STEVEHOLS54

Unfortunately for us all only the BSPA and Matt Ford will know the answer on a GSA for 2018 if this rumour has any truth in it. Could just be a rumour of course. Mind you Skidder is normally fairly reliable on a lot of info. Assuming he isn't just pulling our leg ;-)

Well Skidder if this is not one of your leg pulls ;-) then. 1) Pawlicki - I think not caught up in 3 Lge rule as believe only signed POL/SWE so could be announced without a delay ?? 2) I thought I read on the BSF several times recently that all foreign riders had now been assessed/reassessed as comments mentioned over 200 foreign riders had been sorted. Must be as the likes of Vaculik as a current GP rider and Piez have been sorted for Leicester. If this is serious inside info then it would be a major coup if he is down around the 7.85 mark.

Look don't get me wrong as I am a Chris Fan (as a rider that is). I was not aware re the twitter as have not seen it but exactly the same was put out on his website yesterday. The point I am making is that he has only put out the official announcement in which even that only has Matts comments with nothing in the way of comment from Chris. Its is normal for riders to put out a personal comment from themselves saying they are pleased or happy to be riding in 2018 for ??? and are looking forward to riding or in Chris's case returning to the club. Is it me or is there nothing in the way of any personal comment from Chris, which is what is making me think he is doing this near enough against his own wishes and only because without Poole he had no other option which perhaps could also have maybe affected his visa?? Someone like Hans Andersen would have made a comment about how happy he would have been to be returning to Poole as no doubt most other senior heat leader figures (or even normal middle/lower riders) would have put out more personal messages other than just forwarding the clubs statement which had no personal input/comment from the rider himself. Its hardly welcoming himself back into the hearts of the Poole supporters although I suppose irrespective of what he thinks, ultimately its what he does on the track that matters. I am sure if he doesn't perform then we know what the ultimate outcome will be either mid or end of the 2018 season. Lets hope that's not the case. Would have been nice to have seen something from the guy personally though and I think many Poole fans would agree.

I see that Chris Holder has just signed up for a new Team Hancock Raj. Some form of new Speedway Team concept according to WP Sport Fackty. From his comments he also seem quite excited at the venture. His comments as copied from the article in the last 10 mins. Quote The Australian does not hide that he is positive about working with his older colleague. - When Greg invited me to this project, I thought it was amazing. I knew right away that I wanted to be involved in this program. It does not often happen to be part of something like that and I'm excited about it. Greg and Rafał have big plans. We will be like a motocross team, where everything is planned and done to the max. I can not wait for the beginning of this cooperation. Last season was not easy for me, but it seems to me that this is a new beginning and a really nice opportunity for a fresh start - said Holder. Unquote Interesting isn't it that he is more than happy to make comments in the POL press about this so called exciting new venture, but not a single word from the man about signing and returning to Poole in 2018. Is it really that obvious that he doesn't want to be there in 2018 ???. I think near enough every major rider who has signed for a UK team has put comments out on social media about how happy they are to be riding for xyz in 2018 or have made comments via other media outlets about how happy they are. Unfortunately Mr Holder has given us nothing to date. Even maybe a watered down "Back at Poole for 2018, and a thumbs up" would be better than total silence on his UK Club for 2018. We know he is using twitter as he is posting old injury photos to his friends while viewing the Aussie Champ., Is it really that painful to put something out to the Poole Fans who ultimately will be paying a fair chunk of his UK income.

Agreed Gav. Its something I also noticed with him last year. Problem we have with Brady is too many still make comparisons with Darcy Ward which of course the sensible amongst us know he is not. But the better he performs the comparisons with many die hard Poole fans is the more he is compared which I think is unfair being that 2017 was only his second in the Prem. But suppose when you have had Holder who WAS a W/C and was so good for so long and also Darcy being the phenomenon he was, there will always be the comparisons and pressure when riding for the same team so closely behind those 2 legends. Also having done so much in respect of his AV in such a short period. I really do hope that others like Woryna do step up to back him up as also maybe Holder and if signed Sundstrom and even Josh G as its unfair for him to be thrust in the deep end so young. But suppose if you have got the talent you ultimately have to live up to it.

Correct Sir - Hence the delay. He has already signed quite early for another ALLSV team for 2018 as well as the SWE Elite and with Gorzow in POL that's his 3 (as it stands). Let's hope the POLES do get it sorted sooner as its dragged on for too long already.

I do hope Chris Holder is pulling our leg with the picture of what looks like 2 busted wrists in A&E on his twitter page this morning...... If this guy has seriously injured himself then there should be some serious questions asked by Matt if its some kind of motorcycling accident when he is not even competition riding. If its true I do hope we have not lost one of out top riders for ??? months and then he has to get back to full fitness. Cant see any other posts from him since he shared it with Crump and another (plus anyone who follows him). Will also be somewhat galling that he has not posted to my knowledge one single comment about how pleased he is to be back at Poole (or any other positive comment about returning), yet if true he is more than happy to share some personal injury misfortune to anyone following him on twitter. Anyway it may not even be him or it may be an old photo, but even so as it stands it doesn't look too clever and surely raises maybe some doubts on his availability for the season start. Also if true I bet Matt Ford will be less than a happy bunny with the Poles also still dragging their feet on the 3 league rule thus slowing up the Sundtrom announcement (as well as poor James Shanes who is awaiting the outcome as its all linked).

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".

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.

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 ;-)

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.

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.

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 ???

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.