STEVEHOLS54

More than offset no doubt by those the club are getting in from rider assets staying in Prem with other clubs this coming season. I would love to see 2 young Aussies come in on top of Josh Mac. Problem is are Poole looking for a league winning team or are they looking to build an asset base and have these young Aussies with a view to the future. Say for example we signed Keleher (who seems the obvious choice of what is openly available and probably the fav based on his comments about ready to do Uk )and then combine with any one of Kennedy (personally doubt he would be the choice) or one of the up and coming youngsters such as Gilmore/Jed List or another young up and coming 17 year old Jacob Hook. Hook just beat List in an exciting Final U21 meeting recently and both look potential young talents as List only recently turned 18 in Nov. If you factor in an exciting looking Gilmore at 19 - plus he is signed for next 2 years by Steiner (POL Lge 2 - Leszno's nursery club) - plus he did well in the few meetings he rode for them in 2019 when on a short visit to Europe. Would the problem not be that we would have a long tail with Nielsen/Josh Mac plus another 2 Aussies ??. Some riders with poss exciting futures but we could pay dearly in some meetings and in our attempt to make the play offs. The flip side is we only have (to my knowledge based on the official final GSA's) 8.97 left anyway which means we cant sign a 5 pointer and a 4 pointer anyway (by 0.03) which kind of narrows the options. As for the comment from someone about Todd Kurtz plus say Hume, I personally think that will be more of an enforced situation on what's left available as Kurtz is the near enough only established Champ rider (besides Bjerre) not to have signed for a Champ team. Not an easy one as comes down to do you want to see 2 young Aussies with potential to improve or a steady 5 pointer (which is all Kurtz is) plus a N/L rider to squeeze into the 8.97 left available. Of course the other BIG question on the Aussies is do they want to come over (besides Keleher/Kennedy who are 26/21) when so young. We know List only lasted a few weeks in 2019 before being emptied but he was only 17 and maybe a bit unfair as perhaps not ready and so far from home. He looked fast in the U21 meeting going 5 rides unbeaten and only just lost to Hook in the Final.

Looking at the 4 round Aussie Champs there is realistically only 2 riders to choose from. The others are either Prem riders or Holder Snr. Of the remaining there is only Keleher (may or may not be ok but at 26 having returned to the sport thre would be reservations and he has mainly been beating inferior level riders). Medsen who I think is not as good as Keleher and Morrison who arguably is not good enough period. The only other would be Gilmore but disappointingly he was only named as one of 3 reserves over the 4 meetings. He has been injured and may well be focusing on the single meeting Aussie U21 title which is only one meeting and has to overcome Lidsey going for his third title. Gilmore having signed in POL for Leszno nursery club for the next 2 years would be my choice IF he were available to come over at 19. The obvious one has to be Keleher who has openly stated on social media he is ready for UK. Poole have one big problem with this in that if he (or another Aussie) came in on 4 it only leaves 4.87 which is virtually nothing left for a decent rider, meaning almost certainly we have to go down the N/L rider route (or what is available) meaning a long tail for the team which could cost them. I just wish they could have convinced Lasse Bjerre to have signed on what looks like a false low AV as he has been a 7 to 8.5 rider in the 6 seasons prior to last season.

Maybe they are checking back on the Ancestry.co.uk site to check if there is someone in there somewhere . Suppose patience is the what word while they check who may/may not be available to finish those 2 last slots.

One Aussie I would like to see in our team is Matthew Gilmore who looks best of the young crop coming out. Only 19 has already showed flashes in his short flying trip to POL in 2019. Has won a World youngster title in Europe and is already signed up for Leszno Nursery team for the next 2 years. Is he ready for Uk yet. Well if POL willing to accept him with open arms you sometimes have to take a punt. A similar route to Lidsey maybe.

