STEVEHOLS54
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Posts posted by STEVEHOLS54
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4 minutes ago, Gavan said:
yes
Yes. Something he has to eradicate but he is only 21.
On the positives every completed ride unbeaten in both rounds its just the EF/FALL/EXCL that probably have stopped him being top of the leader board.
Anyway its all good practice for 2018.
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13 minutes ago, poolebolton said:
Problem is Polish teams are getting richer and richer. Now have official bet sponsor for Torun for example.
Sparta has the biggest sponsorship for naming and it’s about £1million I believe.
Thats about the whole of GB speedway budget and it’s a title sponsor for one team.
That is probably not going to change in the next 20 years. If anything Speedway in UK will perhaps demise to a one league system where all the main riders will ride be at Champ or just above level.
Lets hope that it does keep and even improve its popularity in POL as that is the one country where in the main the sport is flourishing. While their is top money then ultimately it hopefully will attract top talent. I am happy for UK to play its part in rider development for the future even if the main and best riders get their main source of income from POL. Lets be realistic it just wont happen in UK.
If young foreign riders want to come here to improve their track skills fine with me as long as we keep plenty available for UK riders.
It would just be half decent though for our Polish friends to have made a decision by now considering how we bent over to meet them on fixed race days. Its not exactly rocket science to either say its lifted or its maintained, so why so long ??
I thought we had a special relationship with Poland considering how accommodating we are to the many who work & live here. A small reciprocal move to help assist the sport in UK for those riders who want to come here would be welcome ;-)
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13 minutes ago, stevebrum said:
Says someone who clearly doesn't go very often.
Says someone who clearly doesn't go very often.
For me, every Prem track has its part to play in the sport in the UK.
Riders need to adapt to the various tight turns etc as that is all part of getting the make up of a decent rider.
For me I am pleased and glad that plenty of riders view UK tracks as an important part of their Speedway development in honing their skills for things like the GP on the various tracks and conditions around Europe. From the current World Champ down in the SGP, most have had exposure to the UK and even Vaculik feels that Uk experience is something he needs to help improve his skills.
Let's not knock each others tracks too much. Yes there is a question over some of the preparation at times, some of the ruts/bumps/tight turns etc but that is part and parcel of British Speedway. The good riders overcome these problems and go on to progress using their experience of the UK as part of their knowledge and rise up the ranks.
There will always be some who knock Wolves or Poole or other tracks but that's the joy of the Sport here. Its good we see riders plying their trade on different size/shape tracks and surfaces and so what if some tracks give an advantage to home riders over others. For me it hasn't really changed that much in my 47 years of viewing speedway in UK.
Lets embrace what we have. If it was so bad would all of that talent over the years have ridden here. We are maybe now a breeding ground for nurturing future talent, but with the way the sport has shrunk in UK over the years and with all that is available for young people today as alternatives, lets all enjoy what we do have and not be so quickly to knock it.
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17 minutes ago, PHILIPRISING said:
PERHAPS the FIM will do something about the Poles and their self-imposed rules and continual moving of the goalposts. Incidehtally, a couple of pigs have just flown by my window.
Yes it is frustrating but unfortunately that is the Speedway World that the modern sport is now living in. They have moved forward majorly in their sponsorship and what the local Government puts into it, and their supporters have helped maintain and keep their interest in volume. For us unfortunately it is completely the opposite.
We could debate it all day but ultimately that's how it is.
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I wonder if anyone involved in the senior ranks of British Speedway has any idea when the Poles intend to meet or decide on the subject of the max 3 League rule for POL EXL riders incl one's nationality League.
Matt Ford eluded to it in his comments in the Echo this morning which most of us had an idea might be the reason why things were dragging on the last major rider (to a degree).
I mention it as plenty believe that NKI is part of Chapman's plan at KL and NKI has made no secret he would like to ride UK in 2018 as well as POL EXL/SWE/DK i.e 4 leagues.
According to Matt there are other team/s plus SWE and DK awaiting the ruling although doubt it affects SWE/DK as much with most squads already announced anyway.
One would have thought that flwg the UK having agreed to meet the POLES in regards to fixed race days, the decision on a yes or no would have followed fairly quickly. BUT to date nothing agreed and not even the hint of a mention on the main POL Speedway sites as to when it will be agreed to lift it to 4 or even abolish it (or even if they intend to keep it).
We know that the POLES have an arrogance about them because that is where the big money is (and don't they let everyone know it...), but it has dragged on and KL will be peed as will Matt if their team building plans have to take another direction.
Is anyone any the wiser on when that decision might be ???
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7 minutes ago, Badge said:
Better edit this then.....
Good luck POOLE Holder Junior has WARNED you,
Well lets hope both Holders have great seasons as well as Brady Kurtz and Josh G as we could well have 4 Aussies in the team for 2019.
