Ben91

Absolutely no way Tai should be given a testimonial. They get chucked out here there and everywhere as it is, should be for riders who have raced for one club, not just been an asset of, for ten consecutive seasons. The rest of the Tai bashing is just people using this as an excuse to shoehorn in reasons why they don't like him. He's one of the best in the world, it'd be nice if he rode in the British final and for Team GB again but that's another matter entirely and certain facets (not all) of that argument from his point of view do make sense.

Plenty of riders have progressed in the sport after being at Rye House during the early stages of their careers, Edward Kennett, Danny King, Jason Garrity, Tai Woffinden etc. are the standouts off the top of my head. Boxall and Bowen are back in the NL but both have been PL riders for the majority of their careers, Boxall flirted with the EL and really had the potential to be decent top level rider in Britain but for one reason or another it never materialised. Strong top two for the Hammers, two good prospects further down the order too, although I can see two three pointers if they want to have a decent third heatleader.

We had him at Rye this season and he did struggle granted, but he's on an attractive average should he drop in to the NL. I'm hoping to see Morley fixed up as he's a Rye rider but Lanham's average has more scope for improvement in it at NL level. That's the name of the game when it comes to building a team.

Of course it was 2015, getting my years mixed up! Now the points limit is known I'd expect the Hammers to be pretty quick on the team building front. I'd expect the Hammers to be trying to secure Leigh Lanham on an 8.68 average, although if Morley is signed up that could leave them pretty top heavy, increasing the pressure on Hunter and Bowtell.

Sounds to me like he was struggling to make the sport pay just riding in the NL. I assume now he has signed for Berwick he'll be looking for a NL spot too to keep riding regularly. What happens if he is dropped by Berwick during the season will remain to be seen however.

Could a return for Ryan Blacklock be on the cards now he has signed for Berwick in the Championship?

Two very good signings for the Hammers to begin their team building. Was sad to see Bowtell leave Rye at the end of 2016, Hunter has had bad luck with injuries but looks a good prospect if he can stay injury free. The Hammers should look to have Hunter start at reserve if at all possible.

Kingston's big mistake was leaving Kent. While it was due to work commitments he's never seemed to be the same rider since. If a return to a local club, his parent club too, could get him back on track then there is no reason he couldn't average around the six point mark. Morley, Hazelden and a focussed Kingston would be a solid enough start for the Hammers.

I tend to sit between you and waiheke below, I reckon Klindt will average about six next year, he's not terrible but he isn't going to set the world on fire. I wouldn't say he's a cert to end up in the main team like some people would try have you believe either. Yes we will, double figure scores from good reserves have always happened under the format that's being used again from next season. Riders at number seven have two easier heats, two and eight, also facing an opposition reserve in heat four and 12/14. They also don't meet the opposition number one during their programmed rides. Then there's the factor of taking additional rides for underperforming team mates and there's the chance for big hauls for some reserves under this format too.

Strong reserves will rack up points regardless of race format.

If promotion and relegation is going to be introduced then it should be one up and one down, no play-offs. Otherwise it's just bluster ultimately.

James Shanes would be worth a go for Berwick if he's willing to do the travelling.

Not to mention it also being a load of pony.

It's between Glasgow and Sheffield for me with Ipswich just behind.

You're welcome to him at Belle Vue then.

That's not a very good side. Fair play to Somerset assuming they've assembled it within their means however. I can see them being near the foot of the table though.

Rather have Robbo in the pits than Batchelor any day.

Strudwick young? There will probably be reserves in the NL next year that were still in nappies when Strudwick started riding and they're probably miles better than him already too.

I'd rather have a rider that looks interested at all times not just when things are going his way.

Pleased enough with that. He's signed on with Redcar too and I'd assume he'll get a NL place so he'll have lots of time on the bike. No pressure on him to do well, if he can beat his opposite number in heat two at home most weeks and pick up a few points here and there in other heats and away meetings then he'll have done his job. Who owns Perks out of interest?

Mellgren is a shell of the rider he used to be. Heeps is too inconsistent and Rob was better last season. Wethers has had his day. Between Rob's 4.60 and 5.65 the only rider I'd have considered who isn't signed up elsewhere so far (or announced) is Alex Davies but he seems to be on a downward curve too after looking set to become a PL heatleader a few years back. Branford is the rider the Rye fans wanted and he's the rider we've got. That means a lot to fans, especially those who have in the past seen Jason Doyle dropped to accommodate Steve Boxall amongst other things of a similar ilk.

They're all round. Bates has been in the top flight since 2014, he's obviously going to have seen more of the tracks than Branford.

Quite the opposite actually. Not the place to discuss it but I think leaving the EU is an awful decision. I'd just prefer to see British youngsters take places in British teams over imports, not as if our lads are getting a look in any other countries after all.

I think that's pretty obvious. They're the only five I'd be bothered about missing out, especially when there are overseas riders on similar averages in team declarations already.

I'd say he's on a par with Bates. This isn't the EL anymore it's PL plus. He'll do just fine. Got a feeling our last rider is going to be Nathan Greaves. Wouldn't be my choice.