team wise this season has to be reserves - we cannot have a repeat of last year where both reserves were incapable of beating any opposition riders (slight exaggeration, but not far off) - it just puts too much pressure on top end and I feel is without doubt why we ended up lower mid table and never challenging for a top 4 spot. If danny is back he must be number 7, it would be a major gamble to have him at 6 and someone weaker as the other reserve I would put Morris 6, Phillips (or an-other) at 7 Kus & Lindgren and then build from there.

that looks a well useful team !!

Have to say it's not totally clear, but I read it that the previous decision and sanctions stand (subject to appeal) but there is no further action/sanction related to his public announcement of Godfreys involvement. I think in a way this revelation of the "discussion" has only further damaged Rathbone, not exonerated in any way. It is now clear he was happy to break rules based on the knowledge that he would have a net gain overall. It is like saying - if you rob the bank steal £200, but get caught you will be fined £10 - it is now your choice whether you go ahead with this illegal act!

has to be the most accurate post JCF has ever made!!

With lakeside looking at PL you would guess they would want Bowtell in their team, especially if there is a mandatory NL standard number 7 again

Sounds like a good fit for Peterborough!!

Second option is most obvious - you cut your cloth accordingly and if that means certain riders won't sign for the money being offered, then tough, sign those that will. I think quite a number will be on the look out for teams next year and may be forced to accept lower deals! It also appears (if rumours are true) that the most costly riders don't want to ride for us next year anyway!

The big problem now for peterborough is that IF BWD and holder are actually ill and unable to ride, due to their credibility being totally shot then no one will believe them anyway! Obviously redcar have missed a trick and should have Perks faxing a sick note over to state he is unwell - or maybe redcar are prepared to be totally honest and just take flak for looking after their rider!

So now on tomorrow - Are Bewley and smith riding? Or at belle Vue

It was sanctioned AFTER Peterborough changed their racenight, as had been advised when the signing was proposed. So please explain which half I don't know about?

Whilst I totally agree rules should be applied consistently across the board, you do wonder if a bit of commonsense could be applied at times. Fine if the match had relevance ie affected play-off positions, actually a play-off match or a cup match - then it would be appropriate to enforce the ruling, however these last two matches for redcar are meaningless fixtures which should have been held weeks/months ago but for various reasons were not and now just need to be completed. It's obvious that they have been crippled by injuries (not just a cough/sneeze) and have suggested a way to make the team representing the Bears look a little like an actual Bears team - you never know by including Bukhave it might just persuade some fans to travel and watch the match, thereby benefitting the home promotions. I certainly don't see it as a way to vastly strengthen the team!!

Isn't this similar to last year when looking to sign Craig Cook he sought advice and was told that it would not be sanctioned due to clash of race nights, but went ahead anyway and then moaned about not being allowed? Seems he will still do his own thing regardless of advice!