STEVEHOLS54

Good feedback Skidder and thanks for your imput. Our exchange is what the Forum is all about. Sensible and intelligent debate on the various aspects of our club currently. I know you are both a loyal and enthusiastic supporter as well as a sponsor. Long may people like you be involved in our sport. You are correct in your last paragraph. Matt was faced with a 2 fold issue for 2019. One being having to lose I think it was 2.64 points and secondly having to look at cost as we know that while in a perfect World we want the best up and coming Worlds riders we also have to look at the costs associated with flying them in each week and all the associated expenses at the clubs cost. Something I assume we do not have to do with riders based here such as Holder Jr & Kurtz. You can never please everyone on the team selection with the situation we have on points limit and costs. However yes Matt has done well to put together a side which I personally think will be competitive and thankfully for once we do not have people saying we will win the league/wipe the floor with the opposition. Think I would prefer we go in without too much expectation other than holding our own and then let's see how the season develops. On a slightly negative I see yet again Brady blew an A final by coming last. For some reason both last season and this he seems incapable of putting it together when it matters and also as far as Aussie is concerned in the last 2 seasons he seems incapable of beating Tungate on Aussie tracks unless Tungate falls or gets excluded. He really needs to sort out this big race choking he seems to have. Okay I will grant the fact that on this track it was suited to the inside gaters but both Fricke (almost 99% now Aussie Champ) and Tungate made sure they won most of the qualifiers to bag those gates. I won't read too much into Aussie form but it does seem a repetitive problem with Brady. Hopefully though both him and Jack Holder will qualify for the SGP qualifiers although have no idea how many qualify from the final scorers over the 5 meetings. Maybe someone knows ??

Sundstrom may also be a bit more desperate to ride UK again. He has lost his team in POL Nice 1 for 2019 after their dodgy boss was refused a racing licence thus dumping plenty of decent riders without a team after the POL transfer window closed and all teams were filled andseemed happy. Believe he is talking to several other clubs but as it stands he only has Sweden. He dropped to a decent av at Poole but not one you can rely on. Will do a decent job with reasonable heat leaders in the side but wouldn't like to bank on him when needed. Still his GSA makes him a decent proposition if not too costly as no doubt flights/equip/mechanics/accomodation costs do rack up. Even Poole have had to reduce cost in that area.

I was waiting for that :-) I don't doubt that Poole has some good sponsors. However the loss of the main team sponsor and at least 2 other regular one's is a concern. Can we stop kidding ourselves Skidder. In any other season I think Matt would have snapped up both Woryna & Jakobsen. The fact remains money is tight at Poole and Matt has had to reign in expenditure for 2019. The combination of major team sponsor loss (plus the others) and no doubt trying to balance the books for a possible sale must have an effect. The facts remain we may be the only club without a Major Team Sponsor. Yes we have others but we should do. Dorset is one of the most affluent areas of the UK, and historically in the modern era of top flight speedway in UK, Poole have been the main team. Yet we have not attracted a main sponsor for 2019. I can't even think of any football club in any of the 4 main leagues in England who doesn't have a main team sponsor. The obvious question is why when it is such a rich area. You have to think that the possible departure of the most successful Promoter of the last 15 years has to have something to do with it, unless big biz locally just doesn't want to have such a major association with the sport down in Dorset. All we need now is another embarrassing announcement that the team will be in race bibs again to compound it all. It is wrong imo that a club like Poole does not have team kevlars. What message does that send the sport around Europe. Important ??? - For you maybe not, but its as much about image and looking professional . Let's hope local biz digs deep if Ford can't afford it again which wouldn't surprise me after least season and his bemoaning of the situation before a wheel is turned. If he or they don't invest in kevlars then it sends it's own message in my book. Of course Matt may be thinking of the revolving door scenario again next season after the rider changes for various reasons this. Fortunately most if not all other Prem teams and even Champ teams don't think that way when kitting out their riders. Hope I am wrong and team kevlars are purchased somehow.