Andersen not for me. At 27 not really progressing and arguably we might as well sign Kurtz and get a better quality reserve. Think Kurtz may also get 2.5% reduction having ridden in old N/L but not 100% sure. Still wouldn't want either option. There was a rumour not long ago that Haertel might sign for KL or Ippo (his previous Uk team) in Prem but havent heard any more. Is he that good?? as we didnt get a real chance to see although he only achieved a 4 in those matches he did ride. Think there are better 5 point young foreigners but like everything, do any of them want to do UK ?? Think the Ford's have their work cut out on this one which may mean it drags on a while before concluding. It would concern me though like you if we were to end up with a long tail in the team.

I agree on the Bjerre front. Not sure what money being thrown at him but heard was a good offer. The big problem is WHAT could we get at 5 i.e a proven young Dane or Czech who showed what they can do in the World U21 Finals is one risk but an untried/unproven Young Dane is quite another. Suppose what a dead on 5 gives us is a choice from the proven N/L H/L such as Morley/Woods/Hume followed by Kinsley & Bowtell. The first 3 would in the main beat many/most of the N/L reserves named in Champ which along with Josh Mac would still give a decent reserve pairing. The last 2 named should at least beat as many as get beaten on any given week against these N/L riders. The other issue we have even if we wanted 2 Aussie reserves is that we would be 0.07 short for a 5 point assessed rider which is again frustrating but that's the rules.

I am also hopeful it is not Kurtz as like you I agree he has never pushed on and is what he is which is a just over 5 point rider. The problem we have IF Bjerre doesn't want to ride here (which is the last rumour I heard knocking around) is that there only seems to be Kurtz left who rode here in 2019 and even then it leaves us short of a 4 point rider in the last reserve slot. It would be a shame as Bjerre has proved he can be a 7 plus and even 8 point rider looking at his av all the way back to 2013 which is 7 seasons and remember he is still only 26. Last season was a blip in a poor Newcastle team so that is 1 season out of 7 he has been below a 7 to 8 point av. We do not have to my knowledge any of the World Class young U21 finalist riders willing to come here without issues of mechanic/bikes/high commuting and living costs associated with all the travel. Any of those on a 5 would still leave us 0.03 short of a 4 point rider in the last reserve slot although appreciate there are at least 3/4 decent N/L heat leaders not signed up yet to Champ clubs. Not sure if Matt/Danny are having a problem filling that last but oh so important slot which really could make the difference in 2020. Would be happy to hear on any decent rider/s who may be close to signing as if its not Bjerre than maybe Bowtell will not be on the agenda, as Alfie would have just fitted with Bjerre's arguably falsely low av by his standards. A change to a 5 point spot on rider would arguably give better 2nd reserve options. Just an opinion of course.

I think that even if Poole top 3 are matched the important team winning could come down at the reserve area. Macdonald finished the season at Sheffield in the more difficult 2 slot and looking at many of the reserves in Champs he could well add to his current GSA in a short period of time. If Bowtell were signed, then as a H/L in N/L in 2018 and also having ridden for Eastbourne 2019 and done ok before injury, he could take plenty of points off a lot of the other N/L riders coming in at reserve. Many who are still in early stages of their careers. Bowtell also seems to be improving each season he starts. Bearing in mind he only started with Rye House and Mildenhall in N/L 2015/16. Ultimately and as we all know, the Leagues are not won in the first 6 months of the season. The important thing is to keep in the top 6 for the all important play offs. Win your home matches and pick up points as you can away form home. Such a team should be more than capable of picking up 1/2/3 and even the odd 4 pointer away which would be sufficient to qualify as long as they perform at home and hopefully stay relatively injury free. Especially in the case of both Worrall and Nielsen who have taken a few knocks last 2/3 seasons. Bjerre is an 8 point potential rider in a settled team if you look at his stats in 2017/18. Providing he sets his mind to i,t as I would argue that at 5.87 in team that was close to the bottom all season, he is well capable of better and his historical av even shows it.