Hopefully Jack will improve both as a rider and be mentally stronger for his season away and now with Torun. No doubt living with Chris and travelling to Poland as well as being at each others meetings when situations allow will also with luck help both of them long term.
I will be happy to see Jack bang in some big scores even against us at Poole or at Somerset this season just to show us who believe in him that he is long term an asset and team member worth having.
Hopefully what happened in the past as regards to some of the attitude and frustration comments made will stay exactly there i.e in the past.
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2 minutes ago, Greg said:
I would pick THJ over Proctor but then the only thing is he is a Poole asset which could be a worry .
Indeed yes. if Ford doesn't get Sundstrom if POL EXL 3 Max League rule incl you Nationality league isn't lifted. If it isn't he has already said he may have to go down the 2 stronger rider route of say a 6 plus and a 4 plus, and THJ falls into that (possibly).
Having said that if the Poles don't lift the rule then KL are in trouble as it would also exclude NKI.
Lets hope not the case as both clubs would be affected.
What it does mean though after Fords comments to the media this morning (Bournemouth Echo) is that KL cannot announce their full team anyway until the Poles decide if NKI is part of that thinking.
Problem is nobody has come forward with any news or comment as to when the Poles will decide one way or the other.
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I think this is a big season for both the Holder Bros for various reasons.
I think both have a future at Poole but plenty riding on what happens this year.
Chris I think has his GP career at stake as I doubt he will get another Wild Card if he fluffs his lines again (although having an inside track to the top Monster guy in Europe in Parsons may have a bearing, but he cant assume he will be bailed out). Also I don't think Torun will tolerate another 2017 season from him and neither will Lejonen in SWE. Notwithstanding what Matt Ford may do if he heavily underperforms.
I am a big fan of Jack for his obvious potential and initially was upset he didn't sign. BUT I was not aware at the time of some of the antics and foul language allegedly thrown both Matt and the teams way during his petulant 2017 Prem debut year. I heard he had shown attitude but not to the degree mentioned various times on the forum since.
I think maybe a good idea he has a year away. Its also a big year for him as he seemingly will not ride Champ in 2018. He has big boots to fill if he is to keep a place in Torun. he needs to improve in order to prove to the Swedes (maybe Lejonen with Chris ??) that he is worth signing for either during 2018 or for 2019. He also needs to show a good chunk of humility and prove to the likes of Matt and the Speedway World that he is continuing to improve and prove his worth to Matt that he is worth resigning for Poole in 2019. In other words he also needs to grow up a bit in his mentality towards Promoters/Managers and fellow riders.
I think Matt has opened the door via some of his comments in the media that he may be back in the future, and for sure an improved rider via experience and mentally more mature, riding with an hopefully also improved Chris in 2018 would open the door for 2019 for both of them back at Poole immediately after the 2018 season ends.
Anyway that what I would like to see long term but of course its for both of them to prove it on the track and in their attitude this season.
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I know its still early, but would be nice if Chris at least did a twitter comment saying he was pleased to be back at Poole. Well that is if he is happy to be back.
Also Mr Ward not jumping in with an enthusiastic comment other than a sarcy "News to me"
The silence from Chris is a little deafening to say the least.
Just hope he hasn't signed through gritted teeth due to lack of other UK options and Matt not being happy to let him go other than on a full transfer as an asset.
I assume Chris will at some stage break his silence ?? - Well lets hope so otherwise it will say a lot about his resigning...
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2 minutes ago, MattK said:
Swindon would have been able to sign him on his old average, just like we did with Musielak last year.
It's called the Rosco Discount.
I don't have a bad word to say about Rosco.
The guy has boundless enthusiasm for the sport. Is a seriously good team manager and did a brilliant job with Swindon last year. The sport needs more like him and long may he continue in the sport.
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6 minutes ago, MattK said:
He should be at least a 9.
Wouldn't expect anything else from someone based in Swindon
You never know maybe he will aspire to such dizzy heights come the end of the season. Assuming he was to sign of course
Had he been Swindon bound then of course the 8% reduction for his 4 years out of UK would have been fairer
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3 minutes ago, Gambo said:
Hmmm... Depends who's asking!
IF... there is a rule deducting 2% per season for each season missed and he is NOT a GP rider than his 7.22 could be reduced to 6.64 but in all honesty if he is signed with Holder & Shanes then Poole don't need the reduction anyway.
Better to keep the higher points JUST in case come end of May. But barring injury I doubt it will be an issue and he will be a decent signing.
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9 minutes ago, Gambo said:
So his 2013 average (7.17 for Coventry & Peterborough) should be increased accordingly?
Why?? - Ah of course, because he could be Poole bound.....
According to Speedway GP he is 7.22 final GSA for 2013.
