Diamonds85

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?

Isn't losing 25% of your number 1s average punishment enough? Do you really want to see a NL rider at number 1 again? That would be more of a farce for the fans... What a lack of entertainment that would be... I would rather see 2 even teams personally

Yes, all complete guesses, just can't think of who they will sign, looking forward to hearing an announcement, do you know if they're going to do a livestream announcement of the whole team like they have done in previous seasons?

Be interesting to see how Armadale build their team, presumably with the lack of riders coming that far north they'll have to build a very top heavy team, with Kyle Bickley almost nailed on? Personally I'd rather not see Jacob Hook in the NL and one of the riders mentioned above instead. Something like: 1 Simon Lambert 10.40 2 George Rothery 4.92 3 Danny Phillips 6.86 4 Josh Embleton 3.92 5 Kyle Bickley 9.58 6 Gregor Millar 3.17 7 Kyran Lyden 3.00 Not the best but who else would make the long journey north? Especially now that Lee, Tom and Elliot have all been snapped up by other teams

Brilliant looking top end, be interesting to see what the rest of the team looks like, gonna have to be a couple in the 3.00-4.00 range, who would be linked to Mildenhall at that end of the team? Will the likes of Alex Spooner, Josh Warren, Sam Bebee, Luke Muff return? Interesting times ahead. Always love to see NL teams with a big hitting experienced number 1, and Alfie is one of the best... Really want to get down to Mildenhall this year as I've never had the chance with the Diamonds usually riding on a Sunday and being at work most Mondays Best of luck in 2023

Also... BRILLIANT news that Armadale are once again riding next season, alongside Mildenhall

These are the exact riders that SHOULD be riding in the NDL... So many unused British riders who could pass on so much knowledge to younger riders... It's ridiculous they're frozen out for being too good and too experienced

What time is the announcement expected?

I assume you're on about the MASSIVE van sized craters on the road up to the gate, that runs alongside the mx track?? Not been there since the small track days, but I'm guessing this is still the main road in? Nearly snapped a few axles and blew out a few wheels in these holes in the past, especially when they're filled with water because you forget how deep they are

Josh and Sam aside, there have been many, many riders who have been desperate for a team over the past decade or so who have missed out and in turn jacked it in... It has been a constant issue in the NDL, young British riders not being given the chance I do hope that Sam signs for Mildenhall, I am not having a go at Mildenhall for not announcing him yet at all

Just going by this post earlier in this thread... But then again I shouldn't believe everything I read on here

Another 2 young, British riders lost to the sport because there isn't enough team places for them... Meanwhile teams who want to enter the NL get turned down...

Any ideas for the final spot then? 3.67 to play with if I'm correct. I'd go with Jamie Halder as a little bit of experience down at reserve if he's still going. Way better than his 3.04 average suggests, just been fairly unlucky with injuries and finding himself in the main body, which I don't think he would in this Oxford team. Eventually Clouting and Halder at reserve would be very strong.