This interesting little snippet from Plymouth wedsite the other day which would be encouraging if we do sign him with the points that would be left available should Bjerre sign. Excuse the capitals as just cut & pasted accross. WE ARE VERY EXCITED THEREFORE TO ANNOUNCE THE SIGNING OF ALFIE BOWTELL WHO WAS RUNNER-UP IN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP IN HIS MOST RECENT NDL SEASON IN 2018, WHERE HE AVERAGED OVER 9 POINTS PER MEETING FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT. ALFIE SPENT LAST SEASON; MOSTLY IN THE TOP 5 OF CHAMPIONSHIP SIDE EASTBOURNE EAGLES; AND HAD THE DISTINCTION OF BEATING SOME TOP NAMES IN THAT SPELL BEFORE A KNEE INJURY IN LATE AUGUST HEADING SUCH ILLUSTRIOUS NAMES AS CRAIG COOK AND SCOTT NICHOLLS ON THEIR HOME TRACKS. Of course his signing would probably be determined by what happens on the other signing.

I think I know who he is and its frustrating as the guy has the ability to add at least 1 if not 2 points to his av, based on proven form in the past. Also have an idea on the 7 but I suppose you need the first to sign, in order to sign up the second otherwise its maybe back to the think tank. The untried 5 is always a risk but it does allow the possibility of maybe one of 3 or so decent N/L heat-leaders who are not yet signed up to Champ sides who have also ridden Champs last season. All 3 plus the one that MIGHT be earmarked are capable of beating most of the other N/L reserves announced with other Champs sides on their day. I wonder if our target rider at 4 is trying to secure a Prem team slot (as not announced in any Prem team yet) before deciding if he wants to ride UK in 2020 in Champs alone rather than double up ?? Just a thought.

Welcome back Steve. Any thoughts/ideas of who our last 2 riders might be as a number of ideas seemed to have come and gone or may be being considered. With most riders in Champ now signed up, not a lot left unless Poole try to get involved in an untested on Uk tracks import which would have thought unlikely if a main team sponsor not signed up yet.

Well can think of at least one who could add at least 1 if not 2 points to his av if anyone cares to do a bit of stats digging. Also has proven form in both leagues . Makes us a bit weaker at reserve but well worth the trade off imo.

Could well be. Would just be nice to have a proper clarification. It's all I was seeking and not as a certain individual seems to indicate that we are trying to look for an angle to cheat the system all the time. But that's my last words on that particular matter, as not into supplying fuel for certain individuals who are not so interested in sensible team debate Hopefully we will get some news soon on who our number 4 will be so that we can then delve into the stats to see who may be our last signing (besides hopefully Ellis that is). As I see it there are a few options - Grondal (if that avenue has not closed) - Maybe worth it if he does qualify for any reduction but if not my opinion would be no as maybe we can get better 5 or 5 plus options. I see two decent established 5 plus pointers not yet announced in Champs but which one would affect which reserve options are open. Or someone like Hansen who would be dead on 5 but would still leave us just shy of 4 but can open up near enough all Brit options left after their 2.5% reduction. Unfortunately as it stand only the Grondal with reduction would have left a 4 point Aussie option but there you go. Whichever way you get either maybe a few extra points in the main team but a bit weaker reserve pairing or a bit less in the main team but probably a stronger points pairing in reserve with 2 Aussies.

I am happy to accept whichever av is correct. Just wanted someone to explain why there is a discrepancy. Even emailed SGB for clarification as to how/why but not replied. If balance after say Ellis (If signed) is 8.96/97 then fine by me. I don’t want to cheat just get an accurate idea of points left in playing the who we might try and sign game. If below 9 balance then it closes off some possible team combos and opens up others. stop being an idiot in thinking everyone who likes Poole wants to cheat. More than happy to abide by the team building rules

Maybe but then we are still agonisingly just a few pips short of 4 points for another young Aussie based on the official final GSA sheets despite the fact that 3 of our riders have a lower av on the actual SGB averages. Still cannot understand why when I read that the final GSA sheet is drawn from the same info by the same guy. For example why is Ellis shown as 8.00 on the final GSA but on the 20 match rolling av he is shown as 7.96 (both less 2.5% as a Brit). Same with Macdonald and Worrall. If its the same guy compiling both why is there a discrepancy on all 3 ??? (all lower on the 20 match rolling GSA on the SGB statistics pages). I only raise it as when you are just short of 9 points balance by 0.03 or 0.04 it makes a difference in team planning.