We may not have the obvious big guns, but I am sure we will get our share of points in those 2 heats and sometimes its not always about 5-1's. Getting 3-3 can be equally important especially away from home. Anyway Matt is well known for shaking things up if it's not working, although this season could be different depending on club's situation at the time. Hopefully he won't have to but you can never legislate for both injuries and or loss of form, irrespective of how a team looks on paper in January. As for the Prem trophy. Yes we did but with an incredible chunk of luck and good fortune due to injuries and worse possible time for Somerset and K.Lynn. I think we used up most if not all of our 9 lives during last season ;-)

I know its a different league, but nothing but positives coming out of Eastbourne Eagles . Read their latest website release re new major sponsorship's and more exciting announcements (their words) to come out. Seems some on the wealthier South Coast resorts businesses are prepared to invest locally in their club. Which begs the question how come an affluent area like Dorset has not had a major team sponsor come forth for Poole. One can't help but think that the fact Ford is looking to get out of the biz is linked somehow, similar to those 2/3 companies who have chosen not to renew sponsorship. Before the usual sponsor jumps on the wagon, yes I know some local companies do sponsor, but the fact is more seem to be leaving with little to none joining. I wonder how many Prem teams will not have a team sponsor this year. One maybe ??

I still think the key for Poole in 2019 is Kurtz. He came to Europe well before Holder who stayed in Aussie to complete studies or finish an apprenticeship (cant remember which). Kurtz came to DK in 2013 and raced and lived there. Then started UK in 2014. Jack started in Europe (UK) 2015 so a fair bit after Brady. Many have been saying for at least 2 years they thought Jack would become the better rider long term although initially I didn't agree. I think maybe they are right. Perhaps Jack has that bit of an arrogant streak you need as a rider where Brady maybe too much a nice guy ?? Brady at times looked brilliant in 2017 and although excuses were made about him not ready for number 1 in 2018 he still didn't look the same rider as 2017. I made comments that maybe the pressure's of now doing the weekly commute UK/SWE/POL for the first time doing all 3 may have taken its toll on the guy. Ok saying they are professional Speedway riders but at 21 as he was not everyone automatically can take on all the travel/flying/driving to & from tracks & hotel stay overs etc immediately. I would hope that Brady arrives back in Europe suitably refreshed as although not number 1 now, a rider of his class should still be banging in big scores in our weakened league. His drop of form was alarming last season going from 8.08 at the start down to 6.75 on 1st Oct GSA's. He needs to get back to his previous form or I feel we could have issues. I attach no pressure to Jack Holder as it's only circumstances that pushes him into the number 1 slot and he still needs time.

At least being all Aussies we have the benefit of all 3 riding in UK along with young Lidsey who shows promise. Be interesting to see how all 4 develop in coming seasons.

Yes he did. Sorry i forgot that. Which makes the fact he is not moving forward like Max a bit concerning (as a Poole Supporter). It could be either he is not as good as Max (and maybe Holder jr going forward) or he is just developing a bit slower.

Come on Skidder. The Poole forum has been filled with non speedway related items posted on here these last few weeks, so we need to get back on to subject. This supposed to be Poole 2019 topic. You would hardly believe it with whats been on here recently. A few posters were questioning why Matt has not gone after Lidsey or Becker, with comments such as was Matt slipping. Perhaps those posters were not aware of why Matt cannot compete in these areas in the current climate, which was why he couldn't sign promising young riders Woryna or Jackobsen who at least had the benefit of riding UK so had some experience.

I have been monitoring both Max and Brady Kurtz closely for some years now. Being a Poole supporter I seriously thought Kurtz was going to overtake Max when he burst on to the scene in his first full season at Somerset in 2014. Max being 6 months older (both still only 22) has had the benefit of one season more due to his 6 month age advantage, having started in 2013. However Max has won 4 x Aussie U21 titles - plus 1 x World U21 title and is mighty close to winning his first Aussie Senior title in a stronger field with Chris Holder back there and with Tungate/Holder Jr and Kurtz all having supposedly improved in the Aussie Champ over the last 2/3 years. Max even had the delight of being in 3 league winning teams in POL (Nice 1) - SWE Elite and Danish Elite Leagues in the same season a couple of years ago. Not too many can boast that achievement at his age. Max may still have some issues with some of the UK tracks at times (I know Poole wasn't one of his fav in the past), but the stats don't lie. He is pushing on and Brady still has a lot of convincing to do and my fear is he could be another Morris. OK but falls short of the very top drawer. Got away with it with Leszno last season in a league winning side which partly covered some of his low scores. In Poole it showed up big time as he went backwards big time. Max started young but he is progressing at a good rate and think both Belle Vue and Wroclaw have a good rider who is progressing well (let's not forget he isn't 23 until 29th March so a whole career still in front). Looks best at the present of the 3 in Holder Jr/B.Kurtz and Fricke.