His av in Poland for 2017 was 4.5 per meeting per 4 rides. (Based on the 8 meetings he rode).
Why should he be increased, if anything he should be decreased. Happy to stay with his old GSA though if the Poole haters feel we got one over the rest with Woryna.
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22 minutes ago, Steve Shovlar said:
You've missed something. Sundstrom is a much improved rider and scores well in league racing. Rides well for Gorzow in Poland and ten years younger than Hans. Very fast rider.
Yes and there is a youtube video of him from a few years ago where he led Messrs Holder and Ward a merry dance for 4 laps around Poole and beat both.
For those interested just type his name into youtube and there are several clips of him. He has done well in both SWE Leagues and is retail by Gorzow so must have something. I just hope the Poles do relax the 3 League rule as he could be a bit of a dark horse if he does sign for Poole (Especially in this weaker league compared to when he last rode here in 2013). Not sure if he will go the whole way to the top but as you say he is fast, he can gate and at 27 has not been over raced. Could be one who develops a little later than some as he still has the potential.
Not sure why he chose to have 4 years out of UK. Not sure if he had injuries or what, but he is more mature having promised quite a bit several years ago and maybe he has decided this is the right time to give it another go in UK.
If he is Poole bound then I think he could do well and probably not on a megabucks deal that perhaps the likes of Milik/Madsen would want (that's if they wanted UK which I have my doubts they do). He could be accommodated in the team with Holder & Shanes even if he stays on his 2013 GSA with no reduction for his 4 years out of UK. To be honest I think Matt would prefer he does stay on his higher GSA as no point in having it reduced in the event things didn't work out and he wanted to review the situ come end of May. In Lundstrom's case though I am confident he wont have to.
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3 minutes ago, Najjer said:
I've missed something here clearly - Why all the fuss about Sundstrom? I thought Poole were holding out for someone like Milik or Madsen and they're likely to end up with Sundstrom
Probably the small subject of money ??
Remember he may have already set his stall out by making no secret of the fact he would be 20% down on revenue as a result of no longer having the old SKY money (or as it stands NO TV deal).
I question if either Madsen or Milik really want UK anyway as they seem happy with their commitments as is although slight surprise Madsen didn't sign in Sweden.
You never know with Mr Ford though if a surprise may creep out after all the rumour of Holder & Sundstrom being the 2 with Shanes to keep within the team points limit.
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6 minutes ago, Steve Shovlar said:
Why would you want a suprise if those were the three?
More than happy if they are the 3.
Was merely making the point that if one (or both) are not part of the already well voiced 3 on this forum, then I wonder if Matt may have a surprise up his sleeve.
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3 minutes ago, poolebolton said:
Classic Matt Ford just putting a story in the Echo because why not.
That Lions team looks tasty though. If KP and Vaculik find the right set up could be a good team.
Sure Wednesday night might give us some clues.
Yes it seems all announced together.
Will be good to see Leicester finally get out of the basement (hopefully).
Just hope Matt really does have something worthwhile to come out, as passing up the chance to resign Hans who has proven quality and ability in the Prem, we need to know soon if he has a rider of equal if not better quality to replace.
Suppose we have to continue to be patient.
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2 minutes ago, foreverblue said:
As Hans has been announced by Leicester it is safe to assume the Poole team is done and dusted, maybe a surprise signing in store.
What like Chris Holder and Linus Sundstrom with Shanes to bring it in limit ??
Wouldn't be any surprise as its been well vented on the Forum. Would just like to see it sorted. Of course the Polish EXL max 3 League rule will have to be lifted to allow Sunsdtrom in.
Unless as you say Matt really does have a surprise in store ??
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So Andersen signs for Leicester (just announced).
What now form matt Ford ??
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23 minutes ago, tellboy said:
I still think you only have a 0.1% chance.People read into things to much,seeing Buster and Brundle's picture behind Pedersen's old bike means nothing.
Don't think Pedersen would even consider UK.
After what his back went through last year where he was close to retirement due to the seriousness of the injury I can see him doing the following. Poland (Sun) -Sweden (Tue) - a drive over the land connected bridge/s to DK for (Wed) and then GP's and maybe even another attempt at the SEC on Saturdays. I think the last thing he will want is commuting in and out of UK for MON/WED matches (or some of Swindons Thurs) on top of his commitments to SWE and DK midweek.
Does the guy really need all that on top of all the cost for equip to be here plus mechanics/accommodation/flights in and out.
No chance and at his age he wont be back to ride UK again other than say at some kind of special testimonial. Even then where is all the money going to come from in British Speedway to finance all this when the sport is close to being on its backside financially.
One also has to remember he is bound by the POL EXL max 3 leagues incl your own nationality League which puts him in the same situ as NKI and I think for sure most if not all would prefer NKI and that's IF the Poles relax the rules which to my knowledge they have no,t yet hence why maybe Poole cant announce their full team still.
