Diamonds85

That was last year, this is this year

Still no news? A lot of teams leaving it late this year... I'm sure there's riders signed just not announced, which is unlike Belle Vue to leave it this late. Going to be a completely new look team by the seems of things with Mulford (unlikely), Ablitt, both McGurk's and Freeman not in the side... I'm guessing a top 2 of James Pearson and Jack Smith, Surely Freddie Hodder nailed on, and a 3.00er at reserve (Jack Shimelt??) but the other 3 are mysteries... There are a lot of unsigned riders kicking about, just which ones will Belle Vue choose

Shame, thought he'd do alright at NL but never really seemed to get back into it on his return? I'm guessing Kyle Bickley, Jacob Hook and Josh Embleton are nailed on... After that I just have no idea... Maybe one of Berwick's tail from last season? Douglas, Watson or Rathbone? Surely Berwick aren't using all 3... Kyran Lyden back? But it's the third heatleader and number 4 that's missing in my mind really, someone from the south perhaps? Sam Hagon still hasn't been signed, but that's a hell of a long journey

Even if the promotion are still in talks with a rider, surely they must have one or two deals completed by now, just not announced? Because if not they're in trouble... Clearly struggling. If not announce someone? Keep the fans happy, keep them on side, especially if you want them to fork out their money for season tickets... All seems a bit odd to me I genuinely hope I'm wrong and Peterborough are currently working on 4 visas for Bartosz Zmarzlik, Maciej Janowski, Francis Gusts and Martin Vaculik all behind closed doors I'm planning on visiting this year as it's a track I've never been to

Lasse wasn't that bad Don't forget Anders Andersen One of my personal favourites from my little over a decade of watching the Diamonds was Claes Nedermark, he just seemed to disappear off the face of the earth in the end though Other riders I'll always remember include Derek Sneddon, Ludvig Lindgren, Stuart Robson, Max Clegg, Matty Wethers and Rene Bach (I could list many more)... All Diamonds legends in my eyes, but I didn't get to see the Olsen/Pedersen etc days

Massive shame

Halder heading north hmmm... I really do hope he gets a team. I have never seen Kieran Boughen ride before, but I imagine he'll come on strong eventually, got to admit I know very little about either of the Boughens. I am indeed way off the mark, just guessing to create some conversation and someone a bit closer to the club may offer some insight into who may actually be signed, not sure who would be linked So we are told... Definitely not enough riders, clearly not... Wonder if the Premiership junior league or something similar to the MDL may be set up next season to allow the likes of Kieran Boughen, who aren't quite good enough the opportunity... If focusing on Australian riders is more important. Or is there not enough teams anymore for a junior league after they were all forced to close because they didn't have a multimillion pound venue to race at

Is William Lawson still going?

1 Alfie Bowtell 10.67 2 Ben Trigger 6.00 3 Lee Complin © 7.27 4 Josh Warren 5.79 5 George Congreve 4.50 6 Arran Butcher 4.36 7 It's a very strong team, and with 3.41 left who do people expect the final 3.00er to be? Personally hope it's Jamie Halder or Kai Ward... Or will it be Boughen's brother or someone else new to the sport? Shame to see the like of Jack Kingston, Alex Spooner, Sam Bebee, Luke Muff, Matt Marson, Ryan Kinsley etc miss out... But of course there's not enough riders about

Some people won't buy tickets until they know how strong the team is going to be, simple... Announce the team then people will know what they're buying, it's not that hard is it??

Don't think it's very good at all, but there may be at least some entertaining, close home meetings (maybe not against Glasgow, Poole or Redcar lol) there are some real triers in the team, Alfie Bowtell, James Wright and Stefan Nielsen. Having said all of that, I think the team looks awful overall and I really don't understand why there's so much hype behind James Pearson either, aye he's young and decent, but Darcy Ward comparisons are insulting to Darcy imo, he was SO much better Oh and no way will Nick keep his 10 point average lol

No offence to Matej, he's one of my all time favourite riders... BUT he is no replacement for Emil, not anymore Would Torun really want to make themselves weaker just for some petty contract squabble? Especially considering they haven't got a very deep squad already...

Who is going to be their last rider, that's what I want to know, when is it going to be announced officially?

Alfie is so much better than just a CL reserve... He's probably Birmingham's best rider after Nick and Justin imo... Most likely to push on and be '3rd heatleader' although I even agree he's not that good... Very good number 2 or solid number 4 at best...

But maybe NSS, EoES & OGS didn't want to fork the money out to run a round?

January 31st then no doubt

Don't think you'll have to worry about that

I've not been following the PL threads or rules whatsoever so I wasn't aware of this presumably new this winter rule?? So my apologise for being repetitive I am now aware that Hume will start just over 4 and Tom 5.86... do they still get their 2.5% reduction too or is it now just the 25% (Think all brits should get a 25% reduction for team building tbh, in both leagues, means the likes of Dan Thompson and Max Clegg wouldn't be forgotten about in the CL for example, they bother would be steals on 4.zomething averages over some of the 4.00 aussies kicking about)

It'll be strange seeing Brennan in the main body on 4something and Lidsey at reserve at 5something but ok

Because you last won it? (I'm assuming yous did, I don't really remember)

How does that work, do they just decline his 25% reduction or something?

Hume would be at reserve, with Rew in the 1-5, probably at number 2 partnered with Doyle Hume and Jack Thomas would be an amazing reserve partnership

Yes, which is why it would make sense for him to ride for their junior team potentially

Am I missing something, why do Peterborough appear to not be in the KOC??

Maybe that's what the unusual delay is in announcing the team, they wanted the commonwealth rider rule confirmed before they announced Pearson? Belle Vue are usually one of the first to declare at least some riders aren't they?