Simple - A common theme - Lack of money and Ford wanting to show a positive balance in trying to sell the Club. Still early days I know but no news on any sign of a team sponsor or any other major sponsorship having lost 2 I believe ex prominent ones. At a time he wants to sell out this must be his worse ever situation on sponsorship, even if there are other sponsors still involved. Bottom line is still less money at the club unless he wants to get into debt which little chance of with his new biz venture and wanting to balance the books for any potential sale. The facts don't lie and even Matt has at least been in the main fairly honest about the situation. No Woryna or Jakobsen and money is the real reason with a little window dressing on points remaining in case of Woryna, but we all know its mainly lack of finance for expensive flights for riders/mechanics as well as accommodation (bearing in mind he is moving abroad). In the case of Becker I assume there would have been the question of flights/accommodation/mechanics etc as he is based in Sweden like Hancock. Of course the USA connection with Wolves may also have had a bearing. In case of Lidsey probably similar as he will be based in Poland and is even learning Polish. Again in his case may be the Aussie connection with Lemon who may be helping him out. Bottom line is though I am sure Ford want's to avoid the expense, especially as both will be learning and finding their feet in their first UK season, irrespective of what they may be doing in POL & with Lidsey the Aussie Champ. If he wanted young exciting riders with potential he already had 2 with track records of riding UK in Wory/Jakobsen. We just have to accept it is what it is and this is one time Matt cannot afford the best up and coming. Bit different with Holder & Kurtz as Matt has the benefit of Middlo supplying accommodation at Middlo Towers where Brady also shares with big bro Todd. They even get to pay Middlo rent being UK based . Maybe similar arrangement with Holder if brother Chris had some input with Matt/Middlo ?? In effect both UK based with no massive expense on the Poole books even if they both fly to POL & SWE in 2019 which assume is their cost. On subject of Brady Kurtz - Can't help thinking Brady using the Aussie Champ just to keep fit for his all important POL team & to qualify for the SGP qualifiers. Unless he blows that as well, which he may well do at the current rate of performance. You look at his performances in the Aussie Champ and an independent observer might think he is going backwards in development, (Aussie Champ 2016) but suppose he will be judged by his performances in POL/SWE and the poorer paying UK League which must be his main priority I suppose.

You would think doing DK (has to race in DK League in order to continue to get into SGP qualifying rounds by qualifying from DK Individual Championships) - POL and SWE plus factor in the SGP itself now he has secured a place in 2019, would give him plenty on his plate. I would have thought UK not such a priority now. The rumours that circulated from someone on the Forum about him moving to DK with his partner/child ?? certainly pointed to the decision near enough making itself, but then someone said he posted he was back from a long vacation so nobody seems to know for sure if he plans to race here or not. Suppose we will only find the real answer when KL & Ips finally announce their teams.

Of course what none of us know is what bikes are these guys using in Aussie. Could Chris be using his POL engines. I assume they get new one's for the new POL season with all the money and sponsorship involved. Would have thought POL tuned engines more suited to the Aussie tracks. Similar questions apply to say Jack and Brady. In Chris's case I am sure he wants to get back into SGP as quick as possible so may have taken his best available engines to give him best shot ?? Of course it could have a bearing on a riders form if he wasn't on his best engine/s so always difficult to judge the form. Also can't judge how Aussie form will translate to UK next season on different tracks. Both Tungate & Kurtz had very in and out UK seasons. Below were last seasons results. Brady worries me a bit. I know only 2 meetings gone and 3 to go but needs to start performing as looks like top 5/6 gets you into the SGP qualifiers. Holder Jr/Masters & Kurtz lie 4/5/6 after 2 rounds. Competitor Kurri Kurri Undera Mildura Gillman Series 6/01/2018 10-01-18 12-01-18 14-01-18 Total Rohan Tungate 18 17 10 17 62 Brady Kurtz 12 15 18 15 60

Anyway back to Poole riders..... Looks like neither Kurtz or Holder jr will win the Aussie Champ and that's only after 2 of the 5 rounds. Holder Jr has been steady and Brady has blown hot & cold (same old inconsistencies) and once again blew it when making a A Final. Finished last of the 4 riders. The one guy who is doing well is the still class act Chris Holder who won todays meeting' with 17 from 6 rides incl winning the A Final. Shares the lead after 2 meetings with Fricke and Tungate. Can't see Holder Jr or Kurtz making up the shortfall in the last 3 meetings. Need to also get their skates on if they want to qualify for the SGP qualifiers. Not sure how many in the final rankings over the 5 meetings qualify through.