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1 hour ago, Pirates Of Poole said:
I honestly think the Polish 3 club rule is the issue here.
I partly agree. Don't think one rider has been announced in UK who is doing more than what the POL EXL rules allow. Unless he is not riding in EXL where he can ride where he likes. Such as Hans A.
Poole have 17.89 points left for the 3 riders. IF... Shanes is in that takes 2.95 leaving 14.94. You could even have both HA at 7.75 and Chris H at 7.16 = 14.91.
Well rumoured of course has been Linus Sundstrom on this Forum and he should be 7.22 LESS the 2% per season for not having ridden here since 2013, meaning 7.22 less 8% = 6.64 meaning they could sign any 2 from 3 from Holder/Andersen or Sundstrom. But Sundstrom cant be announced or signed unless the Poles relax the 3 League rule as he rides POL EXL plus both Swe leagues.
It could be mind games or it could still be the 3 League POL rule which will pee off Kings Lynn if they are planning to try and get NKI back if it isn't relaxed to allow 4 leagues. He already signed POL EXL/SWE and as it stands still can only do DK as his Nationality League.
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5 minutes ago, Sings4Speedway said:
Will be a good indication this year where GB is on the world stage with drodz wroyna and co in the premiership. If they set things alight its a further worry.
Maybe but remember that a lot of UK tracks are a great leveller compared to the POL tracks, with our being tighter and more technical and some with the usual holes and bumps. You need to be able to negotiate and handle them as its not as flat out as in POL. It may take all these youngsters a while to get used to them and also find the right set ups which assume so different to POL tracks.
Riders such as Woryna probably will benefit from having has at least one season here where some of these other young guys it will be a completely new experience on top of the travelling/commuting to UK which will also be new let alone the drives to and from the airports on our great road system.....
However those going it at reserve will at least not be thrown it at the deep end initially.
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6 minutes ago, poolebolton said:
Kubera
What about Woryna and Lampart and in reality Drodz is in the group of Pawel P, KP, BZ that is the group of riders he will go in not the Drabik group.
With Drodz now moving out of the 2 POL junior berths for 2018 and into the seniors he will probably struggle to get meetings in 2018 in POL with Fricke now signed for Wroclaw. I assume part of the reason for signing in UK is that he will at least get meetings as a probable reserve in UK to cover the shortfall.
There are still plenty of weakish reserves in UK teams compared to the POL EXL, so in theory he may score relatively well against other reserves if he has been brought in on a 4 plus av. He will have to adapt to our smaller tracks but the fact he is retained by Sparta and not loaned out means that he has shown some ability.
Interesting signing who has done his apprenticeship in the junior races in POl EXL (and against the top riders), and could be a surprise package without too much pressure put on him. If he and Bewley are their 2 reserves it is a young up and coming pairing who should do well.
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3 minutes ago, Agrotron said:
Getting a little fed up with all this Holder spin is he in is he out tbh he is not worth bothering with bet he's loving it all
For sure you are not the only one. I think most Poole supporters just want an end to it one way or another.
Of course it could be that Matt Ford is having difficulty finding another top quality rider prepared to ride in UK and with this POL 3 league rule still not clarified possibly to complicate.
Am sure as well Matt certainly wont be happy that a rider of GB quality with so much history at the club may have effectively said "I don't want to ride for you". That would be the ultimate slap in the face for Matt. Lets hope that's not the case.
Some who may be in the know certainly seem a little conspicuous by their silence on the matter ;-)
Poole 2018
in SGB Premiership Speedway League
Posted
Think majority agree with you Gav.
Problem Ford faces is at this later stage could he get another 7 plus quality rider if they cant get Sundstrom (as strongly rumoured) if the Poles don't lift the max 3 league rule. If they don't lift the rule then it may also exclude other 7 plus possibilities, or those who can be afforded without megabucks deals for salary/equip/travelling/mechanics etc.
IF they don't lift the rule perhaps his thinking is that to compensate the loss of a 7 plus rider he may be partly forced in to 2 stronger lower av riders in the 5 plus area or he would face Shanes at 2.88 (or around that with the young Brit reduction) and maybe a 6 rider thus losing some available points available in team building.
Also think of how KL may be in trouble if the POLES don't lift it as I am sure they are banking on getting NKI back and he would also be out if they don't.
P.S: For those who don't realise why Sundstrom cant be signed yet is because he rides BOTH leagues in SWE as well as POL and has already signed for 2018. Meaning that as we speak he is on his 3 league max. I mention it as some contributors didn't seem aware assuming he was on just 2 leagues with SWE/POL. Nope its 3 hence the delay while the POLES continue to play the game of "We are the greatest league in the World and we will decide if we want to lift the rule when we want to".