TheWellBehavedWorrall

What would Nagel return on, out of curiosity?

Thought Edwards was abysmal last night. He scored a point in his first ride because Newman fell, two in his second because Rushen’s bike was damaged and Kerr was excluded, then there’s the one you’re talking to where he invited Lawson to pass him. He came off the second bend in heat 13 in third behind the two Pirates and I instantly thought; ”he’s going to hold up Wright” as opposed to ”he’s going to chase the two Pirates”. I was correct.

In that case, a probable 18 points for Pickering, leaving them needing just an 18 points contribution from the others. Easy for the Scorpions, sadly. Those shambolic performances from Harris and Flint in the first leg have absolutely burst us.

The operational costs associated with running Glasgow Tigers will be pocket money to the Facenna’s. I wouldn’t be surprised if Gerry is spending more importing cases of French wine than he is running a speedway team. Aside from that, Allied Vehicles sponsoring the Tigers gives the Facenna’s a corporate tax-deductible avenue to take advantage of. This isn’t a brag, by the way. We’ve invested heavily; from snatching Boughen from Oxford to substantial outplays on Hausl & KJP, but we’ve still struggled to compete with Poole. We’ve fallen short, despite the financial advantage.

I imagine you’re correct, but from what I recall, Allied Vehicles turnover £350M+ and generate £10M+ profit per annum, so hopefully we throw some money at him. He’s also good friends with Hodder (I was told they went on holiday together recently), so there’s an added bonus; riding with your mate.

Flint will be back, 100%. This stint at number one is somewhat of an audition for next season, IMO. Harris and Hodder? Maybe. I think there are good arguments for an against. Hausl, Juhl Pedersen and Hagon, no chance. Hausl and Hagon in particular have been huge disappointments while despite contributing more, KJP has flattered to deceive. Factoring in the costs associated with mobilising two international riders in Hausl and KJP, it’s been a waste of money and a terrible decision from a financial perspective. I’d love to see Nagel back and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Zischke rumours are true. Really rate Reid Battye too, but read he’s committed to Berwick for 2027.

Friday night, Ashfield. 7:30PM (UK time)/2:30AM (Mongolia time). 53-37 from the first leg, so a 16 points deficit to face. Highly likely to be our final fixture in what has been a disappointing season, all things considered. Pickering will go through the card with 15 points, leaving six Scorpions to collect 23 between them to secure their place in the final. Mountain alone will likely hit double-figures from reserve. No idea about guests or availability for the Scorpions, but saw we’ve got Rowe in for Howarth and Hausl back. Big changes needed next season. Big changes.

You’ll wipe out that deficit in the first four heats tonight. No doubt about it. Wright’s not the rider he’s been in recent seasons (due to injury, I assume) while Scott and Edwards were embarrassingly passive last night. Tonight will be a comfortable 50-something, 30-something win for the Pirates.

Allen blocks Scott, costing him second. Edwards gets in Wright’s way, delaying him having any impact on the Pirates in heat 13 and in heat 14, Lambert failing miserably to pass Newman who was essentially standing still, having already gone from second and on a 5-1 to last in his previous heat. Self-harming from Redcar here.

Awful from in that last heat. Woeful awareness.

I stand corrected. Crashes aside, an absolute borefest so far. Hopefully things improve as the meeting progresses.

Looking forward to this. Poole have a great side capable of entertaining and Redcar prepare their track for toe-to-toe racing (the polar opposite of what Poole do), so it should be a great meeting. May the best side win.

If it was Harris or Thompson, then it was even more of a no brainer than Howarth or Thompson. Harris has been the first name on the team sheet since 2023/2024. Next season might be the first he isn’t.

Agreed. Howarth’s contribution in the play-offs was outstanding. The two 5-1s in heats 13 and 15 to steal it from Edinburgh in the semi-final, then his pass of Zach Cook - who he absolutely bullied - and beating of Lawson in the final at Ashfield were massive. I really rate Dan Thompson, but being passed by Lewi Kerr in heat 12 of the final was an absolute killer. Retaining Hodder was even more of a no brainer, unless we were planning on binning both reserves.

What’s your professional view on this, Dean? Having never ridden speedway, my perspective is; Poole build strong sides that have the ability to entertain, so why are their home meetings absolute brain damage in terms of quality speedway? Is this accurate, or am I missing something? That was a complete waste of money tonight.