Think to many of us get caught up in the next young Aussie talent synopsis. He isn't so young at 23 although some do start later. he was for ages arguably in the league's best team so one would have thought he would have achieved more but pretty much stood still form wise although did have some decent meetings. It could be that he turns out to be just another ok Aussie of which we have had many. Hold there own to a degree in Champ but don't always push on in Prem. Time will tell. NBJ did quite well last season and impressed for sure in a few meeting for Leicester at end of season as Guest. Could be a bit of a surprise at reserve and the good thing is that many will not be heaping large expectancy on the guy. Last season most Poole Fans thought Spaniak would wipe the floor with his GSA at reserve having topped the POL Nice 1 av the end of season 2017. How wrong most of us were. NBJ also being looked after by Howe in UK which will help him further as believe he will also mechanic for him. Hopefully both Covatti and NBJ will hold there own at reserve and could also be reasonable replacements for any issues in the main team. P.S: Not sure if anyone reported on here (haven't seen anything) but Covatti won the Argentinean Championship the other day with just 1 defeat in 7 rides. Was only beaten by one rider in heats but got revenge in the Final. Ok so it's not World Class but you can only beat whats put up against you.

Aaahhh the usual conspiracy theorists are out even on this fast becoming cold xmas eve I think the reality is that May told his mate Ford immediately after season finish (and maybe even before) in confidence that he had every intention of dropping into the Champ in 2019 as he was losing too much money in Prem. Nothing wrong in that and it's between promotors in effect (plus it never leaked to my knowledge before the AGM). Based on that Matt may well have opened discussions with both Covatti and Allen (think he was already well ahead in getting Jack Holder back even before that being an asset and also using Chris no doubt to help broker a deal to get Jack back at Poole). He knew both would be decent reserve signings plus on paper one would have thought relatively inexpensive with no flying in and out costs & Hotel costs for the riders/mechanics. Of course as we have guessed since, Allen perhaps wanted more and had 1/2 other offers so no doubt felt he could hold for the best deal he could get (one can't blame him). Matt had a budget which was under pressure with sponsor situation and I assume said no and moved on to either Rasmus Jensen (possibly with all the rumours) and eventually NBJ - who I feel just maybe a surprise. At least we don't have the Spaniak expectation this time around on his POL Nice 1 topping av in 2017 which meant nothing ultimately on UK tracks as was evidenced. Matt Ford is well known for planning riders well in advance for the following season even before current season ends. If he was party to the info re Somerset then nothing wrong in at least talking to riders, especially as plenty of them would like the comfort of a guaranteed place in a team such as Poole. Covatti had already impressed Ford around Poole so Matt felt he might be a steal at reserve on his GSA. Time will judge on that one.

Maybe we will never know. I thought Allen would be nailed on based on the Somerset connection and Ford/May get on well (I think). Getting Holder back and Covatti led me to think Allen was the obvious step as UK based in Summer plus already had his Champ side sorted. Factor in he is an Aussie and many believe a possible emerging talent made it seem obvious. You would have thought it was obvious, but Matt did indicate one rider was asking too much, but suppose we won't find out if it was Allen or one of the now signed team ??? We all know the finance is not great so MAYBE that was a factor in final decision. Matt is the master of positive PR so won't linger on riders we didn't sign, instead playing up the positives who have. Someone like NBJ could be a surprise when viewing some of his scores from last season incl those impressive guest appearances for Leicester at the season end. Having Howe looking after him in UK could also be a plus but only time will tell us that.

Honestly Gav. When you don't allow yourself to get wound up you indeed post sensible and fairly informed opinion. Some of my fellow form contributors may forget your thoughts from last season where some thought Poole would wipe the floor with the opposition with the named team, yet you warned of caution with some of the fairly untried riders like Woryna/Spaniak on UK tracks. Also the fact that Brady was not a proven number one. Keep the opinions/posts coming mate as there is a lot of sense in your comments about riders. Don't disagree on Josh & Klindt but would be surprised and disappointed if Richie doesnt improve his av IF he is likely to swing in and out of reserve where there may be some easier points available. His GSA does not lie. It is what it is, but for me the deciding factors in his favour will hopefully be 1) His new biz is now set up and apparently going well and 2) Going in and out of the reserve berth if one or both reserves improve their av. On that final note for this festive period can I wish all you guys & Girls a Very Happy Christmas and happy Forum Posting for 2019

