Reliant Robin

I've seen it mentioned by those that are likely to know, that without the Russell's then the current deal wouldn't have been put in place and the sport would not be televised in this country (as was the case before Russell took up the challenge). To that end I would suggest 80-90% of a million is a lot better to BSPA than 100% of £0

So all that is uncertain is in which facility you'll be watching your Speedway, the old girl affectionately known as Abbey or the promised new one supposedly in the making. Or, a combination of the two as was always planned and stated. I'll take another full season with Abbey without any issue.

You wouldn't have coped too well as a Coventry/Leicester/Belle Vue fan this winter then. Thankfully all are coming to tapes......as are Swindon. I don't think the Promotion have ever been uncertain of that unless I've missed something?

I don't think there's anything in place (in terms of rules and regs) to stop these engines being tuned up......but as the point is to reduce rider costs long-term then the riders will only be doing themselves out of pocket initially by going down that route. Is this not the same engine that Freddie Lindgren used in EL and GP's for the majority of 2016? So they are made to compete already with the 'souped up' GM's and the like. Always people quick to knock any idea but to carry on without attempting to address the spiralling costs would see the sport continuing to decline.

Each Club was responsible for paying their own riders in 2016. There wasn't an exchange payment for the visiting Club, certainly at EL meetings, may be different for NL.

I'm fully aware of those facts, cheers Nellie.....and it's the logical decision, no gripe from me at all....other than the fact that it is not along the lines that were apparently discussed by all Promoters at the AGM.

You mean the Nicolai Klindt who is starting the Premiership season on a lower average than his 2016 Elite League average due to a couple of meetings raced in the old Premier League? Crazy days

Absolutely....if only that was the decision taken at the AGM and not a decision made in hindsight then this whole situation might have been avoided. Laguta or Emil on a 7 anyone

They can be fitted in with the rest (if what I've heard is correct anyway!) so I'm not seeing the logic. Agreed, Rosco should know best and I'll trust his judgement. This team on paper is pushing that to the limit though!

All irrelevant now, but I think the points could have been used in a better way. Looking at averages the choices are slim when building around Morris & Doyle, but would have preferred Palm Toft OR Douglas along with someone like Rasmus Jensen in place of Bellego and Grondal.

Not thrilled by the Grondal signing to be honest. Zach has potential, but looking a very vulnerable side right now. Was happy enough with Bellego and Ellis, but think it should only have been one of the two meaning the side could be a little more solid.

Was that following the well documented problems in 2013.....I'd say a fair few fancied a break at that point! Fortunately seems to all be back on a good footing again, so in my opinion it's nice to see a little loyalty and commitment on both sides of the coin. Nick will be fine for his average when you look at the strength of the league. When all teams are fully declared then we'll see, but Poole look strong (par for the course), other than that it's all pretty much of a muchness. I'm not prepared to name names, but I'd bet my house that it's not Lykke. (please don't come back to bite me!) ​Whether my opinion counts with you or not I'm unsure, but having missed just a handful of home meetings over the last 15 years or so, I'd like to think reasoned debate would be welcomed.

On the cheap....with arguably the best rider in the World in 2016? A 22 year old asset who's shown commitment to the Club and who averaged on par with Scott Nicholls and Chris Harris in 2016 whilst riding the season as a heatleader.....yet both Bomber and Scott are deemed great signings on bargain averages! Unsure where the Lykke link comes from although have seen it on here a few times.....it's certainly not what I've heard.

I think we'll end up with 4.....Doyle won't be, can't see where Morris would go in Championship with the way things are shaping up, and Bellego has contracts in Denmark & Poland and sounds like he's happy with that lot.

Around Rye House, so would I. Not around Swindon.

And I'd imagine they won't miss out on Bank Holiday crowds over Easter, so may well see a couple of home meetings raced then before starting a batch of away fixtures.

As I understand it, the 'Rick Frost Assets' taken from Peterborough when Ged Rathbone took over were all transferred across to Poole's asset list. So Rick Frost does not personally hold the assets, they had to 'go' somewhere on paper. I would imagine Poole will collect loan fees that will then be paid out to Readypower in turn. But as far as BSPA regulations go, they are held on Poole's retained list.

Don't think there'll be a 5 pointer at reserve if I'm honest....time will tell.

Agreed, I think it'll be very top heavy with a couple of 3 pointers at the bottom end. 1. Doyle 2. 3. Ellis 4. Sedgmen 5. Morris 6. 7. Ayres Something along those lines....not World beaters but should be ok in this strength of league

People are very hung up on this 13.41 average, it's different, but I don't see why we can't still put together a side to challenge......it may only become apparent that we're ok once other teams start getting announced. If 50 points win a meeting and Doyle is good for 13-15 in most meetings then why is he not worth a punt? Of course his average will drop, but so will all teams combined average.

With the way it's looking, I think Sedgmen & Morris are ok value for their averages in a weakened league. Possibly throw in Klindt (if he can be tempted back) and build below that. Top heavy but was always going to be with Jason on 13.41.

I think the limit of 2 is FROM any one Club.....ie Swindon wouldn't have been able to use Tungate, Grajczonek & Wright all from Somerset for the 2016 season

If it's 50 for the full season then I can see that.....I thought (again possibly a wrong assumption) that the points limit would drop after 1st set of greensheets once every rider has a correct Premiership & Championship average that could be used for the rest of the season....I guess we'll find out

I'm assuming people like Zengota, Kildemand etc with only an EL average will also be subject to the 1.4 conversion? Am I assuming incorrectly? So, if they are not in an initial declaration then it practically freezes them out from being introduced further into the season

So EL is basically PL now anyway, but Leicester will be a bigger player in the PL but collect wooden spoon in EL. If they're basically the same, why would that be the case?! Would be a shame to see them drop back down, have enjoyed my visits there, a nice set up. Hopefully they'll get sorted with a management to push them forward.