Not so sure meaning maybe not Grondal ??. Maybe meaning he maybe can't get any reduction, meaning a rethink as we would then not be able to fit another young Aussie in reserve slot. Maybe we are going down the decent established 5 pointer route with either a N/L or half decent double upper who rode both N/L & Champ as last reserve ?? Would help with a little expansion on what rumour is around based on your last comment.

Could do worse. Has been recommended by Dick Barrie in Aussie who also pointed some UK teams to go with Allen/Etheridge & Pickering in last few years. He also said mid Nov was ready for a UK contract but liSted every Chmp team imoji as to who it might be. Barrie said in SS that he has a style rarely seen on the bikes these days but would incl him in any team. Personally I would love to see MG come over as seems probably the best young talent at 19 and signed a new 2 year contract with Leszno Nursery Club after impressing in a few matches for them last season on flying visit. I see this boy having a future but intrigued as to why he missed his state U21 Champ today as was initially due to ride. Unless carrying a bit of an injury as missed his last rides in a meeting not long ago having been excluded from his last completed having won twice and second once. Maybe a fall and injured ??. Unfortunately only a reserve for the Aussie main Champs over 5 rounds BUT good chance of winning the U21 title in Jan which unfortunately only a single meeting. Either Would do well in the reserve slot with Macdonald looking at most of the Champ reserve pairings.

Of course as a Swindon fan who has gloated over Poole dropping to the Champ on many occasions during these cold/dark/Winter days, I assume you of course would not want any advantage for Poole be it legal or not. Fact is that all 3 riders you name rode multiple meetings for their sides from the UK season start 2019 before injury intervened. It could be argued (and I am not for one minute say its true or fact) that Grondal was NOT fit or recovered from his serious 2018 injury to start or be considered for a full UK season starting in March but had recovered a little more to do a restricted season in DK starting in May. Depends on what you classify as injured. One of the reports of his crash at Peterborough stated he received a fractured pelvis - badly bruised ribs - Muscle damage and a blood clot. A further update from hospital stated he also had a punctured lung plus internal bleeding. Perhaps enough there to have put any rider off going for a comprehensive speedway schedule in order to fully recover from such nasty injuries. Don't forget he only did some meetings in DK NOT a full schedule. I assume he is in Aussie trying to recover some fitness again for a 2020 fuller schedule. I am sure Matt Ford is not trying to cheat the system - merely working to the rules IF Grondal is entitled to a reduction under the injured rider rule IF it applies for when the 2019 UK season started. In this case Grondal did not start the season or take part in any pert of it. No doubt we will only find out if Grondal is actually signed and then if we get a 4 pointer in the the reserve slot. Only then we will probably find out that he recvd the ok from the relevant authorities to sign him on a small reduction. If not then I assume a N/L rider will be filling that last slot.

I also wonder if Poole would sign a rider on 5.04 knowing it would leave them possibly agonisingly short of 4 for the last slot. Also would surpise me a little if Matt Ford went for a rider who could not even command a UK place in 2019 when there are other possible better 5 point possibilities out there. Also maybe thinking is if he does not perform then you can always change during season but I would hope we don't have to go there. Of course it could be as Skidder noted down to money on offer to riders if working still with strict budget if no main team sponsor on the horizon. Or that some of the options don't want to do UK or can't secure mechanics/sponsors to cover the cost of it all.

