Neil H

News is out that Stoke's long-time sponsor Cyril Chell will no longer be associated with the Potters. Mr Chell has backed riders and the team since the old Premier League days of Paul Pickering et al.

Cameron Hoskins signed as the 5th rider. Over 12.5 points for the final two - if Ryan re-signs, it leaves 8.12 for the final rider.

From the final averages this year, Buxton could go with the same line-up and be under 36 points. That would be Atkin, Carr, Extance, Blacklock, Woolley, Farnaby & Philips. Without any knowledge whatsoever, I think more than half of that team will be back.

I'd guess that Atkin will be back to lead the team and I hope that Paul Bowen gets a reserve spot after his form at the end of the season. I doubt that Williamson would be welcomed back and maybe a final chance for Blacklock on a 4.00 will add a bit of experience. Downes has done plenty of laps around Buxton and could fit in on his average.

It's up to the start marshal to get the riders lined up correctly. If a rider doesn't follow the start marshal's instructions, the ref should then take action.

Good job Zagar is a tall lad or Nicki's cheap shot could have brought tears to his eyes.

I was refering to 'novice' riders who hadn't ridden speedway before - Ash had.

If I was a Cradley supporter, one disappointing thing is the lack of riders that the club has brought through since returning - Tom Perry being the only one. It certainly feels like the Cradley promotion play 'fantasy league speedway' each winter with the 'power' the club has to attract riders but the fans surely can't get to 'love' the team as 5 or 6 change every year.

Hope they had a good crowd and not too many followed Bruno's example as they would need deep pockets to fork out the points money that tonight cost. From the updates, it looked like the Buxton riders tried to mix it but lack of racing and away from home counted against them.

I'd get no enjoyment out of seeing 'seasoned' riders beating newcomers but thats what we have in the NL. We can't have a league with all riders of the same ability and experience. Maybe KL could give 2 of these up to Scunny & Buxton to make things more even There are fewer top riders available in the NL this year and even fewer willing to ride for £10 a point than the two 'weak' teams can pay.

With the encroachment of the industrial units, it the track closes, it could be for good as the site would probably be sold quite easily.

As far as I know, Webster isn't in Buxton's 1-7, he was just riding in the (postponed) meeting at Stoke. This year, more so than any recent seasons, riders have been hard to come by with less being available and the rest going where more money is on offer. Buxton have been in this position before and it is up to the supporters to 'support' them rather than moan about something out of the promoter's control. I'd rather Buxton put a team out like the one named so far than blow all their money on a 'better' team and close the doors for good at the end of the season.

Tony Atkin stands in at No 1 to start the season. Press & practice scheduled for 27th April. 1st home meeting the following Sunday.

In the past, the attitude of parts of the promotion was 'if you don't like it (how it is), don't come again' and many don't go. Several have stated on here that they would return to watching Stoke but major changes would have to happen.

Mick, that is a good point. As the stocks/bangers don't require a good track, they could run. They ought to be cancelled to give the track time to be sorted but revenue may outweigh this. Commonsense suggests that they will do more harm than good if they race on the track as it is.

As normal, DM doesn't travel north of Watford Makes Kent stronger (as if they needed it) Good luck to Scunny, the NL would have died a long time ago if Buxton and now Scunny didn't put teams of this inexperience out.

Signed. As maneacat says, if it can happen at Mildenhall then most track could be at serious risk.

From the little I have seen, Jack will still be Buxton team manager.

jack has been team manager at Buxton since they opened in 1994 - someone's maths is out. Good luck to the old man, hope there aren't too many fixture clashes.

As was said to me when I stopped going to Stoke after a 'word' from the promotion "missing the first meeting is the hardest, it gets easier after that". The next Saturday night, we were sitting having a drink at a canalside pub instead of standing on the terraces at Loomer Road and I haven't seen a meeting there since.

As you know Vog, many of us have had similar experiences with certain members of the promotion (they threatened to call the police if I didn't leave the bar area on a press/practice once because of unsubstantiated 'whispers' about what I had said on here had got back and I'd not posted at all). They have driven away many people who would have freely given their time to help and 'killed' a once thriving supporters club. They are quite a few that I know who are hoping that the club outlasts the current promotion and they do heed you last line before it's too late. As always, I hope that all riders have a good season in staying fit and healthy.

Bottom end of the team signed up - just the top to go.

Is this thread here to help Leicester sort their Trophy team out?

All of the NL riders are ones to watch - it's the best league in british speedway !!!!

Sorry to disappoint but I know nothing. I am no longer involved with the press side at the club so it is up to Jayne and Zoe to release information when they are good and ready. We could well have 7 riders signed up but the season doesn't start at Buxton until April so I don't know what all the fuss is about. Just chill and get excited when the racing gets under way.