Interesting that a few contributors are writing Poole off as play off contenders even before a wheel is turned from April. Must admit find it quite a refreshing change that some are saying we are nowhere near the best team named. It kind of lifts the pressure a bit for a change . I am quite happy we have a team which has got both experienced riders who hopefully will give steady performance plus potentially exciting young riders who have so much scope to improve. Additionally we have reserves who can switch in and out of the main team during the season with their replacements also capable of being strong reserves. Of course there are other teams with what on paper looks perhaps stronger top 4 riders, but some are weaker further down. Hopefully things will even out and we end up with an exciting League even if we are short of World Class quality. From what I have seen from some of the SWE League racing, some of these top guys don't always perform that great week in and out, and makes me feel at times they use these midweek meetings more to keep up racing practice for the beloved POL league who are their main paymasters as well as for things like the SGP/SEC.

Matt Ford said his form dipped due to setting up his new biz. That is behind him now and it's running well according to the press release. Factor in that he could go in and out of reserve depending on how the other 2 guys perform. If he does I am sure that in itself would push his av up during the season. If he does float in and out of the reserve slot would not surprise me to see him get around the 6.25/6.50 mark which would be better than his starting GSA

Think many are disappointed Woryna/Jakobsen are not back. However think there are various factors as to why not, but the obvious one is probably for the first time Ford has a financial dilemma. Firstly I assume the loss of a Team Sponsor plus 2 other prominent ones not renewing is a dent in available finance. This is also Ford's last intended season and no doubt he wants to avoid the financial nightmare of last season after the big meeting washout plus other meetings. Seems Matt cannot afford Woryna's demands and also as with Jakobsen, flying both in plus mechanics can't be cheap. Additionally Ford had to shave 2.64 off the team av for 2019. That was going to be difficult when also trying to cut cost. First to go was Harris as his uplifted GSA made the decision easier, plus arguably got a better long term prospect in Jack Holder who is already an asset, also on a lower GSA. Had he been even able to afford both of the promising youngsters he would have had to look at offloading maybe other riders and replacing with low GSA riders at say reserves. This way he has got a team with relevant strength in depth and without all the expense of the Pole/Dane, neither who were necessarily guaranteed to up their av by much anyway as almost certainly Woryna would not go back at reserve again where he stacked up points and Jakobsen would have had to go into the main team to allow low GSA riders to fill the reserve slots to get within points limit. For sure an element of risk involved but its a difficult juggling act with not so much money around and also having to get down on points limit for 2019 by 2.64. No doubt if things are not working out he will change things as in previous seasons. But they deserve a chance first as may prove some doubters wrong. I for one hope they do.

Yes but as the article said in the Bournemouth Echo, Jakobsen had a couple of offers from other teams in UK, BUT if he was not used he MAY consider using him mid season if things are not working out in the team.

Think you are spot on and nice to see a level headed approach. I think Panthers fans will have plenty of entertainment in 2019 and think sides will have difficulty picking up points at yours. May surprise some away and with strength throughout the side think they will be hopefully well placed to pinch points away.

I agree and just like THJ who showed so much potential at one stage, UK teams have hardly come a knocking to sign them (unless one of the Prem sides have done a deal and not announced yet). If neither get signed then at least its a sign that clubs are spending more diligently within their means, although Swindon with the Lampart still baffles me a bit although Rosco may know something we don't ;-)

Sorry Skidder you are correct. However we all know with his POL family background he also gave up on Champ and put a lot of time effort and expense to finally try and make an effort to break into POL on his new POL Licence last season. Was not a great success despite him constantly flying out there (living out of ruck sack by his own admission) and doing lots of practice/testing etc. Did not help that track was not ready so they had to ride a lot of away tracks, but even so he struggled a lot and if I am not incorrect his team dropped him and he signed for what now seems like the ill fated Stahl Rsez. Talk about dropping a bomb. At least Morris who is in a similar situation has a SWE deal to fall back on. Let's hope that both get fixed up asap as we all know POL pays well (when the club and its owner pay up that is). Josh also needs the regular racing. When you hear the likes of Klindt did close to 100 meetings, it shows that if you only have UK with 24/28 meetings plus a few guest appearances, these top guys need a lot more meetings.