Yep I checked all that in advance plus those he did ride in as was not incl in a good few of the matches. BUT was he injured when UK season started (or recovering still from his 2018 bad injury) which may be a reason he missed the Uk season meaning MAYBE he qualifies for a reduction. It's important because even if only 2.5% it would give Poole 4 for the last reserve slot which opens up more options, especially on the Aussie front, despite us already allegedly having one already who many seem to know who he is

Skidder - What chance do you think Matt getting a reduction for EG IF he was injured in 2019 or missed the season, 2.5% or is it 5% ?? Asking because if he is liable for even 2.5% then it leaves us just above the 4 meaning they could (if they wanted to) sign another young Aussie at reserve. I know you mentioned maybe one depending on how Aussie results go. Looking at the Aussie 5 round Champs between 4/11th Jan and the 16 riders announced (plus reserves), I can only see one rider really, who openly stated on twitter on 15/11 and as reported in S Star shortly after that he was ready for a contract in UK in 2020. That was ZK as MG is only in at reserve. I know MG has POL sorted for 2020 and would have been a contender for me as only 19.

Sorry Skidder you are so correct. I had a blonde moment but I had factored all 3 on the 2.5% reduction. Also took into a/c for our number 5 who also British (let's be honest near enough everyone knows now who he is). I also know who the 4 point (or 3.96) reserve is (no reduction due to nationality)depending on which stats are correct . There was a rumour that we were close to signing an exciting young World U21 talent and then another rumour that we may even have a better one lined up instead due to circumstances. However if the rider you now refer to is the same one that THJ has openly broken cover on via the Newcastle Forum today then that will be a poor replacement for the one I was hoping we would sign. Where Matt would get such an idea from God only knows as said rider didnt ride UK or POL in 2019 - wasn't that great in 2018 and last season in his home Country his scores were dire to say the least and seemingly was dropped from several meetings of what is a restricted league in regards to the volume of league meetings anyway. He also only rates still as a "D" class rider (below the A/B/C classes) which almost into his mid twenties I would see that as a very weak link in our team if we are that desperate. Also said rider has been pretty poor in the odd Aussie meeting he has done too date and I will be shocked if any improvement in his remaining tour meetings. But despite all those stats open to anyone willing to dig thru the various speedway sites would he really be seen as a progressive rider better than some of the World U21 maybe available (or maybe none of them are at what Poole are offering)?? Maybe I have missed something as a certain rider from same Country last year defied us all by upping both his Champ and Prem scores by lots which surprised some as of a similar kind of age. A rider I might add that a good few of us thought we had secured for 2018 only to be given the news that another of his inferior same Nationality mates had joined us. One that didnt see season end with us.

So Skidder you said on the Newcastle Forum that we only have to sign one rider with the others secured to be announced. Only the one ?? (or is it 2 still unresolved) and is your understanding if that is a reserve or main team spot still open. Many seem to know 5 of the riders, its the last 2 which is causing plenty of head scratching plus after those 5 do we have 8.97 left or just over 9 depending on which SGB stats are correct. Without naming names we have 3 of our riders (1 announced so far) where the Stats page show them below what the final GSA sheet states and I cannot get answers as to why, if the guy who does the SGB rolling stats shows a lower GSA than the final sheet then how come when its his stats used for the final GSA's in the first place ?? Reason this being important is if you sign a 5 rider you have 4 points left (if balance is 9) which is important as you can sign still a promising overseas young rider where if it is only 8.97 you fall agonisingly short forcing you into a N/L rider or very low Champ rider and most of the decent ones are gone.

Interesting little question from Ragdoll on the Glasgow thread. Hypothetical question......If Nicolai Klindt was to change his mind and ride in the Championship this year, what average would he come in on? Would it be a conversion of this year’s Premiership average of 7.43......or his 2018 Championship average which was 6.94? Anyone know the answer ???

Now we can start the name the team (to the new 41 point limit) and stop having to jump Forum between the Poole SGB Prem & Champ. Hopefully various teams will now start the trickle out of team news now the new limit is known. One thing I am not 100% on is do UK riders get a 2.5% or 5% reduction for the new season on their current GSA Or is it only a reduction (and at what %) if the rode in N/L in last few seasons. Hopefully someone will clarify as it helps in guessing who may/may not be coming in.