The Cheese

Don't think there is anyone who'd be available close to BWD's average, so I guess the choice will end up being between starting the season well under the limit or making another change. Not fair at all on Stoneman but he'd probably be the one to make way, if so looking at those who rode CL last season it's probably down to Lasse Bjerre or Todd Kurtz + Nathan Greaves

I thought I remembered Grachan posting something similar before so I've done a quick check and found these 2 posts which confirm he did..

He averaged over 6 in Somerset's last PL season and again for Peterborough last year until his injury so he's clearly capable of more in the CL. I don't see much difference between him and Jake Allen tbh, last season together at Somerset in 2018 BWD averaged slightly higher, last season Allen similarly slightly higher.

Disappointing for BWD, no doubt that if he could have a good run of staying fit he's capable of averaging 8+, he just doesn't seem to have that luck. Even more difficult to fit him in next year because that average will be well above 9 with the conversion rate.

Surprised by this despite the rumours. Certainly a gamble from Ipswich but given the clear lack of options for that number 1 spot it's one worth taking and hopefully it pays off.

It's obviously a difficult job so any help from experts who've proven they can produce a track which provides good racing can only be a positive.

Awful news.. RIP Danny

The AGM statement made mention of the KO Cup and Shield details being confirmed after Newcastle's future had been resolved. The Cup draw was released 12 days later on the 27th November so I guess they quietly scrapped the Shield and hoped nobody would notice!

They weren't blocked. The standalone clubs understandably wanted more meetings whilst Belle Vue, Kent, Leicester and Armadale obviously have PL/CL fixtures that take priority and couldn't fit in the extra meetings. The U21 qualifiers and the Riders Championship/Fours/Pairs also went to Mildenhall, Plymouth and IOW to give them the extra meetings they wanted. I'm sure those 3 would be happy to have Newcastle included as well

The NL Trophy currently has IOW, Plymouth and Mildenhall (1 home, 1 away) so if Newcastle were accepted they'd have 3 home meetings and some lengthy travelling. The NL AGM statement also mentions new rules for trophy meetings; * Immediately prior to the meeting, the away team manager will select two races between Heats 5 and 12 inclusive where the highest-averaged rider from each team in that race will start from a 15-metre handicap. * Between Heats 5 and 12 inclusive (except for the races pre-selected as above), an additional tactical option is available to a team six or more points in arrears who can, on one occasion, select gate positions for the following race.

Neighbour hotline Resident: Hello Mr Osbourne, it's the speedway making that noise again! Osbourne: I'm on my way..

Having a quick look through the channels yesterday during a break in the cricket, would I be correct in thinking I spotted the Warriors logo as one of the sponsors at the BDO Darts?

Agree with that. Schlein is clearly still good enough to be a number 1 in this league and probably will be soon after the season starts so I don't see it as a problem. Until then BWD might find it a bit of a struggle away at first but at home he'll be fine there. Overall it might be a bit much to ask him to keep that average but I think he'll have a good year and finish close to 8.00

Stoneman had some decent scores after joining, would expect him to be able to put a healthy increase on his average given a full year. How much is left now?

Barker has the potential to increase that average but you know at some point he'll get injured/do something stupid. Not sure it's worth the risk tbh

Bates has the potential to increase that average but you know at some point he'll get injured/do something stupid. Not sure it's worth the risk tbh

Great to see Nicki back, well done to Sheffield

Given Len Silver's reputation in his Rye House days I'm surprised we've had over 30 minutes since the announcement and his team hasn't been named yet!

Rob Godfrey taking over from Chapman.. Hopefully Newcastle can sort their problems out and take their place. Interesting that Plymouth's application to move up has been turned down, I'm assuming that's so the NL doesn't get left with not enough teams. Or possibly promoted if Newcastle don't run?

I see some of the comments refer to the sport not being good for the climate. Rightly or wrongly that's something that is likely to be brought up in future whenever a stadium is looking to open/re-open/get permission to have extra meetings etc. And unless there is an apparent plan to become more environmentally friendly I suspect this will become a big problem.

Don't see the point in making these changes at all, there was nothing wrong as it was. I assume if the European champion already qualifies through finishing in the top 6 of the GPs or via the challenge that 2nd in the Euros will get that place?

Is the Olympics really going to be a problem? 7.30pm here will be 3.30am in Japan so it would only be highlights that possibly could clash

https://gbspeedwayteam.com/news/speedway-queen-natalie-backs-screen-tests Possibly hinting that BT are looking to show future test matches

I agree with that but there still isn't an excuse for the poor camera work in recent weeks. Showing the leader well clear whilst there's a good battle in 3rd/4th, focusing on empty track for 5 seconds etc is basic stuff. But yes, overall I'd prefer to stay with BT who've done a good job for the sport. Constantly having to change the schedule during these play-offs clearly wouldn't have been ideal for them. And advertising during other big events such as the Champions League was certainly a bonus, I don't recall Sky ever doing that. Eurosport as you suggest don't exactly have a good reputation, I guess we'll just have to wait and see how they handle things. Yes she worked on National League football for BT before.

Congrats to Swindon, expected them to win comfortably over the 2 legs but not by quite as much. Ipswich were pretty poor but in truth this Swindon side is just incredibly strong and far better than the Witches.